The Promised Land (2023)

The Danes do dark movies best, and this is no exception. It was short listed for Best International Film for the Oscars this year, but it did not make the final cut--the movies that did make that cut are exceptionally good, and I would say that making the short list is an achievement as well. Mads Mikkelson is the lead (and doomed) character, who after an ignomious beginning (we find out toward the end of the movie that his mother was raped by the manor lord and he is the result) and an illustrious military career he turns his talents to farming in an inhospitable environment. The land is fallow, and the politcs are soul crushing. As on reviewer pointed out, this is about ten movies in one. It's a history lesson with a central figure driven by an impossible quest. There are bands of outlaws, sadistic aristocrats, and downtrodden peasants. There's a little romance, a lot of torture, as well as a feisty runaway child. Historical epics like this really aren't made anymore. There are so many different chapters of the central conflict it makes the final confrontation inevitable and therefore a little predictable. However, there's still unexpected space, and the film takes its time, allowing for character development and emotional connection. It is well worth watching, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Danes--they are well worth getting to know better.