THE PROMISE
aka MASTER OF THE CRIMSON ARMOR

Year: 2005
USA: Warner Independent Pictures (2006)
USA: The Weinstein Co (2005)
Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Jang Dong-Gun, Cecilia Cheung, Nicholas Tse, Liu Ye, Chen Hong
Director: Chen Kaige
Countries: China / Hong Kong / Japan / South Korea
Language: Mandarin (English subtitles)
USA: 103 mins (2006)
USA: 128 mins (2005)
USA Rated: PG-13 for stylized violence and martial arts action, and some sexual content
USA Release Date: 5 May 2006 (Limited Release)
USA Release Date: 30 December 2005 (Limited Release - Los Angeles)
UK DVD Release Date: 27 April 2009

Synopsis

When the world was young, between a sea of sky and a land of snow, lay a kingdom where gods and men lived side by side. In this country, a crown did not make a king, and armor could be just a disguise. Dukes dreamed of treason, mighty Generals fought bravely but without honor, and even an innocent girl could lose her grace.

It was hard to tell friend from enemy. Promises made in those times were heard by the gods.

And so, of course, were lies...

A romantic tale of love, loyalty, ambition and destiny, THE PROMISE marks acclaimed director Chen Kaige's foray into the martial arts fantasy genre. Richly imagined and breathtakingly realized, the film follows the intertwined fates of a beautiful princess, Princess Qingcheng (Cecilia Cheung), and the three men who fall in love with her: a general (Hiroyuki Sanada), his slave (Jang Dong-Kun), and a rival Duke (Nicholas Tse). Unbeknownst to the men, the princess made a pact with a goddess, Goddess Manshen (Chen Hong) in her youth where she forsake the prospect of true love for the promise of riches and power. Any man she loves, she will lose, a bargain which has hitherto born no consequence for the princess, as haughty as she is lovely.

But when a slave -- disguised as a mighty general - defends first her honor and then her life with unflinching valor, the princess feels something stir within her for the first time. With the awakening of passion, she realizes with dread what destiny holds for her.

Enslaved to the fate that has befallen them, only the truest love of all can alter the course of their destiny...

DVD / BLU-RAY EXTRAS

Behind The Scenes Featurette
Cast and Crew Interviews
Interview with Director Chen Kaige
Trailers x 2
Stills Gallery