The Promised Land, directed by Nikolaj Arcel, is a brawny historical drama that tackles themes of class, racism, sexual abuse, labor exploitation, and chosen families. It reunites Arcel with Mads Mikkelsen, after their compelling collaboration in the 2012 film A Royal Affair. This Danish film proves that period pieces can be vigorous, powerful, and emotionally stirring, delivering an old-fashioned storytelling experience without feeling stagnant.
Mads Mikkelsen shines in his role as Ludvig Kahlen, the illegitimate son of a nobleman and a maid. Determined to elevate his status, Ludvig rises to the rank of captain and is decorated for his military service in mid-18th-century Denmark. With drive and ambition, Ludvig proposes to cultivate the barren Jutland heath and establish a settlement, a project that has defeated many before him. Despite skepticism from the bureaucrats at the Royal Treasury, Ludvig offers to finance the venture with his soldier’s pension in exchange for a noble title and an estate with servants. The bureaucrats, seeing no chance of success, agree, thinking it will keep the King happy without any financial burden.
Armed with nothing but a horse, a tent, a pistol, and a few tools, Ludvig sets up camp on the heath, which is believed to be nothing but sand, rocks, and coarse heather. He weathers the harsh elements and eventually discovers soil that can be mixed with clay to grow potatoes, an imported crop from Germany. However, Ludvig’s plans face opposition from Frederik De Schinkel, a brutal landowner who works his servants like animals and rapes the maids. De Schinkel has claimed the territory as his own and disregarded the monarchy. When Ludvig challenges him and asserts that the land belongs to the King, he impresses De Schinkel’s cousin Edel, who is being forced to marry Frederik due to her family’s financial troubles.
De Schinkel makes it difficult for Ludvig to find laborers to prepare the land for planting. However, a young pastor brings Ludvig a runaway couple, Johannes and Ann Barbara, who have escaped De Schinkel’s cruelty. Despite the legal risk, Ludvig agrees to provide them with work and shelter. He also strikes a deal with the outlaws living in the woods, including a young Roma girl named Anmai Mus, who is believed to bring bad luck.
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Based on Ide Jessen’s historical novel, The Captain and Ann Barbara, the script by Arcel and Anders Thomas Jensen presents the story with brisk efficiency and sharp character development. As Ludvig faces mounting challenges from De Schinkel and his cronies, the film delves into their escalating battle of wills while tracing the delicate relationship between Ludvig and Ann Barbara. Collin delivers a fiery performance as a woman who refuses to submit to degrading treatment, while Mikkelsen brings solemn depths to his stoic and determined character.
Arcel directs with a sure hand, balancing the poignant strain of an outsider family struggling to stay together with the treachery of an antagonist whose ruthlessness knows no limits. The film maintains its gravitas throughout, showcasing the harsh reality that hard work and honesty are not always rewarded. The widescreen compositions by cinematographer Rasmus Videbæk give weight to the rugged landscape, while Jette Lehmann’s production design highlights the contrasting humble structures and pompous grandeur of De Schinkel’s residence. Dan Romer’s robust orchestral score adds to the film’s epic sweep.
In conclusion, The Promised Land is a compelling historical drama that explores complex themes through skillful writing and strong performances. Arcel demonstrates a firm grasp on bringing vitality and modernity to a period piece, making it an artful and engaging film. With its exploration of class, racism, sexual abuse, labor exploitation, and chosen families, The Promised Land transcends its origins as a Danish film to offer a universal and powerful narrative.
