Broken Promise

Two Afghan illegal aliens take a walk at night. To the rhythm of their nocturnal stroll, we see how the Dutch reality, from bare mattresses in a condemned building, breakdancing in the street to running from the police, is at odds with their phone calls to relatives who stayed behind and have both concerns and high expectations. To reassure the home front, one Afghan takes a picture of himself in front of a nice house and expensive car.

Directed by Wiam Al-Zabari, Broken Promise leans on a strong ensemble — Keihan Popal, Saman Amini, Gwen Pol — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2011.