Directed by Nikolaj Arcel
Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, Morten Hee Andersen, Gustav Lindh, Simon Bennebjerg, and Kristine Kujath Thorp

A Scandinavian historical drama starring the magnificent Mads Mikkelsen anyone? 

That combination was instantly enough to add The Promised Land to my must-watch list. Now, after viewing the film, it also has my tick of approval to broadly recommend. 

Beginning in the year 1755, Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) has just returned to his homeland, Copenhagen, after 25 years of service in the German Army fighting in the Silesian Wars (a once Central European region that is now South-Western Poland). A determined man who knows precisely what he wants next in life, which is a noble title and to make a comfortable living, Ludvig soon learns that fighting is not over for him as a different and more personal type of battle comes his way. Frederik De Schinkel (played by Simon Bennebjerg), an unruly, unhinged, and abusive county judge who considers himself above the law does not accept the approval that Ludvig has received from the Royal Danish Court to build property and cultivate land that he considers his own. If Ludvig’s refusal to obey any orders given by Frederik weren’t enough on their own to incite him, then news of married couple Johannes and Ann (played by Morten Hee Andersen and Amanda Collin, respectively), former servants of Frederik’s who have fled and now work for Ludvig, will surely tip him over the edge. Furthermore, Frederik’s attractive cousin and less than devoted lover, Edel Helene (Kristine Kujath Thorp) recognises a way out if pursuing a romantic interest in Ludvig.

As you can fathom from my synopsis of The Promised Land, this is a story that is wealthy in weight where every character pursues, and some exploit, opportunities to be gained from another. What I’ve described is just the framework too! Even Ludvig is guilty of placing his self-driven ambitions above helping others who are also in various positions of vulnerability and need. While this might lead to some viewers suspending their support of his cause, it goes to show just how fully formed the script and its characterisation really is. Storytelling, character formation, and their presentation is something that co-writer and director Nikolaj Arcel previously accomplished in outstanding fashion in the outstanding 2012 biographical period drama A Royal Affair, which also starred Mads Mikkelsen as well as Alicia Vikander. These valuable components of The Promised Land ensures that it always remains involving and continuously evolves in anticipation towards an intriguing climax. To further compliment and recommend this film on a last note, The Promised Land is also a high quality and very competent cinematic production, courtesy of its cinematography and score. And of course, another mighty Mads Mikkelsen performance to appreciate. 

The Promised Land is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from June 20th.

Moviedoc thanks Rialto Distribution and Annette Smith: Ned & Co for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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