The Promised Land is an epic historical drama directed by Nikolaj Arcel based on the 2020 book The Captain and Ann Barbara by Ida Jessen, which was based on the true story of the first cultivator of Jutland in Denmark. Like other films in the costume drama genre, it focuses on the aspirations of the main characters, the opposition they encounter because of class divisions, and the tension between tradition and change. Usually there are also romances, often forbidden.
In 18th century Denmark, Captain Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) is a man of little means despite having had a notable military career. He aspires to have a noble title so he proposes to the King that he will build a colony on barren moorland and farm there. In turn, he will get a manor, servants, and a title.
Frederik Schinkel, the local magistrate, however, wants control of the land and does everything he can to defeat Kahlen. He prevents him from hiring help and, when Kahlen does hire two serfs who were indentured to Schinkel, he kills one of them. His ire increases when his fiancée falls in love with the captain.
As this story unfolds, we realize that Kahlen’s ambition not only drives his work as a farmer but also his opposition to the power structures of his time. It’s a satisfying watch to see just how he does this and the heart-warming personal decisions he makes as he goes along.
Other loved aspects of costume dramas are also on fine display here: gorgeous visual details, sweeping landscapes, and lavish production design. Nikolaj Arcel is good at this.