The Promised Land, set in 1755, tells the story of Captain Ludvig Kahlen, an impoverished but ambitious war hero. He embarks on a mission to transform a vast, uninhabitable land into a thriving colony for the King, in hopes of earning a noble title. The narrative unfolds with Kahlen’s struggle against the ruthless Frederik De Schinkel, who claims dominion over the territory.
Length: 2h 7m
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
This Title is: An epic historical drama
The Promised Land is New on Apple TV in Canada!
Trailer
Cast
- Mads Mikkelsen as Ludvig Kahlen
- Amanda Collin as Ann Barbara
- Simon Bennebjerg as Frederik De Schinkel
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R
Given the historical and dramatic nature of the movie, viewer discretion is advised.
Trivia
- The movie had its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in 2023.
- It won awards for Best European Cinematographer and Best European Costume Designer at the European Film Awards, with Mads Mikkelsen winning Best European Actor.
- Principal photography for the movie began on September 5, 2022, and was completed in early November of the same year, with locations in Germany, Sweden, and Czechia.
Our Review
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The Promised Land, directed by Nikolaj Arcel and starring Mads Mikkelsen, is a visually splendid epic that weaves a complex tale of ambition, conflict, and resilience against the harsh backdrop of 18th-century Denmark. Critics and audiences have lauded the film for its masterful storytelling and Mikkelsen’s compelling performance, highlighting the actor’s ability to convey deep emotional range and complexity. The screenplay, co-written by Arcel, Anders Thomas Jensen, and Ida Jessen, has been praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, despite some critiques pointing out pacing issues and predictability in certain plot elements.
The movie’s cinematography and visual effects have been universally acclaimed, with many reviews emphasizing the breathtaking landscapes and authentic period details that immerse viewers in the historical setting. However, some viewers felt that the film’s ambitious scope occasionally overshadowed character development, leading to a lack of emotional connection with some secondary characters.
Despite these minor criticisms, The Promised Land has been celebrated for its ability to balance intense drama with moments of hope and beauty, making it a compelling watch. The film’s portrayal of human resilience and determination in the face of daunting challenges resonates strongly with audiences, ensuring its place as a noteworthy addition to the historical drama genre.
Critic Scores
The Promised Land has received a great review by the critics, indicating generally favorable reviews.
