The Promised Land (2023)

Updated: May 22

R | 2hr 7min | 8/10 | #Biography #History #Drama

Parental Rating: R (Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian)

➱ STORYLINE:

"The Promised Land", released in 2023, is set in the mid-1700s and tells the story of Captain Ludvig Kahlen. Ludvig was not born into wealth and had a meager wage in the German Army. He retired with a small pension and moved back to Denmark, the place of his birth and childhood country. He's able to manage to settle on some property, but not without conflict from the local magistrate. Ludvig is thwarted by the magistrate from being able to find employment to even more mistreatment throughout the film as Kahlen fights back.

➱ STAFF REVIEW:

"The Promised Land" is a well-made Danish movie with beautiful scenery and a great plot. Behind the scenes, the camera work is dynamic and brings out the period-style costumes, effects, and sounds of the era. One solid takeaway is that the era and settings are captured and represented very well. The themes of cruel landowners and battles for equal treatment and fairness create an image of what it must have been like for Ludvig. The actors gave superb believable and engaging performances. Overall, this is an exceptionally good movie coming out of Denmark.

➱ CREDITS:

Directed by: Nikolaj Arcel

Written by:

- Nikolaj Arcel

- Anders Thomas Jensen

Starring:

- Mads Mikkelsen

- Simon Bennebjerg

- Amanda Collin

Produced by: Louise Vesth

Production Companies:

- Zentropa Entertainments