Breaking the Waves

October Films | Release Date: November 13, 1996

8.0	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 85 Ratings

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User Reviews

User score By date Most helpful

LauraGSep 22, 2008

You just can't close your mouth once the movie has finished.

1 of 2 users found this helpful

PatC.Oct 14, 2005

This ambitous film goes exactly where it wants to, but the editing is a bit generous, always an indicator that a film may be taking itself too seriously. Some of the enabling characters take on stereotypical tones, and the entire plot hangs This ambitous film goes exactly where it wants to, but the editing is a bit generous, always an indicator that a film may be taking itself too seriously. Some of the enabling characters take on stereotypical tones, and the entire plot hangs tenuously on a damning indictment of freighter captains. The shift at the end from actuality to religious allegory is a bit of a push. An obviously flawed movie, but remaining brilliantly undiminished because of its realistic portrayal of community chaos from too much order imposed by and upon the dysfunctional. The film is startling in its splendid acting, eclectic musical interludes, surreal cinematography, and powerful character development. Definitely not a film for all tastes, but dead on for those who have found life to work that way.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

antoñeteDec 29, 2006

Unforgettable masterpiece with a masterclass perfomance by Emily Watson as Bess McNeill.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

AndremaxOct 30, 2018

Despite Emily Watson's masterful acting, here's a pretentious and not a ambitious film.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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johnblack1979Aug 2, 2015

Deadly boring. Give me back my 150 minutes. Total waste of time. I will never understand why people are so fascinated by these artsy craps. My eyes still hurt because of the pixeling..

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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JayHAug 30, 2009

Emotionally, the film is devastating, and it is certainly not a cheery movie. The performances are rich and deep, Emily Watson is amazing. I was a bit disappointed in the ending however, but it is a very well crafted film.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

mahdimeshkateeNov 28, 2019

at first, the movie is strange, and it stays that way till the end. but as simple as it seems, the mindset behind it and what von trier sees in people, makes you more human and gets you thinking and maybe crying at the same time. prepare forat first, the movie is strange, and it stays that way till the end. but as simple as it seems, the mindset behind it and what von trier sees in people, makes you more human and gets you thinking and maybe crying at the same time. prepare for a non-traditional romantic drama to watch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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NickTheCritickNov 3, 2021

First film of the "good heart trilogy" by Von Trier. A great Emily Watson flanked by Stellan Skarsgård in this drama full of sentiment and clichés that never result to be neither disappointing or out of place. A heart-breaking drama thatFirst film of the "good heart trilogy" by Von Trier. A great Emily Watson flanked by Stellan Skarsgård in this drama full of sentiment and clichés that never result to be neither disappointing or out of place. A heart-breaking drama that contrasts goodness and wickedness in the contrast between two human beings: a selfish man and a good-heart woman in love with her husband willing to do anything for him, even to die.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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