This basically true story is set in the 1700s Denmark, when a war hero (Mads Mikkelsen) sets out to settle the country’s barren heath into productive farmland. Meanwhile, the extremely cruel nobleman neighbor presents continuous obstacles. Throughout the seemingly endless setbacks, Mikkelsen creates a character with a steely stare and stubborn determination. As the villainous aristocrat, Simon Bennebjerg delights in his evil deeds almost to the point of twirling a moustache. Even though the never-ending tragedy sometimes seems over the top, Mikkelsen’s portrayal adds an emotional aspect that makes the unbearable situations endurable. (3.5 / 5)

Movie was at Movieland but tonite is the final showing.