Synopsis
In 18th century Denmark, impoverished but proud Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer the harsh, uninhabitable Danish heath, on which seemingly nothing can grow. He seeks to start farming crops, build a colony in the name of the King, and gain a noble title for himself.
But the land happens to be under the rule of the merciless Frederik De Schinkel, a nobleman who sees Kahlen’s quests as a threat to his power. Struggling against the elements, Kahlen is joined by a small group who begin to build a small community. But De Schinkel won’t be swayed, and a violent confrontation between both men becomes inevitable.
From BAFTA-nominated writer / director Nikolaj Arcel (A Royal Affair).
Festival & Awards
European Film Awards 2023 – Winner – European Cinematographer, Rasmus Videbæk
European Film Awards 2023 – Winner – Best European Actor, Mads Mikkelsen
Venice Film Festival 2023
Toronto International Film Festival 2023
Quotes
“An invigoratingly savage Nordic western, The Promised Land is earthy, enjoyable stuff: an expansive, sweeping epic with hope in its heart and dirt under its nails.”
-Wendy Ide, Screen International
“The feudal warring over unclaimed Jutland territory may be strictly Danish, but the excitement, romance, and awe-inspiring visual spectacle of this melodrama is vintage Hollywood.”
-David Fear, Rolling Stone
“★★★★ The Promised Land makes for a gripping man-versus-wilderness survival story with unmistakable political undertones, but it’s also nimble enough to allow romance to blossom under its slate-grey skies.”
-Philip De Semlyen, Time Out
Film Info
127 mins | Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany | 2023 | 15A
Director:
Nikolaj Arcel
Cast:
Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, Gustav Lindh