The Promised Land
Danish director Nicolaj Arcel is a great fan of the work of David Lean, the man of grand gestures in films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. In his younger days, he dreamed of making such a film too, but he knew it would be almost impossible in a small country like Denmark. He has now succeeded anyway with this grandiose and epically executed historical drama. Starring Mads Mikkelsen.
Denmark, 18th century: the heath of Jutland are barren and infertile. Renounced soldier Ludvig Kahlen (Mikkelsen) promises King Frederick V to cultivate the heath in exchange for a title of nobility. He sets up a colony and indeed seems successful. However, the ruthless landowner Frederick de Schinkel claims the land belongs to him. Kahlen is unimpressed by De Schinkel's intimidations and puts everything on the line to protect the colony.