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The Promise
User Score
4.4 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 4 out of 9

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  1. KaiY.
    Jan 4, 2006
    1
    Cheesy, tacky, corny and thoroughly unbelievable (even by fantasy standards). Tse's rant about how Cheung's theft of a bun from him set him down on the road of evil is the most laughably ridiculous piece of crap ever spouted on screen.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. JamesS.
    Jun 28, 2007
    1
    Note that when it comes to Asian martial arts films, American critics tend to be more lenient because of its novelty, or the assumptions that the incoherent plot lines could be due to "lost in translation". So users should review the review and moderate it down a few grades to be objective. Especially so if you are familiar with this genre of film before it caught on with the west.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. PaulK.
    May 4, 2006
    4
    Don't believe the hype. While the story may be of interest to some, it is ultimately too cliche. That said, my biggest problem with this film were the visuals. Some of the effects are fine, but a majority are flat out bad. Consistency in the quality of effects would have made Kevin Thomas' quote about this being "one of the most beautiful films imaginable" valid. As it stands, this is not even close to Crouching Tiger, Hero, or Flying Daggers. Wait for video, if you must.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
53 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: F. X. Feeney
    70
    Some critics are badly selling the film short, when the story it tells, measured strictly in terms of emotional power and overall fun, is as moving and pleasurable as any matinee item by Ford, Hawks or Raoul Walsh.
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  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    90
    Chen's masterful, deeply perceptive direction of his superb cast is equaled by the film's luminous cinematography, rich yet spare and stylized production and costume design, and rousing score.
    Read full review
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Robert Koehler
    60
    A mixed bag of near-risible storylines, second-rate CG effects, some fabulous set pieces, somewhat cartoonish martial arts fighting and difficult international casting.
    Read full review
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