The Promised Land

The Promised Land

In 1755, the impoverished Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer the uninhabitable Danish heath in the name of the King. But the sole ruler of the area, the merciless Frederik de Schinkel, who believes the land belongs to him, swears revenge when the maid Ann Barbara and her serf husband escape for refuge with Kahlen.

  • Released:
  • Runtime: 127 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, History
  • Stars: Simon Bennebjerg, Kristine Kujath Thorp, Felix Kramer, Jacob Ulrik Lohmann, Magnus Krepper, Amanda Collin, Gustav Lindh, Mads Mikkelsen, Morten Hee Andersen, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Søren Malling, Olaf Højgaard, Morten Burian, Morten Buus
  • Director: Nikolaj Arcel
 Comments
  • searchanddestroy-1 - 22 June 2024
    Powerful historical drama
    I did not know this picture before discovering it. I don't know why, but I can compare this Mads Mikkelsen's performance with the one he had in 2010 Nicolas Wynding Refn's VALHALLAH'S RISING, not for the plot but the way of acting. And in both, he dosen't play a villain. Also MICHAEL KOHLHAAS. Both features are historical movies. This one is purely riveting, engrossing, awesome and not destined to any audiences; don't show it to your kids. I guess it's inspired from actual events. Good surprise from Denmark. I guess that without Mads Mikkelsen, it would not have been released in France. This prodigious actor is not alone, here, directing is terrififc too.
  • aguilera-felipe - 13 May 2024
    Intense and powerful danish story
    In the heart of the Danish landscape, during the 18th century, unfolds a captivating historical drama "Of Danish Origin," featuring the remarkable Mads Mikkelsen in a tour-de-force performance. The story revolves around Ludvig Kahlen, a seasoned war captain, whose unwavering determination drives him to cultivate and enrich the land of Jutland, in the name of the King. In return, he yearns for a noble title and the kingdom's definitive recognition.

    However, this ambitious endeavor encounters opposition from Frederik de Schinkel, a powerful yet immature landowner, whose selfish desires clash with Kahlen's plans. With a violent and impulsive nature, Schinkel seeks to eliminate any disruption to his own schemes. The film delves into the intricate interplay of ambition, revenge, and the quest for recognition, as these formidable characters engage in a fierce conflict.

    Their struggle unfolds against a backdrop of epic landscapes and stunning cinematography, transporting viewers to a bygone era. The narrative weaves together moments of intense drama with inspiring scenes, paying homage to the resilience of the human spirit. This captivating historical passage is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the period, offering a unique cinematic experience that resonates with audiences.
  • donmurray29 - 1 March 2024
    A real Danish gem of movie
    Giving this an 8/10 rating

    Mads Mikkelsen stars in this bleak looking at the start, and ever changing mood of a tale about an ex military captain who tries to cultivate dead land in Denmark.

    Thanks to the great direction from Nikolaj Arcel, this film is what it it, bleak and beautiful, and the true life tale is not a bit boring. Mads Mikkelsen is stern and determined and very much the moral fibre, which almost never breaks with the amount of corruption going around, it's quite amazing, largely due Simon Bennebjerg's character, his acting is the A game. Amanda Collin and Kristine Kujath Thorp really are the two you just can't keep your eyes off too.

    This is a really good Danish film that has had a very limited release, here, which is a real shame. There is great suffering, hardship going on, but it's a great looking film that is acted very well that you forget the language barrier.