La Promesse

Released 1996
Stars Jeremie Renier, Olivier Gourmet, Assita Ouedraogo, Rasmane Ouedraogo
Directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne

Harrowing tale of a boy being raised by a father who mercilessly exploits illegal immigrants--as their supposed savior, landlord, and employer. Trouble begins when the boy, who's always obeyed his father unquestioningly, develops a friendship with one of the illegals. Moving in its understated, matter-of-fact look at a young man at a moral crossroads in his life. Remarkably raw... and real. Written by the directors.

Summary by Leonard Maltin