Film Review - The Promised Land
Images courtesy of Rialto Distribution.
In 2012, director Nikolaj Arcel teamed up with actor Mads Mikkelsen for period drama A Royal Affair, which chronicles a true royal scandal in Denmark. The pair join forces once again for the epic and compelling The Promised Land, which tells a very different part of Danish history.
Mikkelsen plays Ludvig Kahlen, a poor war hero who arrives at the desolated and large Jutland heath in 1755 with a mission. Following the king’s call, Kahlen sets out to tame the land by building a property and establishing a settlement. If he succeeds, he will gain wealth and a noble title. However, one major obstacle stands in his way, and that is ruthless landowner Frederik De Schinkel (Simon Bennebrej). De Schinkel believes the land belongs to him and not the king, and goes to barbaric measures to stop Kahlen and maintain his control. However, Kahlen does not back down, and builds his dream while forming a makeshift family unit that includes De Schinkel’s former serf Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin) and Romani girl Anmai Mus (Melina Hagburg).
The Promised Land offers a fascinating story exploring pride, greed and power, as well as the chaos and disorder humanity is capable of creating. It is a traditional narrative that sees determination and decency overcome privilege and arrogance, but is told viscerally and through the highest stakes possible. Arcel’s direction and pacing is perfectly measured, as the film takes its time to establish the important intricacies of its hero and villain. Mikkelsen is quietly devastating as Kahlen, a man of few words. The actor is able to convey so much without saying anything, meaning a simple look or glance speaks dramatic and deeply affecting volumes. Bennebrej is utterly terrifying as the sophisticated but savage Dr Schinkel. His brutality and madness knows no bounds, and Bennebrej is able to create a villain that audiences can truly hate. Supporting actors Collin and Hagburg bring much needed warmth and heart, helping to craft a moving on-screen family dynamic with Mikkelsen.
Arcel’s film isn’t afraid to get violent and showcase the darkest capabilities of humanity, with many shocking and disturbing sequences that reveal the pure evil and lack of remorse within Dr Schinkel. This is balanced out by quieter and more intimate moments, as well as very occasional humour. The sprawling cinematography that captures the vast landscape of the heath is powerfully immersive, and while the film definitely features conventions of the Western genre, it is done so in a way that feels realistic and gritty.
The Promised Land sheds light on a dark but important part of Denmark’s history. It is a superbly made film that is boasted by powerful performances and the strength of Mikkelsen’s screen presence.
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The Promised Land is screening in cinemas from Thursday the 20th of June. For tickets and more info, click here.