Promised Land (1988)
A raw, intimate portrait of youth and disillusionment, where the American Dream meets the weight of real life.
Promised Land - Movie Information
- Original Title: Promised Land
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Michael Hoffman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 22, 1988 (United States - R), January 27, 1989 (Brazil)
- Alternative Titles: Gelobtes Land (DE), Terra Prometida (BR), 懷夢之邦 (HK)
- Production Companies: Great American Films Limited Partnership, Vestron Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Promised Land - Plot
Three recent high school grads - star athlete Hancock, his cheerleader girlfriend, Mary, and the awkward Senator - aim to leave their small town behind and realize big dreams, but their idealistic plans collide with life's harsh realities.
Promised Land - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where ambition and reality collide:
Life on the edge of the American Dream.
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Promised Land - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Michael Hoffman
Main Cast
- Jason Gedrick
- Tracy Pollan
- Kiefer Sutherland
- Meg Ryan
- Googy Gress
- Deborah Richter
- Oscar Rowland
- Sandra Seacat
- Jay Underwood
- Herta Ware
Writers
- Michael Hoffman
Producers
- Rick Stevenson
Promised Land - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Promised Land?
The film features Jason Gedrick as Davey Hancock, Tracy Pollan as Mary Daley, Kiefer Sutherland as the troubled Danny Rivers, and Meg Ryan as Bev Sykes. Googy Gress, Deborah Richter, Jay Underwood, and Herta Ware round out the supporting cast in memorable roles.
What is Promised Land (1988) about?
Promised Land follows three former high school classmates navigating life after graduation in a small American town. A once-promising athlete, his girlfriend, and a social outcast each chase their dreams, only to find that adulthood brings disappointment, moral compromise, and the painful gap between hope and reality.
Where can you stream or watch Promised Land (1988)?
You can watch Promised Land on Tubi TV, Hoopla, Plex, and Plex Channel for free. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Fandango at Home Free also offers it with ads.
What makes Kiefer Sutherland's role in Promised Land memorable?
Kiefer Sutherland plays Danny Rivers, a volatile drifter whose chaotic energy drives much of the film's tension. It's an early career performance that showcases his ability to portray unpredictable, morally complex characters — a quality that would define many of his most iconic roles in the years that followed.
Was Promised Land an early role for Meg Ryan?
Yes, Promised Land came out in 1988, just before Meg Ryan's breakthrough in When Harry Met Sally... (1989). She plays Bev Sykes, a wild and unpredictable young woman paired with Kiefer Sutherland's character. It's a fascinating glimpse at Ryan in a darker, edgier role than her later romantic comedies.
What is the age rating for Promised Land?
Promised Land is rated R in the United States, meaning it's intended for audiences aged 17 and older. The rating reflects mature themes including moral ambiguity, violence, and the darker aspects of young adult life in small-town America.
Who directed Promised Land and who wrote it?
Michael Hoffman both directed and wrote Promised Land. It was an early feature for Hoffman, who would later go on to direct films such as One Fine Day (1996) and The Last Station (2009). The film reflects his interest in character-driven drama and the complexities of human aspiration.
What are some movies similar to Promised Land (1988)?
If you enjoyed Promised Land, you might also like Alice's Restaurant (1969) and Forces of Nature (1999) for their road-trip and coming-of-age energy. Emma's Bliss (2006) and Cousin, Cousine (1975) share its romantic and dramatic sensibility, while Coast to Coast (2004) echoes its themes of escape and reinvention.
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