Dancer in the Dark
Fine Line Features | Release Date: September 22, 2000
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 228 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
200
Mixed:
14
Negative:
14
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
JeremyMay 2, 2007
[maybe spoilers] Spectacular movie. Spectacular performances. Had this been done by a major famous Hollywood director, it'd be up for an Oscar - if anything for Bjork's wondrous lead performance. One thing that bothers me most [maybe spoilers] Spectacular movie. Spectacular performances. Had this been done by a major famous Hollywood director, it'd be up for an Oscar - if anything for Bjork's wondrous lead performance. One thing that bothers me most about the critics giving poor reviews (20s, 30s, 40s) is that they blame it on the depression. "This si 2.5 hours of pure depression," or "the climax: with death row unendurable." It bugs me cause THATS WHAT THE MOVIE IS! It's supposed to be gut-wrenching, and heart-wrenching. It's supposed to make you cry. Make you feel. Make you hate it. It drains you mentally and emotionally, and, sometimes, physically. It's not unendurable though, cause you need to see what happens to her. And then that last song and it's pure misery backing it up - it really gets to you. And when it gets cut off.... one of the most depressing and best endings I've seen to a movie. Though probably the most depressing movie I've ever seen, and probably one of the most depressing movies EVER MADE... it's incredibly well done and it ranks among my favorites.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
consumerDec 25, 2010
If you think all this movie has is depression and really nothing else, I think you don't even have emotion. You can see the cast and director put so much of feelings and effort into the film. The film is equal to humanity. The themes of theIf you think all this movie has is depression and really nothing else, I think you don't even have emotion. You can see the cast and director put so much of feelings and effort into the film. The film is equal to humanity. The themes of the story are love, compassion, greed and ignorance, and what else the human mind works. Lead actress Bjork acts and sings so impressively, the director chose the right actress to star and the correct composer who was Bjork. Sad film but many lessons learned from it indeed.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
MorriBeyMay 7, 2011
The movie is shot like a documentary which magnifies the sadness of the ending. It is a sad sad movie and has no moral message to offset the tragic ending. Its a movie that i will always love but its always a movie that i would neverThe movie is shot like a documentary which magnifies the sadness of the ending. It is a sad sad movie and has no moral message to offset the tragic ending. Its a movie that i will always love but its always a movie that i would never recommend giving its fatalistic ending. Only for the strong at heart.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
alerosrafMay 31, 2014
Dancer in the dark is a fantastic and touching musical drama with stunning interpretation of Bjork. I would love see her in another movie because she was simply perfect.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
LenisMar 14, 2015
One of my favorite films ever, really deep and the musical it's emotional fantastic, the soundtrack moves your soul with such a beautiful and Electro-organic sound that reflects perfectly the Selma feelings
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
The3AcademySinsMar 6, 2019
Haunting and completely underrated, Dancer in the Dark is a rewarding film experience. I never thought a movie directed by Lars Von Trier and starring Bjork would be good, or even ever made, but what a pleasant surprise. Shot like aHaunting and completely underrated, Dancer in the Dark is a rewarding film experience. I never thought a movie directed by Lars Von Trier and starring Bjork would be good, or even ever made, but what a pleasant surprise. Shot like a documentary, the plight of Bjork's character and her world and desperate desire to save her son is heightened that much more. This is also one of the saddest movies I have ever seen. There are some stylistic incongruencies in the movie, but overall everything works, even the musical bits!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
smijatovDec 20, 2010
Dancer in the Dark is one of my favourite films ever. I cannot help but cry every time I watch it. The excellent performance by Bjork (surprisingly excellent, might I add) and the genius direction of Lars von Trier work perfectly to make oneDancer in the Dark is one of my favourite films ever. I cannot help but cry every time I watch it. The excellent performance by Bjork (surprisingly excellent, might I add) and the genius direction of Lars von Trier work perfectly to make one of the best films that have graced the film screen. Intensely disturbing, yet intensely gratifying and rewarding.… Expand
9 of 10 users found this helpful91
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10
MisterKSOct 2, 2013
This movie is utterly depressing, but you can't help feeling its wonder of the musical. It's very inventive and compelling. Yet, the story is making us frustrated. It is very unique in its own way. See it, and i dare you not to cry at the end!
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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1
D00mM4r1n3Oct 16, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dancer in the Dark starts out fine enough with song and story then quicly disintegrates into your typical Euro-trash dark drama. While the summary claims to be about a story taking place in Washington, the entire film comes across as European for the simple reason that it was filmed in Europe. It's both an insult to America and bad film making at the same time. There is nothing that Bjork's character did that would ever result in a death penalty, let alone be carried out in the manner shown.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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2
ryancarroll88Aug 27, 2010
A movie that will tear your heart apart - that is if you don't tear your eyes out first. It's too bad, because Björk showed so much promise as an actress in the beginning - but by the end her performance just relies on viewerA movie that will tear your heart apart - that is if you don't tear your eyes out first. It's too bad, because Björk showed so much promise as an actress in the beginning - but by the end her performance just relies on viewer sympathy and nothing else. To give it some credit, the musical sequences are very well done on their own, but they have no stylistic place in this movie… Expand
3 of 11 users found this helpful38
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10
SilentHSep 9, 2008
One of the best movies Ive ever seen by far. A total masterpiece. Definitely recommend this movie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
FenwickeJul 20, 2008
Bjork was great, but what was the point of this depressing movie?
0 of 2 users found this helpful
10
PanchogulSep 24, 2020
No apta para personas que sufren de ansiedad y depresión. Es un musical, si, pero en vez de ser el típico lleno de alegria y positividad, es uno para simplemente pasarlo jodidamente mal, que no te engañen aquellos momentos que parecen deNo apta para personas que sufren de ansiedad y depresión. Es un musical, si, pero en vez de ser el típico lleno de alegria y positividad, es uno para simplemente pasarlo jodidamente mal, que no te engañen aquellos momentos que parecen de ensueño, ésta película es jugará con tu sensibilidad y te romperá el alma en mil pedazos.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
BrettC.Mar 11, 2006
It is the first movie that made me cry in years; Bjork's performance is mind blowing, though the camera work can be a bit frustrating, the movie itself is thrilling.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AndrewPSep 13, 2009
"Dancer" is one of the most thought-provoking, heart-wrenching films of the decade. It's a work of art that demonstrates that film as a medium, is still capable of evolving. "Bambi" may have been voted the saddest film ever, but surely, "Dancer" is one of the most thought-provoking, heart-wrenching films of the decade. It's a work of art that demonstrates that film as a medium, is still capable of evolving. "Bambi" may have been voted the saddest film ever, but surely, "Dancer" makes a mockery of any such list.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
CraigBOct 24, 2005
This movie is disturbing, really disturbing. But disturbing in a good way because it confronts the viewer with a reality of capital punishment that its strongest advocates mostly are not willing to face. Bjork is one of the most talented This movie is disturbing, really disturbing. But disturbing in a good way because it confronts the viewer with a reality of capital punishment that its strongest advocates mostly are not willing to face. Bjork is one of the most talented singer/songwriters of our time, and it was interesting to see her abilities as an actress, as well. The film loses points for its unnecessary overuse of the shaky, handheld camera.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JoanneA.Feb 22, 2006
A stunningly emotive film, as true to life as it wants to be. The morale, " They say it is the last song / They don't know us, you see / It's only the last song / If you let it be" is one to live your life by.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AndrewW.May 14, 2006
This movie is simply amazing to me. So emotionally moving.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DaddyMay 31, 2001
Oh yeah...
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BrianCJan 17, 2008
The only movie that has ever made me sob uncontrollably. That may sound like a bad thing, but this is simply an amazing film. I had the soundtrack prior to seeing the film and kinda knew that it was going to be something somber. She is The only movie that has ever made me sob uncontrollably. That may sound like a bad thing, but this is simply an amazing film. I had the soundtrack prior to seeing the film and kinda knew that it was going to be something somber. She is amazing in this film. It is absolutely heart-wrenching, but a must-see nonetheless.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ClifCDec 23, 2008
Some reviews are simply made for speculations. This film is not about Lars von Trier's self-importance, I don't even know what's the reason of this statement! It's an original movie (even "worse", a musical film) that Some reviews are simply made for speculations. This film is not about Lars von Trier's self-importance, I don't even know what's the reason of this statement! It's an original movie (even "worse", a musical film) that depicts the ordinary life of a mother who's ready to make everything, really hard, to save her son from blindness. It's common, yes, but the movie breathes of sincerity and realism, with this touch of surrealism with Björk's extraordinary music and great voice. The performances are great, specifically Björk's one (this woman is really THE ART in itself). The story is black, cold. We are not invited to laugh in front of this movie, simply to see how cruel life can be. Depressing? Maybe, but life is sometimes worse than that. The only problem I noted is the way sometimes it's filmed. Sometimes hard to stomach. Maybe this film would have a metascore of 90 out of 100 if it was directed by Steven Spielberg. F**k Hollywood-boot-lickers reviewers!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ChaziltasmFeb 15, 2012
Dancer In The dark by visionary film director Lars Von Trier is one of my favourite films, yes what my favourite film is doesn't matter, but this film is quite simply exquisite. This film uses all of the wonderful techniques seen in Dogme 95Dancer In The dark by visionary film director Lars Von Trier is one of my favourite films, yes what my favourite film is doesn't matter, but this film is quite simply exquisite. This film uses all of the wonderful techniques seen in Dogme 95 films, to create a deeply immersive filmic experience. The handheld style helps to feel like you are watching a woman's life unfold tragically before you. As it may not be to everyone's taste i'm sure, it is certainly a heart breaker, you cannot help but sympathise with Selma, and a powerful award wining performance certainly contributes to your emotions. For some reason I enjoy the musical/drama, a unique blend. I find it hard to find flaws, and to me it will be a narrative and aesthetic masterpiece.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
jimmytancrediMay 29, 2011
Lars von Trier never fails to impress and distress in his films. Dogville, Antichrist, Manderlay and Dancing In The Dark, which this one is his most gripping work. Situated in a United States built in the middle of England, since the directorLars von Trier never fails to impress and distress in his films. Dogville, Antichrist, Manderlay and Dancing In The Dark, which this one is his most gripping work. Situated in a United States built in the middle of England, since the director refuses to ride a plane, but compensates by rebuilding the spirit of the country and its people with pesonal perfection, the film tells the story of the sweet and innocent Selma, suffering from a disease that will leave her blind and that by being hereditary, then began to affect his beloved son Gene. Despite being in immigrant status, work hard in a factory, living in a small trailer for the properties of a couple and have to struggle to save money for an operation for her son, who refuses to reveal, even tense moments in the film, Selma with her spirit always remains light and dreamy and outrageously good throughout the movie, a character without becoming silly or annoying, but incredibly exciting. After committing a crime is intention, Selma sees everything so that struggled to escape her control, but still insists her goal of helping her son and her good behavior not to harm anyone. After the event climax, all sequences become distressing and depressing, in placing side by side with the pain of the character and causing outrage, anger and absolute sadness in particular at the crime scene and the final sequence. The few, crucial musical moments, are very similar to the work of Björk, a somewhat surreal atmosphere, which take place in the mind of Selma, and act as a form of escapism from the harsh realities it faces. The acting is another highlight for the movie. Björk surprised with an interpretation intense and moving every second of the film, which unfortunately wasnâ… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
AndremaxNov 18, 2018
I don't even like musicals, but Dancer in the dark brokes paradigms inside this genre. Although nauseating and near-amateur photography which understandable but hardly acceptable, Trier magistrally brokes poetic justic and brings a concretI don't even like musicals, but Dancer in the dark brokes paradigms inside this genre. Although nauseating and near-amateur photography which understandable but hardly acceptable, Trier magistrally brokes poetic justic and brings a concret expression of nihilism and uses musical parts as a protagonist's escapist resource from her disgraces instead of simply vomit it randomically in watcher's face. DITD is involvent, intriguing and well calculated.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
DanielSolanoDec 26, 2013
Emotive and artistic. This is a Master piece, i dare to say it's the best film Von Trier has ever made.
Björk becomes in a lovely mother that wants the best for his son... but we're not used to watch sad movies, may tear your heart appart.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
davd123Jan 26, 2018
This was probably the saddest and the most traumatizing movies I have ever seen. The acting is gold, the storyline is interesting and the filming odd but in a good way. It strange to see some critic's picking this movie as one of the greatestThis was probably the saddest and the most traumatizing movies I have ever seen. The acting is gold, the storyline is interesting and the filming odd but in a good way. It strange to see some critic's picking this movie as one of the greatest of all time and other pulling it down. I will never ever forget this movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
LegitSaltApr 19, 2018
This was the first film by 'Nazi' Lars Von Trier that I have seen, and I'll say it bluntly, I really enjoyed it. The first 1/3 of the movie or was rather stale, and poorly acted, this combined with distracting editing was anything but a turnThis was the first film by 'Nazi' Lars Von Trier that I have seen, and I'll say it bluntly, I really enjoyed it. The first 1/3 of the movie or was rather stale, and poorly acted, this combined with distracting editing was anything but a turn on for me. But, as I continued to watch, it didn't bother me as much, because I was sucked into the compelling characters and story. I felt tangible pain several times in the movie when Bjork's character continued to destroy her life, just to keep up the facade of being unimpaired. Bjork, as a whole, was a spectacle to watch, I really bought into her blindness, and felt like I was watching the tragic story of a real Czechoslovakian immigrant. Her blindness didn't seem to be all that consistent, but for the most part, it was a well-implemented plot device. Going back to Bjork, the sounds that she brought to the movie were right up my alley, and after the credits started rolling, I found myself having bought the soundtrack and listened to it play a few times through before I went on to my next task of the day. The tension and emotion built up during the climax and finale were exquisite, and, had I been a more emotional person, I have no doubt I would have cried. Overall, this is a wonderful film that accomplished many things at once. It manages to be an 'anti-musical' critiquing the idealist nature of classic Hollywood musicals. It does this while also still managing to be an enticing drama with great sound to boot. I definitely recommend this to both fans of classic Hollywood musicals, like 'The Sound of Music' or 'My Fair Lady', and to those seeking an enticing and engaging drama.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
mahdimeshkateeNov 28, 2019
the last of the golden heart trilogy is a beautiful sad take on a the life of a woman so gorgeous inside and out that you can't feel anything but empathy and sorrow throughout the film. it's so personal that you actually feel hurt during andthe last of the golden heart trilogy is a beautiful sad take on a the life of a woman so gorgeous inside and out that you can't feel anything but empathy and sorrow throughout the film. it's so personal that you actually feel hurt during and after watching the movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
CLeCromDec 30, 2020
Dazzling Björk in this indictment against the death sentence, in tight close-ups. This film is a UFO, musical without being.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
grapefruitOct 21, 2020
Bjork's performance in Dancer in the Dark is second to none. The movie was a slow burner for me as I'm not a big fan of musicals, yet by the final act I realised why it was so important for music to play such a big part. Yes this film is veryBjork's performance in Dancer in the Dark is second to none. The movie was a slow burner for me as I'm not a big fan of musicals, yet by the final act I realised why it was so important for music to play such a big part. Yes this film is very depressing but I came out of watching it feeling moments of glee thanks to the amazing soundtrack and very bittersweet ending.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
IconicyasDec 13, 2021
An amazing film! With Björk's hidden talent of acting, the way she bought Selma jezkova to life and made her character feel substantial is so undoubtedly adequate.
So, i personally do not like musicals but something about dancer in the darkAn amazing film! With Björk's hidden talent of acting, the way she bought Selma jezkova to life and made her character feel substantial is so undoubtedly adequate.
So, i personally do not like musicals but something about dancer in the dark is so appealing to watch, the story about a blind czech woman who tries to save her son from going blind too, aw mother's love, so tragic.
This movie is just depression like fully, sad, emotional and touching. if you didn't feel for selma i'd assume you're an insensitive person.
The icelandic actress put lots of effort and feelings to give us this shy and timid czech immigrant perhaps the total opposite of Björk's personality.
Nonetheless, a great film overall, perfect story, great acting, beautiful songs, And of course a sad ending that would leave you sobbing, for me personally i'd consider it one of the saddest 2000's films, the thing about it that it sort of gets boring in the middle but then suddenly something interesting happens, but anyway it's not an issue since well the plot is so emblematic, the acting makes you sob, and the way the pop star put such emotions into this character is so great even better than that i'm so speechless, i don't know but something about it is real and it still happens in our lives today, where immigrant women suffer a lot, such a human lesson and what a magnificent film overall.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
NickTheCritickNov 3, 2021
Second film of the "good heart trilogy". While "Breaking the Waves" showed a woman's immense love for her husband with "Dancer in The Dark" Von Trier explores how far a blind mother is willing to go for the sake of her little son. AnotherSecond film of the "good heart trilogy". While "Breaking the Waves" showed a woman's immense love for her husband with "Dancer in The Dark" Von Trier explores how far a blind mother is willing to go for the sake of her little son. Another heartbreaking ending to a really good movie. Great soundtrack, superb singing and acting performances by Bjork.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
GigiProiettiliJul 23, 2023
Amazing and gut-wretching. This movie punch you in the nuts multiple times.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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