The struggle of a man in a harsh unforgiving land. Yet romance blossoms. With a bit of political twist, this melodrama representing 18th-century Denmark has it all to secure a fair watch-worthy score. Indeed, a 7.7 IMDb rating is not something you can ignore. On top of it, Mads Mikkelsen is there to keep you entertained; you cannot underestimate his performance after all.
So, Kahlen, our hero and a former high-ranked soldier wants to pursue his dream of becoming a man of prestige and honour in contemporary 18th-century Denmark. He wants to set up a colony under the king’s name and is willing to undergo what it might take; even doing the impossible in a barren land rumoured to be uncultivatable.
But when a man desires something and works towards the goal with great determination, miracles happen. He succeeded in growing potatoes, a crop unknown to that part of the world and established himself as a man of honour. That’s the beginning and end of the story, which is obvious, but, the real twist is in between— falling in love with the forbidden and getting involved in the deadly political game, the movie is a story of struggle, romance, family, determination, politics and social class conflict.
As you can already sense how much I enjoyed the movie, let’s not ruin the suspense for you by exposing more of the elements. Instead, let’s talk about a few things I found similarities to real life; even to this date.
Struggle never ends for who sacrifices the most
Conflicting as it may sound, I find this very much true in most situations. As seen in the movie, a war hero who returned home was mocked by the state authorities on how little his pension was. Besides, he is being used as a pawn to satisfy personal gain and often ignored for his contribution to the nation. Instead of offering him a gala welcome and ensuring comfort, he is given a ‘chance’ to work on his dream— more like offering him a charity when he should be among the royals.
The same thing applies to modern-day honest soldiers. Always skipped when it comes to ensuring a comfortable life if you’re somehow injured on the battlefield. Others will earn medals for your valour while you rot in a shabby apartment living on a little pension barely enough to compensate for your loss.
They give you a hundred dollars and take back ninety-nine
That’s how it goes, baby!
Money cannot buy true love
In this time of commercialisation, true love is almost extinct. Perhaps people are tired of falling in love from the core of their hearts and stay loyal to one; get bored easily. Yet, it’s something that brings heaven to earth. Surpassing the social class system, true love reaches the souls who crave it. Similar to the movie in talking, where the noblewoman falls in love with a peasant, love finds its way to the destination when the mind connects— very true in real life.
Woman leaving riches of a fortune to be with someone middle class she believes can love the way she desires—I have seen it. Phew!
Well, don’t wait— go and watch this. That’s all, folks.
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