Nikolaj Arcel’s (internationally acclaimed for the script of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) historical epic drama starring Mads Mikkelsen had its world premiere in the competition section of the Venice Film Festival and is now playing in theatres.

“Bastarden” (“The Promised Land”) tells the true story of a impoverished captain, Ludvig Kahlen, who set out to cultivate the inhospitable land of Jutland, with a seemingly impossible goal: to build a colony in the name of the King.

Of course, he will find insurmountable obstacles along the way, from the long and harsh winter of the North, to the sadistic landowner Frederik De Schinkel.

Photos Courtesy of Henrik Ohsten