7.7
Where can I stream La Promesse legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
La Promesse
1996·Movie
La Promesse fingerprint
Strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence6
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, class and money, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
La Promesse is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, class and money, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, class and money, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Igor, aged 15, and his father Roger deal in housing and peddling illicit labor in the outlying districts of Liege, Belgium. Scams, lies and swindling rule their lives. When one of his father’s illegal workers gets injured on the job and asks Igor to promise to take care of his wife and baby, Igor finds himself at a crossroad. He wants to keep the promise, but the price would be to betray his father.
Belgian Social RealismIllicit LaborMoral DilemmaFather-Son RelationshipComing-of-AgeClass and ExploitationPsychological DramaBleak & Realistic
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about La Promesse
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is La Promesse worth watching?
84
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 95%, and Metacritic 82). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is La Promesse rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How long is La Promesse?
1 h 34 min
La Promesse runs 1 h 34 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on La Promesse?
Critics89
Audiences83
Yes. Critics average 89 and audiences 83 out of 100, so both groups see La Promesse much the same way.
What language is La Promesse in?
FrenchRomanian
It was made in French, with some Romanian. Produced in Belgium, Luxembourg, Tunisia.
In how many countries can I watch La Promesse?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for La Promesse in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does La Promesse use?
Like Father, Unlike SonTook a Level in KindnessThe IllegalForged MessageConstructive Body DisposalGood SamaritanMissing MomWhite Man's BurdenHuman TraffickersExcrement StatementTake Care of the KidsThe Promiseand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for La Promesse, including Like Father, Unlike Son, Took a Level in Kindness, The Illegal.