Breaking the Waves

Adrian Rawlins, Emily Watson, Jean-Marc Barr

The revolutionary Dogma 95 school of filmmaking washed up on American shores with this intense European drama starring Emily Watson as Bess, a naīve Scotswoman who's convinced that God will heal her p...( read more  read more... )aralyzed husband (Stellan Skarsgård) if she has sex with other men. Director Lars von Trier shot the film using only available light, handheld cameras and no musical score; the result is a stunning, nakedly emotional film.

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91% liked it

Critics

85% liked it

R, 2 hrs. 38 min.

Directed by: Lars von Trier

Released: November 29, 1996

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DVD Released: July 26, 2005

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Top Flixster Reviews


  • January 7, 2009
    Although the cover of the dvd looks like something Richard Gere may star in, make no mistake...Lars von Trier has made a great film with stunning performances and dramatic intensity. In addition to its' message about sacrificial love, Breaking the Waves reveals the contrast betwe... ...( read more )
  • November 6, 2008
    The Von Trier way of film making is always fascinating, usually not only due to the stories he has to tell but also the way he tells them. Breaking the Waves is simple compared to his other works (Dogville, Dancer in the Dark) but all the better for it. Watson plays a highly reli... ...( read more )
  • October 4, 2008
    I don't really feel like giving this film much credit, but for all its hatefulness and misogyny and its impossibly warped view of the world, it does have a few strengths. Emily Watson's performance is one of them; it's nice to think that her Oscar nomination is appropriate reward... ...( read more )
  • February 13, 2008
    All at once.
  • November 6, 2007
    Review coming soon.
  • July 3, 2009
    Perfect Valentine's Day viewing...

    If your Valentine's Days are filled with bitterness, recrimination and unflinching misogyny. Which most are, from what I can tell.

Critic Reviews


Comments


  • KLFilmmaker
    October 8, 2006
    You must see this. Von Trier' other work is pretty interesting and moving too.

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