The King’s Land: A Tale of Ambition, Grit, and Potatoes in 18th Century Denmark
In 1755, Denmark, Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), a retired army captain with 25 years of service, embarks on an ambitious and seemingly impossible mission: to cultivate the barren heaths of Jutland. Driven by a desire to bring civilization to the untamed north, a long-held ambition of the Danish king, Kahlen faces ridicule from ministers who doubt his ability to succeed with his meager pension. Inspired by the successful potato farming in Germany and France, Kahlen is convinced that this crop can thrive even in the harsh northern soils. To aid him in his endeavor, he hires Anne Barbara (Amanda Collin), a resourceful cook, and Johannes (Morten Hee Andersen), a dedicated worker. However, their efforts are met with fierce opposition from the tyrannical local nobleman, De Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), who believes the land belongs to him, igniting a brutal feud between the aristocrat and the former soldier.
Mads Mikkelsen as Ludvig Kahlen in “The King’s Land”
Nikolaj Arcel: From Screenwriter to Director of Historical Epics
Nikolaj Arcel, known for his screenwriting work on the “Department Q” crime franchise, the “Millennium” series based on Stieg Larsson’s novels, and films like “Riders of Justice” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” gained recognition as a director with “A Royal Affair,” an adaptation of Bodil Steensen-Leth’s novel “Princess of Blood.” The film earned two Silver Bears at the Berlinale and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. However, his Hollywood venture with Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” did little to advance his career. After a six-year hiatus, Arcel returns with “The King’s Land,” revisiting a formula that brought him success in the past.
Mads Mikkelsen as Ludvig Kahlen in “The King’s Land”
Adapting a Bestseller: From Page to Screen
“The King’s Land” is based on Ida Jessen’s 2020 bestseller, “The Captain and Anne Barbara.” Arcel once again delves into the historical genre, casting Mads Mikkelsen in the lead role and adding a romantic subplot to the central character’s journey. The film premiered in the main competition of the Venice Film Festival but did not receive any major awards. It was Denmark’s submission for the Academy Awards and made it to the shortlist of 15 films but was not among the final five nominees.
A Story of Social Inequality and Personal Ambition
“The King’s Land” unfolds against a backdrop of stark social inequality. Ludvig, born out of wedlock to a servant and a nobleman who never acknowledged him, learns early on that he must earn everything himself. After a distinguished military career, he conceives a seemingly mad farming project. Despite De Schinkel’s repeated offers of money to leave Jutland, Ludvig is determined to cultivate potatoes in the frozen soil, perhaps believing that success will attract the king’s attention and earn him a coveted title.
Mads Mikkelsen as Ludvig Kahlen in “The King’s Land”
A Western in Disguise: Morality and Conflict on the Danish Heath
“The King’s Land” follows the conventions of a classic Western, albeit without the Wild West or indigenous tribes. Instead, it offers a landscape of lawlessness, brutality, and a clash between unwavering good and pure evil. The prairies and cacti are replaced by barren heaths and sparse shrubs. Conflicts are primarily resolved with knives, occasionally with muskets. De Schinkel, feeling like the absolute ruler of this remote corner of land, acts with impunity. Ludvig insists that he has the king’s approval, but no royal representatives are likely to visit Jutland. The retired captain toils over his potato fields, enduring humiliation from the feudal lord and overcoming petty schemes.
Romantic Entanglements
To add complexity to the narrative, Arcel introduces two potential romantic interests for the protagonist. Edel (Kristine Kujath Thorp), De Schinkel’s cousin from Norway, resides in his house, and a marriage to her would improve Kahlen’s social standing. Meanwhile, Anne Barbara, a hardworking and resilient servant, shares a modest dwelling with the captain. The title of the original novel suggests where Kahlen’s heart truly lies.
A Disappointing but Engaging Historical Drama
While “The King’s Land” is engaging, it ultimately disappoints. A few bloody scenes, constant verbal clashes between the former soldier and the nobleman, stunning northern landscapes, and Mikkelsen’s resolute presence are the highlights. The film feels old-fashioned, and despite the presence of strong female characters, it remains surprisingly archaic. The clear division between villains and heroes leaves little room for nuance, offering viewers no shades of gray. One can only hope that Kahlen quickly harvests a large crop of potatoes and rids himself of the cartoonish De Schinkel. Rarely has so much blood and tears been shed over a potato field.