Promised

Thank you for making this amazingly pleasant movie. I felt so happy while watching it. The background music brought life to every scene. The background art and set pieces were just so heartwarmingly soothing. The actors were just perfect. The actress looked so beautiful. The guy playing Robert brought the innocence & turmoil within the character to his face (especially during the silent moments). I loved how it was directed. Quite unique! It totally made me dive into the story. Above everything, I loved the brilliant message.

The movie was somewhat enjoyable, but frustrating because the ending was predictable. I knew how it was going end, with the couple falling into each other's arms. Watchable but that's about it.

What a wasted opportunity. The Italian-Australian story especially during the 1950-60's is incredibly fascinating but this is not it. There are so many technical issues in the production. The script is all over the place. Direction directionless. The editing is a slog... the casting... what a mess. I could barely keep on track with the plot which is a lot of credit to even call it a plot.

Tina Arena does a lot of heavy lifting. Such a waste and she is a great advocate for the Italian-Australian story; herself being a one of the most iconic Italian Australians who pioneered the rise of Italian pride.

Mercurio can barely get his mouth around the most basic Italian phrases.

The rest are forgetable.

Hopefully someone can tell the Italian-Australian story with the same success as shows like 'My Brilliant Best Friend'.

The beginning was somewhat confusing - I THINK it started with two Italian families and their "promised" marriage tradition involving one's son and the other's daughter, but was played out in the country of Australia. That said? I thought the lead actors "father" actors were very good and kept to their "Italian" heritage. A little disappointed in the mothers/wives however, not quite as well played as the fathers. The son was a fine actor though showing the patience and tolerance of a "saint" and perhaps? Not as much backbone as I would have assumed he had. Angela, the daughter, performed gracefully BUT with a greater "voice" and that made the prospective union far more interesting - that she had a voice yet went along with Daddy's wishes - even over the threats/abuse/investigation made regarding her former boyfriend. The plot moved along nicely and I guess the best you could say about this archaic tradition of other cultures (including Italian) was that it played out against all odds. Charming. Entertaining. Interesting leads.

I thought given the low ratings that this was a boring movie. But on a rainy day when I had nothing to do I started this one on Tubi and this movie completely charmed me! Very lovable characters and what a sweet story! Don't go by the bitter feminist's review here, go take a look, this movie will supervise you too in a living way! Promise!!