Promised Land
Focus Features | Release Date: December 28, 2012
6.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 70 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
33
Mixed:
28
Negative:
9
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8
hollyvJan 16, 2013
The take away is this. Farm families may not have loads of money but they have land. The land stays with the family for generations... Land is permanent. Fracking doesn't destroy the land, it just makes it no longer suitable for familyThe take away is this. Farm families may not have loads of money but they have land. The land stays with the family for generations... Land is permanent. Fracking doesn't destroy the land, it just makes it no longer suitable for family farming. When this happens? The money is (more often than not) quickly spent. Money is not permanent. The natural gas companies don't live and farm there, so this works for them. For the farm families? They've been there for over 100 years. I know. I grew up in an area now overrun with fracking. In Pennsylvania, these are really family farms... not the thousand acre corn fields of the west, but 100-200 acre dairy farms.

If an energy company wanted to dig for coal on your land, we would assume that the land would be lost for farming. Natural gas is currently just as destructive - in a different way. What we need is a safe way to extract energy from the planet. It's this race to resources that the movie focuses on -- can the energy companies get those leases signed quickly, move in with equipment, remove all the natural gas and get out of town before the locals become politicized. Politics, corporate greed, conspiracy theories and lobbying groups come together in this film. There's also a good twist on this dynamic that will leave you thinking...… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
ZakMSep 3, 2013
A fairly average story, but great acting, directing and cinematography does go to make a good film. The humor of the film is very good, an enjoyable film, but it's not about to go win any major awards. Still a great film to pass the time withA fairly average story, but great acting, directing and cinematography does go to make a good film. The humor of the film is very good, an enjoyable film, but it's not about to go win any major awards. Still a great film to pass the time with great performances from Damon and Krasinski.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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0
OroiaelJan 4, 2013
The film is nothing more than propaganda against the energy industry. There is very little actual "content" around this myriad of bad acting, poor writing, and incendiary rhetoric. This is NOT a thoughtful reflection on critical issuesThe film is nothing more than propaganda against the energy industry. There is very little actual "content" around this myriad of bad acting, poor writing, and incendiary rhetoric. This is NOT a thoughtful reflection on critical issues surrounding our growing need for energy against environmental and public safety dangers. There are many other ways to engage in this vital debate rather than watching this nonsensical diatribe. The filmmakers did very little homework and over simplified both side, actually. Citizens living in rural America should be outraged by their portrayal as simpering dolts. Spending money on this film only further enables Hollywood to masquerade uninformed opinions as fact.… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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7
hsg9000Jan 5, 2013
In a nutshell: fine acting, skillful directing, beautiful photography, sublime soundtrack, murky screenplay. The politics in the movie are actually rather low key -- the other "reviewers" here clearly haven't seen the movie and are trying toIn a nutshell: fine acting, skillful directing, beautiful photography, sublime soundtrack, murky screenplay. The politics in the movie are actually rather low key -- the other "reviewers" here clearly haven't seen the movie and are trying to push a "drill baby drill" perspective. The non-politics part of the screenplay is where the movie gets into trouble. Damon plays "Steve" who is supposed to be a hotshot closer who can get people to sign over their rights three times better than any other team. Yet he seems befuddled and confused through much of the whole process once he arrives in town to sign people's rights away. We're told he's good, but we never really see a gung-ho seller. Although Damon is a fine actor, I think he's miscast -- the part really needs an oily, dubious huckster like Brad Pitt. Frances McDormand is exceptional in her part, and Holbrook gives a sublime performance, although his part just disappears through the middle of the movie. Krasinski is exceptionally fine here and really lives the part of a glib gladhander. Rosemarie DeWitt is just wonderful in a beautiful performance. In sum, I wouldn't call this a "must see," but it's definitely worth a cable or DVD watching for the fine performances and lovely look of the movie.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
MovieBuff2013Jan 5, 2013
Great acting and a great story. Worth seeing with all of the big blockbusters out in the theaters today. Like small town America, this film captures the charm and spirit of those of us who still believe in an American Dream that isn't filledGreat acting and a great story. Worth seeing with all of the big blockbusters out in the theaters today. Like small town America, this film captures the charm and spirit of those of us who still believe in an American Dream that isn't filled with greed and the false promises of big corporations.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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0
AlexSinSeattleJan 6, 2013
This is a trite and overly simplistic treatment of a complex issue. Please beware some of the positive reviewers, especially those criticizing negative reviewers are actually hired by the movie studios to troll review sits and make falseThis is a trite and overly simplistic treatment of a complex issue. Please beware some of the positive reviewers, especially those criticizing negative reviewers are actually hired by the movie studios to troll review sits and make false reviews. Remember, Hollywood doesn't care about America and only is interested it advancing its bizarre agenda. Another horrible film that was too hard to watch. The powers-that-be in Tinseltown should stick to what they do best, nudity, profanity, and car cashes and leave serious issues to real people.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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0
NazguleroApr 23, 2013
This movie was so poorly written, the acting so bad, that I did not even care about the actual subject matter. This could easily be Matt Damon's worst performance ever. How believable is it that he is the top sales guy for a billion dollarThis movie was so poorly written, the acting so bad, that I did not even care about the actual subject matter. This could easily be Matt Damon's worst performance ever. How believable is it that he is the top sales guy for a billion dollar company He behaves like a loser salesman who cannot even sell a used car to a blind man...stuttering, mumbling, no eye contact. But yes, he gets a promotion.
I really wonder who puts down money to get this crap produced. Because it will for sure never earn itself back.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
ShaleShockMediaJan 6, 2013
Viewers Respond to Promised Land
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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0
asdasd33aApr 11, 2013
If there was a point to this movie I have missed.
This movie advertises itself as a message but really falls flat delivering said message.
Other than that it is extremely boring.
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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2
JamesCannonDec 28, 2012
I cant wait to see this liberal hogwash not only bomb but get made fun for years to come. While Matt Damon is probably a better actor then I am, him and clooney's liberal projects are so horrible I wish they would just stick to making semiI cant wait to see this liberal hogwash not only bomb but get made fun for years to come. While Matt Damon is probably a better actor then I am, him and clooney's liberal projects are so horrible I wish they would just stick to making semi funny heist pictures to pick apart America corporate greed.… Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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6
bfoore90Oct 13, 2016
Promised Land is a solid flick with a good message about the dangers that come with fracking and how big businesses try to take advantage of small towns. Again, if you can get past the pacing Promised Land is a solid movie that benefits fromPromised Land is a solid flick with a good message about the dangers that come with fracking and how big businesses try to take advantage of small towns. Again, if you can get past the pacing Promised Land is a solid movie that benefits from the sure direction of Van Sant and the performances of the main cast. Its a passable political drama that touches on a very important issue this day and age.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
ScraperApr 15, 2016
I really wish representatives of my interests didn't put together such manipulative crap. The reality of the natural gas situation is that people in small towns are not named Alice and Frank, they aren't all teachers at the high school,I really wish representatives of my interests didn't put together such manipulative crap. The reality of the natural gas situation is that people in small towns are not named Alice and Frank, they aren't all teachers at the high school, they're powerless against fracking companies, fracking representatives don't hand out bribes to environmental companies - they control governmental officials so they won't have to. The bullying is done on paper and is settled 99% before it comes to your doorstep.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Sir_BrandonJan 10, 2013
Matt Damon and director Gus Van Sant reunite after 15 years since Good Will Hunting for a small film that is more than just about fracking. It takes on the issue of big business coming in to small, poor towns and sucking the life right out ofMatt Damon and director Gus Van Sant reunite after 15 years since Good Will Hunting for a small film that is more than just about fracking. It takes on the issue of big business coming in to small, poor towns and sucking the life right out of them. Perhaps that is too harsh since it is up to the people in these towns to decide if they want to let them in or not. But corporations have a way to get precisely what they want by any means necessary. John Krasinski and Damon wrote the script and while it… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
lasttimeisawFeb 20, 2013
This film should’ve been Matt Damon’s director debut (he is one of the co-writer and co-producer) since Ben Affleck is hot on fire in his director chair, it must be quite tempting for Matt to follow his suit. Then for unknown reasons, heThis film should’ve been Matt Damon’s director debut (he is one of the co-writer and co-producer) since Ben Affleck is hot on fire in his director chair, it must be quite tempting for Matt to follow his suit. Then for unknown reasons, he backed up from directing while remaining in starring in it. So a safe backup stand-in is Gus Van Sant, to whom Matt and Ben will forever indebted for the sake of GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997, 8/10), so the proviso here is that one should not expect it as a true Gus Van Sant’s vehicle than a tossed-off understudy product under his belt (as I will not call his previous film RESTLESS 2011, 7/10 a misfire). The trailer can also be misguiding, if one appraises from its juicy backstory, then assumes it will be another righteous individuals vs. global gas company on ecological terms of winning the moral and monetary victory, or another ERIN BROCKOVICH (2000, 8/10), PROMISED LAND never goes that far to unveil a certain impulse of inspirational excitement, and craftily it engineers on a personal route of redemption and choosing the right way to go, with a trifle soppy sentiment and hasty conspiracy theory. Matt Damon is always playing Matt Damon (even in the action-packed BOURNE series), less an articulate orator than George Clooney, but wearing a much humbler ordinary-joe outfit, his final confession is banal but teemed with sincerity and earnestness, also an emotional spiel in the pub, which will wrought a punch in the face soon after, might end up as the highlights in his acting stretches. Frances McDormand, is excellent as usual, hardly shines with her sidelined role, basically as an observer, her character holds up a well-maintained bulwark and conveys a more reality-concerned authenticity. John Krasinski (also a co-writer and co-producer), oozes a smug confidence throughout, until it comes his “twist-revealing”segment, switching between two antagonistic parties could never be easier or more shameless from his gauche utterance, also the twist is very lame (maybe I’ve watched too many USA TV series since I literally felt it coming and prayed it would not be the case). Rosemarie DeWitt, Krasinski’s significant other in reality, curbed by the benevolent nature of her role, is too trivial to mention. The only solid supporting performance is from Hal Holbrook, the one and only brain among the villagers, concludes the film with his concern on the focal point, how we can juggle with both the advantage of our modern life and the elephant-in-the-room ramifications it instigates, we all want to take the high ground of morality while not giving up our various privileges, there is no such good things, a pipe dream for all. To conclude, PROMISED LAND has its languid pace and formulaic structure, the palette is enjoyable, but it is just a foil in Gus Van Sant’s erratic filmography, period.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MonsieurEamesJan 21, 2013
Average, but Promised Land benefits from Gus Van Sant's steady hand and some solid work from a talented cast. I don't see why everyone was so upset by the ending. I thought it was satisfying.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
SpangleApr 30, 2017
Promised Land is a celebration of this forgotten group of people. The farmers that slave daily to see their crops be profitable. The people that were left over when a factory closed. With a natural gas salesman swooping in and telling them toPromised Land is a celebration of this forgotten group of people. The farmers that slave daily to see their crops be profitable. The people that were left over when a factory closed. With a natural gas salesman swooping in and telling them to sell off their land to be fracked and strike it rich from the efforts of the gas company, Promised Land shows how much more is at stake. Fighting back against the fracking due to what it would do to their family's land, the people of this small Pennsylvania town are not so willing to sell out their land and their animals. After the government and their old jobs took everything else, this land and farm is all they have left and they are not willing to see it be sold to possibly become ruins after it is fracked. Showing the big conglomerate Global Crosspower Solutions do all they can to try and win over this town, Promised Land shows that those in the positions of the farmers are not just doing what they are out of pure arrogance or pride. This is all they have and they will not stand by and let it be destroyed in some get rich quick scheme. Something's are more important than money and this is one of them.

Sending in Steve Butler (Matt Damon) and Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand) to close the deal in the town, the two make very good headway and begin to have great success. However, a town meeting goes awry with science teacher, MA in Engineering holder, and former employee of Boeing Frank Yates (Hal Holbrook) arguing that fracking is not good for the water supply. Rattled, Steve winds up agreeing to a vote over whether or not the natural gas company can enter the town or not. Shortly after, environmentalist Dustin Noble (John Krasinski) arrives in town and begins rallying the troops against Steve and Global, even stealing Steve's new girl Alice (Rosemarie Dewitt).

Celebrating this working class American who loves the land and simply wants to be able to make ends meet, the two sides begin to clash. The two can see the benefit in selling out and making money while they can through a new industry. However, if it ruins the land, they will not be able to live with themselves. Elegantly showing the struggle faced by these citizens and how they know they need to find something new to do, but are too committed to their family farm to want to try and find a new option, Promised Land shows the tragic decision put before them: lose their identity or lose their dignity. It is not an easy choice and the film shows the negative forces surrounding their decision: propaganda from the environmentalists and empty promises and strong-arm tactics from the energy industry. Between the two, it feels like no decision is the right one and whatever route is chosen, one must follow their heart and figure out what is right through thorough soul searching.

However, in spite of its nuanced approach to these two sides, Promised Land can get a bit preachy at the end with its anti-corporate message and its pro-environment closing monologue by Damon's character. While it is well-written, it devolves into a bit of a public service announcement and is far too preachy in its third act to really make it all come together. Fortunately, until then, it gives a voice to the muted. Those whose issues are not worth becoming passionate over for many Americans and whose voices are written off as belonging to some nefarious group stuck in the past. These are hard working people who do what they do out of respect for their past generations and because they love what they do. Through people such as Alice, Frank, and Jeff Dennon (Scoot McNairy), we see just how they work to be able to accomplish anything. Shortcuts are not an option as they have spilled too much sweat on the soil to just sell it off. It is a part of who they are and they are a part of it. If it dies due to fracking, then a whole lot more than a few acres of land are dead: their whole lives are dead and gone forever.

Featuring an excellent lead performance from Damon alongside strong supporting turns from McDormand, Holbrook, Krasinski, Dewitt, McNairy, Titus Welliver, and Lucas Black, Promised Land may not be as good as the previous Gus Van Sant directed and Matt Damon co-written effort, but it is a good film nonetheless. Shining the spotlight on an area covered in eternal darkness with strong characters that bring the film to life with realistic drama and natural and easy flowing comedy, Promised Land is a film that has unfortunately been met with a mixed reception. In spite of its reception, it is an essential film that openly debates the pros and cons of fracking, as well as how things can get misrepresented in these cases and how much influence big companies truly have in the world. Bringing to the forefront the lives of farmers is not glamorous, but it is incredibly well taken in this smart, funny, and sad, story of a town fighting for its life against a natural gas giant.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
oblique15Dec 7, 2013
Promised Land is a fight that puts BIG Business vs small town.It`s nice that it shows you how cruel big businesses can be, but it`s nothing that most don`t already know.The movie is really slow for the most part.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
worleyjamersJun 4, 2013
Promised Land is an adequate political drama. It has a decent screenplay and some good performances, but nothing special here. The film, while solid, lacked urgency or any real conviction; it seemed like these actors were stuck in a bland movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
BradySmithAug 30, 2013
Talk about underrated. The movie is nearly perfect. It's characters feel more real and believable than any I can even remember, and the screenplay is keen on real life interaction. The character development here never feels forced. InTalk about underrated. The movie is nearly perfect. It's characters feel more real and believable than any I can even remember, and the screenplay is keen on real life interaction. The character development here never feels forced. In addition to this the acting is basically flawless from the entire cast, and it's directed with extreme skill. It's about as good as a drama of this breed can get. I have a feeling that the natural gas companies paid off some of the reviewers so they'd review it poorly.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
cheeseberger11Sep 3, 2013
Promised Land is solid flick with a good message at the end of a plot which wasn't as predictable as you would think. Not one of Damon's best performances but not bad.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
McLaughlinViewsSep 3, 2013
A fairly average story, but great acting, directing and cinematography does go to make a good film. The humor of the film is very good, an enjoyable film, but it's not about to go win any major awards. Still a great film to pass the time withA fairly average story, but great acting, directing and cinematography does go to make a good film. The humor of the film is very good, an enjoyable film, but it's not about to go win any major awards. Still a great film to pass the time with great performances from Damon and Krasinski.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
CD28498Apr 12, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a movie where basically a team from a large company comes in wants to buy land from a small town for their oil company's expansion project. Since this small town has not been having the best time money wise they at first welcome it then a small group of people then realize how this land should not be used not be wasted this way and that it is their land.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
JLuis_001Sep 7, 2017
An interesting subject, a respected director, an impeccable direction, with an spectacular cinematography and pleasant music, Promised Land is more than what it promises but does not advance more than what it tries, thestory is not so much aAn interesting subject, a respected director, an impeccable direction, with an spectacular cinematography and pleasant music, Promised Land is more than what it promises but does not advance more than what it tries, thestory is not so much a critic as it is a reflection, there are structural flaws in the script, but its protagonist manages to get ahead, in addition to that its director helps sufficiently… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
geewahFeb 3, 2021
A movie that at it's roots is a political/environmental tale of big business trying to impose their will on a small town through money and propoganda.
A solid enough effort from van Sant but not his best work either.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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