The Promise Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

The Promise Blu-ray Movie Review

The Promise is a decent horror-thriller. Executive produced by Paiboon Damrongchaitham, Boosaba Daorueng, and Jina Osothsilp, The Promise is a unique Thai horror film. Starring Numthip Jongrachatawiboon and Panisara Rikulsurakan.

Tormented by financial difficulties and the bitter realization that both of their families were going completely bankrupt because of the Tom Yum Goong Crisis of 1997, Boum (Numthip Jongrachatawiboon) and Ib (Panisara Rikulsurakan) are two best friends who decide that due to their bankruptcies there is no point in continuing to live anymore as neither can afford to support their families or rebuild their financial lives. As a result, Boum and Ib decide to take their lives together at the same time while on top of a tower.

 Ultimately, however, Ib died on the tower while Boum managed to survive that night. Twenty years later, Boum went on to become an even more successful entrepreneur, working as a real estate agent.  Boum now has a daughter. Boum finds herself revisiting her past, returning to the tower, and wondering about her lost friendship with Ib. Can Boum escape her past entirely and move on?

The performances are solid. The performances add to the dramatic backdrop of the storytelling. Both of the lead actresses do good work with the film.

Composed by Vichaya Vatanasapt (One for the Road, Fabulous 30), The Promise is a solid score. The music adds to the filmmaking. The score is a nice backdrop to the genre elements.

The cinematography by Niramon Ross (Shutter, Alone) shines and is one of the highlights of the film. The cinematography is well done throughout. Ross is a talented cinematographer and did some great work here.

Edited by Pongsakorn Chanchalermchai (Tootsies & the Fake), Thammarat Sumethsupachok (The Teacher’s Diary), and Tanasak Yanjan, The Promise flows well. The pace and sense of rhythm is effective. The editing style capably handles the ebb and flow of the film. The edit handles the balance between the horror elements and drama elements.

The production designs by Arkadech Keawkotr (The Protector, The Teacher’s Diary) is robust and well done. The production design is intricate and compelling. The production design is also complimented thoroughly by the art direction by Apiwat Sudsawat. A good balance for the production aesthetic.

The costume designs by Suthee Muenwaja (Bangkok Traffic (Love) Story, The Teacher’s Diary) are effective and play a big role in the filmmaking. The designs work well for the lead characters. Nice designs add a lot of distinct wonder to the production.

Written by Sophon Sakdaphisit (Coming Soon, Laddaland) and co-screenwriters Sopana Chaowwiwatkul (The Teacher’s Diary, Laddaland) and Supalerk Ningsanond (Notebook, Good Old Days), The Promise is a compelling script. The script balance horror and drama storytelling. The genre elements are decent but the drama elements are more compelling.

Directed by Sophon Sakdaphisit (Coming Soon, Laddaland), The Promise is a reasonably solid horror- drama thriller. The Promise is worth seeing. A solid genre film.

The Promise Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Umbrella Entertainment, The Promise is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio. The high-definition video looks quite pleasing overall. The transfer has reasonably robust color reproduction and detail. The transfer could potentially be better with a newer 4K restoration but it still looks pleasing for the most part.

The Promise Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Thai audio is well reproduced. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand on the release. The score is well integrated into the soundstage. The English subtitles are well done.

The Promise Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Interview with Director Sophon Sakdaphisit (SD, 12:26)

The Sathorn Unique and The Promise – A Video Essay by Grant Watson (SD, 4:01)

Ghosts of Aspiration: The Haunted Vistas of Sophon Sakdaphisit – A Video Essay by Hayley Scanlon (SD, 8:49)

Locating Three T-Horrors From Sophon Sakdaphisit – A Video Essay by Anton Bitel (SD, 13:20)

Countdown: New Year, Same Sins – A Video Essay by Matt Donato (SD, 10:47)

Stills Gallery (SD, 2:22)

Countdown Trailer (SD, 2:30)

Countdown Critical Audio Commentary by Pierce Conran and James Marsh

The Promise Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Promise is well done and a good balance between horror and dramatic storytelling. The filmmaking is impressive and there are a lot of nice production elements. The Blu-ray release features a solid high-definition transfer and a nice selection of bonus features. Recommended.