Romantic Comedy Features Seniors on the Run

Written by: Murray Suid

The romantic comedy genre usually includes an element of fantasy. While some of the action may be realistic, as we see in classics such as “Some Like It Hot” and “Tootsie,” improbabilities abound. And that is the case with Ivan Sosnin’s “Promise”. This Russian production won the 2018 Global Mobile Film Awards top prize. The twist in “Promise” is that the protagonists are in their 80s. In the course of the 5 minute movie, the heroes get into all sorts of mischief. Their high jinks are best seen rather than described. But we don’t need a spoiler alert to reveal that the theme of this romantic comedy is: “You’re never to old to have fun.” Comedy aside, the wonderfully made film—shot using a Samsung Galaxy Note 8—illustrates a number of techniques discussed following the movie (below). There, you’ll also find a translation of the lyrics of the title song performed by Mgzavrebi, a popular Georgian band.

Key Moments in “Promise”

“Promise”provides plenty of entertainment with everything from a rock show to larceny. But the movie also illustrates a number of sophisticated moviemaking techniques. The following breakdown identifies a few of them. Replay the movie and you’ll probably discover many more lessons hiding in plain view.

0:01 The sound of footsteps under title card create a moment of mystery: “Who goes there?”

0:12 Showing the figure through distorted glass door keeps the suspense going if only for a few seconds.

0:17 The nurse makes a robot-like turn, setting up her contrast with the free-spirited characters whom we’ll soon meet.

0:36 Spitting out the pills previews the idea that this is a movie about independence.

0:44 Exiting through the window suggests that this is a movie about escape and freedom.

0:46 The woman’s hands pressed against the glass door suggest her status as a prisoner.

0:59 The woman’s awkward descent on the steps characterize her as aged, setting up her transformation into a vibrant and confident person.

1:10 As with the Yellow Brick Road in “The Wizard of Oz,” the country lane hints at the idea that the characters are on their way to a new life. The man’s brief look back—and their anxious expressions as cars zip by—tell us that the protagonists are not certain that the future will bring them happiness.

1:29 Stealing the car reinforces the idea—first presented in the pill-spitting shot—that our protagonists are anything but conventional old people.

1:35 The u-shape of the road, captured in a dramatic aerial shot, visualizes the idea that the couple are turning their lives around.

1:40 The woman’s smile and arm symbolize newfound joy and independence, a state of mind reinforced in the next scene when she puts on jewelry and makeup.

2:27 Like dramatic exits—the man climbing out the nursing home window—surprise entrances can define a person’s character. In this case, sneaking through the foliage into the pool area tells us, “These characters are adventurous risk takers.” The sequence end with a young person taking a stand against fun.

3:49 The smartphone scene provides another example of exploiting characters who aren’t what they seem. Although we already know that the old people are rule breakers and law breakers, the woman’s pretense of directing the young girls fools us again when she steals the phone. Her ability to outrun the victims is the kind of fantasy that is believable…in a romantic comedy.

4:05 The long sequence of selfie taking, water play, dancing, and embracing seem predictable and may lull viewers into feeling “I’ve seen this all before.” But it is a perfect set-up to the…

4:42 … faux death scene that is the perfect romantic comedy climax complete with fireworks.

# # #

“Promise” was chosen by the editors of MobileMovieMaking.com as the Mobile Movie of the Week.

# # #