The promised night
The promised night

Movie spotlight

The promised night

1984
Movie
95 min
Arabic

Fathi trades in smuggled goods, he lives with his mother Bahia and loves his neighbor Fakiha who encourages him to finish his studies. A matchmaker persuades his mother to marry Said, a professional conman who marries wealthy old women and steals their money. Fathi tries to prevent this marriage.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users70%
Director: Tony ScottGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A former U.S. soldier, traumatized by his experiences in Vietnam, struggles to adjust to civilian life in New York City. He gets involved with a dangerous crime syndicate, finding himself caught between his desire for redemption and the allure of a violent underworld. As he tries to escape his past, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to consume him entirely.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Promised Night' received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its gritty atmosphere and strong performances, while others found its plot convoluted and excessively violent. Audience reception was similarly divided, with its dark themes and bleak outlook not appealing to all.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense atmosphere and lead performance.

  • Criticized for a convoluted and often bleak narrative.

  • Noted for its stylish direction and gritty portrayal of urban decay.

Google audience: Google users often highlight the film's moody visuals and the compelling performance by Ed Harris, though many also point out the story's dark and sometimes hard-to-follow trajectory. Some viewers found it to be a powerful, albeit disturbing, cinematic experience.

Fun Fact

Director Tony Scott was heavily influenced by the visual style of 1940s film noir when creating the look and feel of 'The Promised Night'.

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