Nikolaj Arcel‘s The Promised Land is set in 18th-century Denmark, where Captain Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), a proud and ambitious war hero of humble birth, has retired from the German Army after an illustrious 25 years of service. Despite his impoverished state, he persuades the Royal Danish Court to allow him to cultivate on a barren property of Jutland moorland, relying solely on his meager pension. In exchange for this ambitious undertaking, he seeks the coveted privilege of a noble title accompanied by a grand manor. Embarking on this daring venture, he faces the challenge of not only an inhospitable territory but also a county judge residing in the formidable Hald Manor, Frederik De Schinkel, known for his merciless rule and land ownership. Undeterred by the harsh elements and local brigands, Ludvig forms an unlikely alliance with a couple, Johannes Eriksen and his wife Ann Barbara, who have escaped the...
- 1/19/2024
- by Dipankar Sarkar
- Talking Films
In The Promised Land, Captain Ludvig Kahlen doesn’t come off as a particularly great person. A lot of the things he does are questionable. Yet, you can’t help but root for the man, thanks to his indomitable spirit and relentless battle against the chaotic evil that de Schinkel is. Of course, Mads Mikkelsen playing the part does help the cause further. The Danish legend is always on fire whenever he’s doing a film in his homeland, and Nikolaj Arcel’s period Western is no exception. The official Danish entry for the upcoming Oscars is fantastically engaging from the get-go, while it tells a rage-filled story where two men refuse to rest until one of them perishes. Except, Ludvig is the one who dreams of building something substantial, while de Schinkel is a pompous manchild with a fragile ego.
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In The Movie?...
Spoilers Ahead
Plot Synopsis: What Happens In The Movie?...
- 12/28/2023
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Danish filmmaker Nikolaj Arcel, who was behind “The Dark Tower” with Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey – is bringing back the historical epic with “The Promised Land,” which world premieres in Venice Film Festival competition section.
Set in 1755 and based on a true story, it sees captain Ludvig Kahlen (played by Mads Mikkelsen) deciding to finally conquer the Danish heathland and build a colony there. But its ruler, Frederik de Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), doesn’t want to share the inhospitable land. Or anything else, for that matter.
“Today, it’s more about action and superheroes, but I’m very interested in taking that genre, one that has gotten a bit lost, and modernizing it,” he says.
“It has this western quality because it’s about pioneers in a new land, trying to build something, but I was more interested in looking at old epics like ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’ I think it’s a genre we need.
Set in 1755 and based on a true story, it sees captain Ludvig Kahlen (played by Mads Mikkelsen) deciding to finally conquer the Danish heathland and build a colony there. But its ruler, Frederik de Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), doesn’t want to share the inhospitable land. Or anything else, for that matter.
“Today, it’s more about action and superheroes, but I’m very interested in taking that genre, one that has gotten a bit lost, and modernizing it,” he says.
“It has this western quality because it’s about pioneers in a new land, trying to build something, but I was more interested in looking at old epics like ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’ I think it’s a genre we need.
- 8/31/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
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