‘The Promise’ conveys an emotional World War I history lesson

“The Promise” – “There are churches and mosques like you wouldn’t believe.” In 1914 Constantinople, this is Mikael Boghosian’s (Oscar Isaac) reaction to Turkey’s most prominent city.  Although cultural differences can be a source of tension and divisiveness, Turks and Armenians live in relative harmony during this time, not only in this massive cultural center, but also in Mikael’s small village of Siroun. As director Terry George’s (“Hotel Rwanda” (2004)) picture opens, Mikael – an Armenian – makes a promise to a Maral (Angela Sarafyan), that after two years away…