The Promised Land

Director: Nikolaj Arcel

15 February 2024

See

Him: Ludwig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), a retired military captain returns to Denmark having served in Germany and seeks permission from the King’s court to tame the heath, an inhospitable, arid, rocky coastal plane in Jutland, which brings him into conflict with (De) Schinkel (Simon Bennebjorg) a cruel aristocrat, the local landowner and provincial judge.

Think

Him: The supporting cast were exceptional, local priest Eklund (Gustav Lindh), who helps procure farmers Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin) and her husband, and form a blended family with outcast Romani girl Anmai Mus (Melina Hagberg). Norwegian heiress and De Schinkel captive cousin and intended Helene (Kristine Kujath Thorp) is the incarnation of Kahlen’s desire to earn nobel title, despite being a bastard (the Danish title is Barstarden, referring to the uncompromising landscape, and illegitimate but uncompromising man toiling it). The cinematography and severity of the landscape is intensely beautiful. But it’s the Mads Mikelsen show. He can convey so much with his emotionally withholding, such as a restrained slight smile or subtle of his head. I’m reminded of his restrained performance in Michael Kohlhaas, and want to watch Arctic, where he’s mostly alone and doesn’t speak for long stretches. Mads may be the best current indicator of a film being worth watching.

Feel

Him: I want to grow potatoes, and visit the heath in Jutland. I want to be more like Mads. But most of all I want to read The Captain and Ann Barbara by Ida Jessen.