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Photo courtesy Samuel Goldwyn Films

Photo courtesy Nordisk Film Distribution

Our City Tonight

By Jim Gordon and Leeta Liepins

Published 12:39 PDT, Fri May 23, 2025

Spotlight on 2 movies for home viewing

THE VIEW #1 – William Tell

The two films we recommend for home viewing have a number of similarities: both are “period piece” dramas, and both have strong protagonists with life-threatening challenges. But the most important similarity is that both films are led by the strong, charismatic performances by the lead actors, who are also both Danish. In the case, of William Tell, it is Claes Bang in the title role of the Swiss noble huntsman, forced to take up arms when his peaceful life and family are threatened by a neighbouring foe, the ruthless Austrian Empire. For most, William Tell is known for crossbow-shooting the apple off the top of his son’s head. But why did he do this? In the film, inspired by the legend of William Tell, that is unveiled, as we follow his revolutionary leadership against the Austrians in the pursuit of freedom for his country. Northern Irish writer/director Nick Hamm (whose award-winning and diverse body of work includes the superb films, 2016’s The Journey and 2018’s Driven) has delivered a rousing, powerful film with a solid cast that includes Connor Swindells, character actors, Ben Kingsley and Jonathan Pryce. The choice of Claes Bang is perfect casting, and much like what Mel Gibson did thirty years ago in the film Braveheart about the fight for freedom, Claes Bang’s performance and star quality, keep you glued to the screen. William Tell is available now for home viewing. samuelgoldwynfilms.com

THE VIEW #2 – The Promised Land

In The Promised Land, our protagonist’s battle, for is most part, is with Mother Nature and the land over which she rules. It’s 1755 and retired Danish officer, Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), has one single goal: to follow the king’s call to cultivate the land—a barren heath—build a settlement and thereby achieve wealth and honour himself. The Royal Danish court think Kahlen is mad, but grant permission if only to see him fail. Though Kahlen is focused to the point of obsession, he knows the challenge is almost insurmountable. What he doesn’t count on is Frederik De Schinkel, a merciless landowner in the area who believes that the heath belongs to him and not the King. For Kahlen, the battle quickly forms on two fronts: trying to cultivate the soil in an unforgiving and harsh climate, while also refusing to bend to the powerful De Schinkel. But somehow in the middle of all this chaos, the lonely Kahlen develops a unlikely family of individuals who have nothing and no one. The farming pun aside, The Promised Land is the kind of movie that grows on you, largely due to its lead actor, the always superb, always interesting, Mads Mikkelsen. He is also surrounded by a great supporting cast including Amanda Collin and Simon Bennebjerg as the evil De Schinkel. crave.ca