The relatively little-known 1915-22 genocide of the
Armenian people by the Ottoman Turks is brought into sharp focus in this epic
drama. Director and co-writer (with Robin Swicord) Terry George melds an
important history lesson with a tender love story. In 1914 Constantinople
(modern-day Istanbul), an idealistic medical student (Oscar Isaac) falls for an
artist and fellow Armenian (Charlotte Le Bon) who is seeing a firebrand
American journalist (Christian Bale). As Turkey enters World War I and embarks
on a campaign of ethnic cleansing, the pair faces arrest, prison and,
potentially, death. So, too, does the reporter after he attempts to inform the
world of the killings. Remarkable courage, perseverance and their unwavering
Christian faith sustain the survivors against all odds. Given its potential to
raise awareness of a historical tragedy, the film is probably acceptable for
mature adolescents.
Watch out for: Scenes of
wartime atrocities and violence, a nongraphic, nonmarital sexual encounter,
brief crude language.
Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA:
PG-13
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2017