There are remarkable parallels between The Shawshank Redemption, the Coen Brothers’ cinematic masterpiece True Grit, and the gripping Danish film featuring Mads Mikkelsen, The Promised Land. Each of these acclaimed films has captivated audiences and experienced significant success on home video, albeit during different periods and across various formats. Recently, The Promised Land has emerged as a formidable contender in the streaming arena, dominating the charts on Paramount+. It has consistently ranked among the top five films on the platform, showcasing its ability to outperform even major titles. Notably, it recently surpassed the iconic blockbuster Tom Cruise‘s Top Gun: Maverick, reclaiming the prestigious number two position on the charts.
As reported by FlixPatrol, The Promised Land achieved the impressive milestone of being the second-most-watched film on Paramount+ globally as of June 24, amassing an impressive score of 176 points on the platform. Overall, since its debut on the streaming service, the film has accumulated more than 2,800 points within its first month, solidifying its status as a fan favorite. On June 24, it outperformed four blockbuster films that collectively grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide. Following The Promised Land in the Paramount+ rankings were the notable titles Maverick, Catch Me If You Can, Terminator: Genisys, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning. The leaderboard was topped by the long-standing favorite Gladiator II, which debuted in theaters last year but has struggled to maintain its streaming dominance since its home video release.
Directed by the talented Nikolaj Arcel, The Promised Land transports viewers to the 18th century. In this captivating narrative, Mikkelsen portrays a determined individual embarking on a relentless quest to establish a new settlement in a desolate region. His ultimate goal is to break free from social constraints and achieve the status of a nobleman following his extensive military service. However, as he initiates his ambitious project in the rugged Danish moorlands, he encounters formidable opposition from a local aristocrat. As their rivalry intensifies, the protagonist grapples with the realization that his personal ambitions and unrestrained pride are gradually corrupting his spirit. The Promised Land made its grand debut at the prestigious 80th Venice International Film Festival in 2023, where it vied for the coveted Golden Lion and received overwhelming acclaim from critics. Currently, it boasts an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Mikkelsen’s Diverse Roles in Major Franchise Films
Previously, director Nikolaj Arcel collaborated with Mikkelsen on the critically acclaimed film The Royal Affair. Following this success, he was enlisted by Hollywood to helm the adaptation of Stephen King‘s iconic work, The Dark Tower. This film, featuring stars like Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, faced numerous production challenges and ultimately received mixed reviews while struggling at the box office. In contrast, Mikkelsen has enjoyed considerable success in Hollywood, portraying memorable villains in high-profile films such as Casino Royale, Doctor Strange, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. For those interested in experiencing The Promised Land, it is available for streaming on Paramount+. Stay updated with Collider for the latest news and developments in the world of cinema.
