Set in the mid-1700s, "A Promised Land" is the story of Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), who is determined to make the barren Dutch shrubland a place where crops can grow. Along the way, he must deal with outlaws and the ruthless landowner who has sole rule in the area.

In this movie, he brings a quiet dignity to this role. He is forced to deal with disrespect and doubt from everyone. Mickkelson's subtle facial expressions show that even as Kahlen stands stoically and is disrespected, he wants to respond but can't. He is a man who came from nothing and wants a title, land, and respect, and he is willing to put up with a lot to get it.

Mikkelson makes every movie he is in better. Some of his best work is in these smaller Danish movies. Honestly, the man should be a massive star in America. He has found some success(three incredible seasons as the titular "Hannibal," for one), but not as much as he deserves. A few years ago, I watched him in a movie called "Another Round," about a group of men who decide to be constantly buzzed/drunk to see how it affects their lives, one I highly recommend.

8/10

Rated R for bloody violence, language, some sexuality, and brief nudity

2hrs 7mins