‘The Promised Land’ Review: A Nordic Western Tale

In Nikolaj Arcel’s latest cinematic offering, ‘The Promised Land,’ there’s a delightful throwback charm to the rugged, somewhat improbable Nordic Western narrative. This robust and visually stunning piece of cinema, co-written by Anders Thomas Jensen, takes inspiration from Ida Jessen’s 2020 bestseller, ‘The Captain and Ann Barbara,’ itself loosely based on a captivating episode from Danish history.

The story revolves around Ludwig von Kahlen, a retired 18th-century army captain who ventures into the lawless and desolate Jutland heath with royal permission to carve out a new life. Portrayed with stoic resolve by Mads Mikkelsen, Kahlen embodies a Euro Gary Cooper-esque silent strength that captivates the screen. Amidst the harsh landscape, Kahlen encounters Ann Barbara, portrayed by Amanda Collin, a runaway peasant farmer’s wife who seeks refuge and finds love in the most unexpected of places.

Adding to the drama is Simon Bennebjerg’s portrayal of De Schinkel, a cruel and effete landowner who becomes Kahlen’s formidable adversary. With a touch of black comedy, Arcel weaves a tale of struggle and resilience, as Kahlen faces challenges both external and internal.

The film introduces a cast of characters that breathe life into the historical narrative, from De Schinkel’s fiancee, Edel, played by Kristine Kujath Thorp, to the plucky Anmai Mus, a young girl from a Tatar band of Romani travellers, skillfully portrayed by Melina Hagberg.

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‘The Promised Land’ delves into the fascinating “extended regency” period of Danish history, akin to the UK’s era of George III’s madness. Just as in Arcel’s previous work, ‘A Royal Affair,’ which explored the complexities of Danish politics during Christian VII’s reign, this film offers a glimpse into the reign of Frederick V and the power struggles of the time.

While slightly sentimentalized, Mikkelsen’s commanding performance lends gravitas to the narrative, making it a compelling watch for audiences seeking both historical intrigue and cinematic flair.