The Promised Land

 

The Promised Land (2023)

A Classic Western Tale with a Danish Twist

★★★★☆

Watched 18 Mar 2024 — A riveting, handsomely crafted epic featuring one of the most detestable villains in recent memory.

Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, The Promised Land (Bastarden) is technically a period drama set in 1750s Denmark, but it moves with the soul of a classic American Western. The film follows an underprivileged war hero fighting impossible odds to cultivate the barren Jutland heath. Guided by Arcel's steady, confident hand, the narrative expertly balances traditional tropes—the evil land baron, the orphaned child, and the affable underdog—while injecting shocking unique surprises and riveting thrills. It is a powerful exploration of class, legacy, and sheer human will.

"Not since Joffrey Baratheon has a story incited so much hatred for a despicable weasel of an antagonist... The film delivers riveting thrills and shocking unique surprises."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: [Nikolaj Arcel](https://www.imdb.com)
• Starring: [Mads Mikkelsen](https://www.imdb.com), Amanda Collin, Simon Bennebjerg
• Supporting: Kristine Kujath Thorp, Gustav Lindh
• Cinematography: Rasmus Videbæk

The Vision

Arcel’s vision is a marriage of beautiful cinematography and gritty, excellent production design. By viewing 18th-century Danish history through a "foreign perspective" on the Western genre, he creates a story that feels both epic and intimate. The focus is on the collision between the "civilized" brutality of the aristocracy and the raw survivalism of the common man. The film's MVP is undoubtedly Simon Bennebjerg, whose horrific, memorable villainous turn serves as the perfect foil to Mads Mikkelsen’s characteristically powerful, stoic performance.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• A Royal Reunion: This film reunites Mads Mikkelsen and director Nikolaj Arcel for the first time since their Oscar-nominated collaboration, [A Royal Affair (2012)](https://www.imdb.com).
• The King's Heath: The film is based on the 2020 Danish bestseller *Kaptajnen og Ann Barbara* (The Captain and Ann Barbara) by Ida Jessen.
• Award Pedigree: The film was Denmark's official entry for [Best International Feature Film](https://en.wikipedia.org) at the 96th Academy Awards.

✅ Pros

• Trademark powerful performance by Mads Mikkelsen.
• A truly memorable and detestable villain in Simon Bennebjerg.
• Excellent production design and cinematography.

❌ Cons

• Relies on some familiar Western/period drama tropes.
• Features moments of shocking and brutal violence.
• May feel traditional to those seeking an avant-garde drama.

🏆 Final Verdict

An excellent, memorable film that proves classic storytelling still has the power to shock and rivet. If you want to see a "despicable weasel" get his comeuppance in a beautiful setting, this is a must-watch.

View on Letterboxd