Poster for Promise at Dawn

Promise at Dawn (2017) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

From his childhood in Poland to his adolescence in Nice to his years as a student in Paris and his tough training as a pilot during World War II, this tragi-comedy tells the romantic story of Romain Gary, one of the most famous French novelists and sole writer to have won the Goncourt Prize for French literature two times.

Rated NR • 2017 • 2h 10m

7.2
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
16+

Promise at Dawn is a biographical drama that follows the complicated, lifelong relationship between writer Romain Gary and his ambitious, eccentric mother, Nina. The film spans decades of Romain's life, depicting his upbringing in Poland, his student days in France, and his experiences as a pilot during World War II. Parents should be aware of several scenes involving explicit sexual encounters, as well as moments of realistic, bloody… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Pierre Niney
Pierre Niney
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Didier Bourdon
Didier Bourdon
Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Finnegan Oldfield
Finnegan Oldfield
Catherine McCormack
Catherine McCormack
Pawel Puchalski
Pawel Puchalski
Némo Schiffman
Némo Schiffman
Lou Chauvain
Lou Chauvain
Arieh Worthalter
Arieh Worthalter
Bastien Bouillon
Bastien Bouillon
SN
Sofia Nilsson
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Is Promise at Dawn appropriate for kids?

Promise at Dawn is a biographical drama that follows the complicated, lifelong relationship between writer Romain Gary and his ambitious, eccentric mother, Nina. The film spans decades of Romain's life, depicting his upbringing in Poland, his student days in France, and his… Read more — free account

Content severity in Promise at Dawn

Sex Strong 7/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Promise at Dawn, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 🍷 Substances 2/10
  2. 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 0:58 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10
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Sex and nudity in Promise at Dawn

The film features recurring scenes of sexual activity involving the adult Romain. These segments are depicted with a moderate level of explicitness, showing partial nudity and sexual intimacy that go beyond implied or fleeting moments.

Violence and gore in Promise at Dawn

Wartime sequences include graphic depictions of injury. A notable scene shows a character being shot in the face during a flight, resulting in significant blood loss and permanent injury that is captured with unflinching realism.

Language in Promise at Dawn

Mild profanity is present throughout the film, though it is not pervasive or particularly harsh.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Promise at Dawn

The mother character is a habitual smoker, and scenes frequently feature her with cigarettes in hand as a reflection of her personality and stress.

Mature themes in Promise at Dawn

The central theme is the intense, sometimes suffocating, codependent bond between a mother and son. This dynamic, characterized by extreme maternal pressure and the son's lifelong attempt to fulfill his mother's grand expectations, constitutes a complex emotional burden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Promise at Dawn appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Promise at Dawn is best for ages 16+. It's rated NR. Promise at Dawn is a biographical drama that follows the complicated, lifelong relationship between writer Romain Gary and his ambitious, eccentric mother, Nina. The film spans decades of Romain's life, depicting his…

What age rating does Promise at Dawn have?

Promise at Dawn is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.

What is Promise at Dawn about?

Promise at Dawn is a biographical drama that follows the complicated, lifelong relationship between writer Romain Gary and his ambitious, eccentric mother, Nina. The film spans decades of Romain's life, depicting his upbringing in Poland, his student days in France, and his experiences as a pilot during World War II…

Is there sex or nudity in Promise at Dawn?

The film features recurring scenes of sexual activity involving the adult Romain. These segments are depicted with a moderate level of explicitness, showing partial nudity and sexual intimacy that go beyond implied or fleeting moments.

How violent is Promise at Dawn?

Wartime sequences include graphic depictions of injury. A notable scene shows a character being shot in the face during a flight, resulting in significant blood loss and permanent injury that is captured with unflinching realism.

Is the language in Promise at Dawn appropriate for kids?

Mild profanity is present throughout the film, though it is not pervasive or particularly harsh.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Promise at Dawn?

The mother character is a habitual smoker, and scenes frequently feature her with cigarettes in hand as a reflection of her personality and stress.

What mature themes appear in Promise at Dawn?

The central theme is the intense, sometimes suffocating, codependent bond between a mother and son. This dynamic, characterized by extreme maternal pressure and the son's lifelong attempt to fulfill his mother's grand expectations, constitutes a complex…

How long is Promise at Dawn?

Promise at Dawn runs 130 minutes, directed by Eric Barbier, released in 2017.

Where can I read the full Promise at Dawn parent guide?

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