The Promised Land (Bastarden)

media release: Denmark, Germany, Sweden | 2023 | DCP | 127 min. | Danish with English subtitles

Director: Nikolaj Arcel

Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, Simon Bennebjerg

In a genuine movie star performance, Mikkelsen embodies Ludvig Kahlen, a determined figure born of humble origins, who rises within Denmark's military ranks in the 18th century. Following the wishes of the King to cultivate the unforgiving heath of Jutland, Kahlen confronts not only the harsh terrain but also the numerous cruelties of an enormously wealthy local landowner (Bennebjerg), who knows that any progress on the heath will cost him his power. “A full-blooded epic of one man’s achievements against all odds played perfectly by Mads Mikkelsen” (Leonard Maltin), The Promised Land is grand entertainment that demands to be seen on the big screen.