The Promised Land

 

      With a screenplay co-written and directed by Nikolaj Arcel, this new Danish drama is as near prefect a movie can be. It is so effective and emotional on so many levels, I don't know where to start with accolades.

       The year is 1755 and Captain Ledvig Kahlen has returned to Denmark after 25 year service in the German army. He petitions the King for a land grant to farm the barren Jutland moor. Previously no one has been able to farm this land and the King's court only agrees after Kahlen offers to be given the land at no cost to the King in return for a manor and royal title if he is successful.

       What happens next forms the rest of the plot. Kahlen is a man with strong principles determined to make his plan a success. In his way is a local magistrate, who is a cruel and despicable villain who wants the land for himself.

       The film stars Mads Mikkelsen as Kahlen and this is one of his finest roles. His transformation over the course of the film brought on by the various entwined characters is so subtle and yet amazing. The film co-stars Amanda Collin as Ann Barbara, Simon Nennebjerg as Frederik de Schinkel, Melina Hagberg as Anmai Mus, Kristine Kujath Thorp as Edel, Morten Hee Andersen as Johannes, Gustav Lindh as Anton and Thomas W. Gabrielsson as Bondo. While most of this cast is unknown to American audiences, they are all excellent and their characters unforgettable.

      Mr. Arcel's direction is fantastic, even in truly harsh conditions. The pace of the story is perfect, not a scene is wasted and his touch is so light, you are completely drawn into Kahlen's world. The music by Dan Romer never overwhelms the story and the cinematography by Rasmus Videbaek is stunning, especially the scenes on the Jutland moor.

      The film is so captivating I was emotionally spent (in a good way) by the end. While it's only February, this will easily end up on my top 10 for the year. 

      In Danish with English subtitles.