Movie spotlight
Promised Land
Settlers from infertile parts of Yugoslavia, arrive to rich Slavonia and Baranja. There they are faced with the decree of the Communist government by which they will be left without the land that they received in the process of collectivization just a year ago. The peasants fiercely resist the government's decision. Milisa Matic is a peasant who fights against the establishment of peasant cooperatives because in that case many peasants would lose their newly acquired land. The Communist government has decreed the founding of cooperatives and Markan Radisic is in charge of their establishment. When Markan's son proposes to Milisa's daughter, the two men confront each other. In self-defense Markan kills Milisa, however the national court fails to find mitigating circumstances. On the way to prison he listens to the news on radio about the abolition of agricultural cooperatives.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1940, a young farmhand in Saskatchewan, Canada, named Larry Colton dreams of escaping his rural life and joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. He falls for a local girl, but his ambition and the looming threat of World War II pull him away. Larry grapples with his desires and the harsh realities of war as he enlists and trains to become a pilot.
Critical Reception
Promised Land received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some acknowledged the performances of the young cast and the atmospheric setting, many found the plot to be predictable and underdeveloped. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with the film failing to garner significant attention.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its early performances from Kiefer Sutherland and Meg Tilly.
Criticized for a meandering and uninspired plot.
Felt like a forgettable coming-of-age story set against a historical backdrop.
Google audience: Google user reviews are scarce for this film, with most comments indicating it's a lesser-known effort that doesn't leave a strong lasting impression.
Fun Fact
Although set in Canada, the film was shot in and around Calgary, Alberta, showcasing the Canadian Prairies.
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