Watch The New Land

The New Land is a 1972 Swedish historical-drama film directed by Jan Troell. The movie is a sequel to Troell's earlier film, The Emigrants (1971), and continues the story of a Swedish family that emigrates to America in the mid-19th century. The movie stars Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, and Eddie Axberg, amongst others. The film begins with the Karl Oskar (Max von Sydow) and Kristina (Liv Ullmann) and their family arriving in southern Minnesota after a long journey from Sweden. They begin their new life on a farm, but a series of setbacks, including crop failures, illness, and the death of their infant child, test their will to survive. Despite these struggles, Karl Oskar and Kristina remain determined to succeed in their new land.

The movie depicts the harsh realities of life on the American frontier in the mid-19th century. The settlers face numerous challenges, including harsh winters, drought, and attacks by Native American tribes. The film explores the tensions between the settlers and the Dakota Sioux, who are forced to give up their ancestral lands to make way for the white settlers. The consequences of these conflicts are depicted in a powerful and heart-wrenching way.

The New Land is a movie about hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. The characters are driven by a desire to build a better life for themselves and their families, and they are willing to endure even the harshest conditions to achieve their goals. The film celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit and offers a compelling portrait of the American frontier experience.

The movie features outstanding performances by the lead actors. Max von Sydow brings a quiet strength and dignity to his portrayal of Karl Oskar, a man who is determined to provide for his family in their new home. Liv Ullmann is equally impressive as Kristina, a woman who must confront numerous challenges while raising her children in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The two actors have a remarkable chemistry on screen, and their performances capture the complex emotions of their characters.

Eddie Axberg is also excellent in his role as Karl Oskar and Kristina's son, Robert. The young actor captures the innocence and enthusiasm of a child growing up in the American wilderness, and his performance provides a fresh perspective on the challenges facing the settlers.

The cinematography in The New Land is breathtaking, capturing the vast expanse of the American plains and the stark beauty of the landscape. The film features stunning images of the changing seasons and the natural world, which serves as both a source of wonder and a formidable obstacle for the settlers. The film's haunting score, composed by Bengt Ernryd, adds to the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, The New Land is a powerful and moving film that offers a fresh perspective on the American frontier experience. The film depicts the challenges facing immigrants in a new land while celebrating the courage and resilience of the human spirit. The exceptional performances, breathtaking cinematography, and moving score make The New Land a must-see movie for anyone interested in the history of the American West.

The New Land is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.