A Promise

Based on the novel ‘Journey into the Past’ by Stefan Zweig, the film is set in 1940’s Germany. Otto Hoffmeister (Alan Rickman) sees great promise in Friedrich Zeitz (Richard Madden, Game of Thrones) despite his background, and so invites him into his home to be his private secretary. Here Friedrich meets Otto’s wife Lotte (Rebecca Hall), and as they spend increasing time together, their feelings toward each other inevitably grow. Lotte will not be unfaithful to her husband; never even admitting her desires until Friedrich announces that he has to leave for Mexico for two years to oversee a mining venture. They pledge their devotion to one another; promising to love each other until he returns, but the war keeps them apart far longer than expected. Can their love survive the years?

This is a sensitive and faithful adaptation, more than complemented by a well­-chosen, top-­notch cast. Highly recommended.

Natalie Tyldesley