Kramer vs. Kramer And The Promised Land

Today was a weird day. I procrastinated a lot, maybe because of the bad weather. I grabbed my Spanish blanket, lay down on my couch, and watched two movies back-to-back.

Kramer vs. Kramer

A workaholic man is abandoned by his wife. Once he learns to take care of his son and even gets fired from his job for neglecting his duties, his ex-wife reappears and fights for custody.

A 1979 film that won 5 Oscars—and deservedly so—since both Hoffman and Streep deliver stellar performances. Although it’s a melodrama, it strikes a balance, never crossing into overly sentimental territory. The young son also gives a very realistic performance (fun fact: they let him improvise, and it clearly paid off).

Overall, it might feel a bit outdated, but that doesn’t take away from the final result. The script is well-written, leaning heavily on realism. It succeeds in delivering a tender message, and the ending, in my opinion, was excellent.

The Promised Land

A lonely captain of humble origins is determined to chase his dream at all costs. So, in 1755, he asks the king for permission to cultivate the inhospitable wastelands of Jutland and establish a royal colony there, in exchange for being granted a noble title. However, he will face many obstacles along the way. Based on true events, it is, in my humble opinion, worth your attention.

Pros

Mads Mikkelsen is excellent, as always.
Very good soundtrack.
The performances overall are solid.
The film is quite atmospheric, with its photography playing a big role in this.
It’s quite violent and brutal.
It has a dark narrative that makes it captivating for viewers.
It manages to hold your interest throughout its runtime.
Impeccable production quality.

Cons

It could have been shorter.
The screenplay occasionally feels stuck, but thankfully, it’s only temporary.
Some might find it a bit old-fashioned... but I didn’t mind at all.