Laden...
Laden...



Im Jahr 1755 kehrt der Hauptmann Ludwig Kahlen, unehelicher Sohn einer aus armen Verhältnissen stammenden Mutter, vom Kriegsdienst nach Dänemark zurück. Entschlossen verfolgt er ein ehrgeiziges Projekt, das für ihn die Möglichkeit zum gesellschaftlichen Aufstieg bedeutet: die Urbarmachung der kargen dänischen Heide durch Kartoffelanbau. Als Belohnung für die Gründung einer Siedlung verlangt Kahlen vom König einen Adelstitel. Doch der in der Nähe lebende reiche Landbesitzer Friedrich De Schinkel entpuppt sich als erbitterter Gegenspieler – und grausamer Despot. Als zwei von de Schinkels Leibeigenen sich auf Kahlens Hof flüchten, eskaliert die Situation. In wuchtigen Tableaus schildert Nikolaj Arcel das Ringen mit der Natur, das Leben im Rhythmus der Jahreszeiten, die körperlich zehrende Arbeit des Rodens, Säens und Erntens. Kahlens entgegen allen Widrigkeiten emporwachsende Siedlung wird zum Refugium der Ausgestoßenen, zum utopischen Ort inmitten einer gnadenlosen Ständegesellschaft.
Avis de la communauté (11)
An epic story about resilience and honor that has among its positive aspects that air of a classic western that is supported by a solid protagonist. But the story ends up betting so much on commercial resources (female empowerment, cartoonish antagonist...) that the interesting approach to the invisible citizens and the introduction of the settlers in Jutland, remains an exercise in empty classic style lost among the beautiful landscapes of the Danish moors.
I came across it because of Mads Mikkelsen, and I was captivated by this period drama – intimate and expertly crafted. The performances, cinematography, and pacing are the standout elements. It's a straightforward film, yet one with a good-hearted nature and substance.
Highly recommended! I can't fully believe that such good movies can be made after 2021.
Thankfully we have Mads Mikkelsen who aces every project he's in, and non-hollywood studios to save us from endless American sh*t spewing films. I walked into this just based on the actors, didn't know anything before, and found a Beautifully done film with a rich story about a long struggle with lots of hardships, high stakes and emotions. Bravo. Highly recommended.
Here Mads plays a retired soldier who, despite obtaining royal permission to cultivate potatoes in Jutland, encounters a series of formidable challenges. While this might sound like the dullest premise ever, the film unfolds into a gritty and meticulously crafted period piece led by an exceptional cast. The villain might feel a little over the top for the context, yet he manages to steal the show in every scene. I liked that the events tend to evolve on the bitter side diverging significantly from the corny narratives often seen in Hollywood. The film, admittedly dialogue-heavy and occasionally slow-paced, compensates with a few moments of impactful action that consistently leave a lasting impression.