January 3rd, 2014 
Drew Caruso 
In a newly released trailer for French film A Promise, we find Rebecca Hall tied in a love triangle with Alan Rickman and Richard Madden (or maybe better known as Robb Stark).
So far receiving mixed reviews, some critics have claimed that the pre-World War I drama has an “absence of chemistry.” While others cite that it is “artfully directed and subtly acted.”
Focusing on Karl Hoffmeister’s empire as a factory owner, coupled with his ailing health, he hires assistant Ludwig (Madden) to help. But, Ludwig soon finds a love interest in Hoffmeister’s wife, played by Hall.
As of now, the film is set for an April release in France.
Follow us after the jump to check out the first trailer, as well as the official plot synopsis.
Set in pre-First World War Germany, Patrice Leconte’s venture into English-language filmmaking chronicles the simmering love triangle between an ailing factory owner (Alan Rickman), his young bride (Rebecca Hall) and his protégé (Richard Madden).
Stefan Zweig’s novel Journey into the Past, set in pre-First World War Germany, provides the inspiration for Patrice Leconte’s venture into English-language production. Employing his by-now familiar style, Leconte, a master of the unexpected, finds a simmering romance within the pages of Zweig’s book, and uses its slow heat to powerful effect. But A Promise is no bodice-ripper. It is an elegantly directed, keenly modulated love story.
Hoffmeister (Alan Rickman) is an ailing factory owner, whiskered and respectable. As his energies flag, he looks to a sharp young man in his employ for help. Ludwig (Richard Madden) impresses Hoffmeister with his reliability and youthful spirit, and the older man finds himself leaning more and more on this promising up-and-comer. At the same time, Hoffmeister’s young bride (Rebecca Hall) is looking for a tutor for their child, and Ludwig proves both flexible and willing. When he moves into their home, an emotional triangle develops. Societal dignity and decorum must be respected, and it is. Nevertheless, heated passions come into play, while Hoffmeister looks on.
Unravelling over many years, this tale extends well beyond its set-up, and Leconte moves us through the emotional maze, making us aware of the complexities of feeling amongst all of the players. Beautifully supported by three fine actors, A Promise delivers on its premise. Love can take many forms before it either blooms or fades. Beneath those starched shirts and lacy blouses, feelings of respect and care rub up against those of lust and desire.
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