In Berlin of August 1961, the wall was built on the boundary line dividing Germany into the east and the west by arbitrary decision of the Soviet Union. Presenting footages of historical facts, von Trotta introduces us to the time and the space of Berlin, where ‘the most strange experiment in world history’ was begun. Konrad and Sophie plan to escape to West Berlin with their friends in the autumn of 1961. On D-night, Konrad’s sudden hesitation changes their destiny in an unexpected way: Konrad, stays in East Berlin, keeps watch on the tightly-guarded Berlin wall and Sophie watches him over the wall from the West. Two lovers attempt to meet afterward, but the reunion keeps being postponed.
 As in her other films, von Trotta shows her approach to historical matters by portraying individual lives: outer situations and inner sights that individuals have intermingle with each other . Throughout the 28 years from the construction to demolition of the Berlin wall, The Promise speculates the tragic side of German history in the shape of romance and people around Konrad. Many believe the wall itself is the cause of all tragedy, but the real cause is the German madness toward world domination. It is worth noticing that in this film, a heterosexual relationship is explored, instead of sisterhood like in most of von Trotta’s other films. (Kwon Eun-sun)