A historical war drama streaming for free on BBC iPlayer is being hailed by viewers as 'one of the best movies ever' and drawing comparisons to cult classics such as Braveheart. The little-known 2023 film, titled The Promised Land, has garnered a near-perfect 97% critics' approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 95% audience score, cementing its status as a universally acclaimed epic.
What is 'The Promised Land' About?
Directed by Nikolaj Arcel and co-written with Anders Thomas Jensen, the Danish-language film is based on Ida Jessen's 2020 book The Captain and Ann Barbara. A joint production between Denmark, Germany, and Sweden, the period piece stars Mads Mikkelsen, Amanda Collin, and Simon Bennebjerg in lead roles, supported by an ensemble cast including Kristine Kujath Thorp, Gustav Lindh, and Jakob Lohmann. The story follows Danish soldier and explorer Ludvig Kahlen, who in the mid-18th century sought to cultivate Denmark's wild Jutland region. Filmed across Germany, Sweden, and Czechia, the movie was selected as Denmark's entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards and won several accolades at the European Film Awards.
Critics and Audiences Rave
Critics have been effusive in their praise. One reviewer noted: 'The final chapter's savagery, torture, and madness take the breath away; all the more stunning because the film is based on fact. Buckle up for a very hard ride – albeit beautifully executed.' Another called it 'a romance, a critique of privilege and greed, a big sweeping drama with Mads Mikkelsen stoic, pained, selfish, loving, grizzled, and fierce… another brilliant slice of Denmark's best.' Comparisons to Braveheart are frequent, with one critic writing: 'Absent a few large-scale battle sequences, The Promised Land could easily sit with modern epics such as Braveheart.'
Audience reactions on IMDb are equally glowing. One user declared: 'Easily the best film I've seen all year long… without question, this would easily be a contender for an Oscar for best picture.' Another said: 'This was an outstanding movie, one of the best I've seen in a long time!!! Amazing acting, great storyline, underdog story for sure!!!' A third viewer added: 'A beautiful and well-balanced story with great acting… a near perfect cinema experience. The movie was beautifully filmed with nearly each frame being a work of art.'
How to Watch
The Promised Land is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, offering UK viewers a chance to experience this critically acclaimed war epic without any additional cost.
