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Breaking the Waves (1996)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 8.2/10
Reviews Counted: 43
Fresh: 37 | Rotten: 6

No consensus yet.

Average Rating: 8/10
Critic Reviews: 8
Fresh: 7 | Rotten: 1

No consensus yet.

audience

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Average Rating: 4.1/5
User Ratings: 28,999

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Movie Info

With Breaking The Waves, director Lars von Trier fashions an often disturbing tale of the singular power of love. Bess (the Oscar-nominated Emily Watson) is a na�ve, borderline simple young woman who lives in a Scottish coastal town ruled by the religious doctrine of its council of elders. Recovering from a mental breakdown caused by the death of her brother, Bess marries a rough yet compassionate and attentive oil rig worker named Jan (Stellan Skarsg�rd). For a brief time, the couple enjoys

R, 2 hr. 39 min.

Drama, Romance, Art House & International

Directed By: Lars von Trier

In Theaters: Nov 29, 1996 Wide

On DVD: Jul 26, 2005

Artisan Entertainment

Breaking the Waves Trailer & Photos

Cast

Emily Watson
Bess McNeill
Stellan Skarsg�rd
Jan
Katrin Cartlidge
Dodo McNeill
Jean-Marc Barr
Terry
Adrian Rawlins
Dr. Richardson
Sandra Voe
Bess' Mother
Mikal Gaup
Pits
Udo Kier
Sadistic Sailor
Phil McCall
Grandfather
Anthony O'Donnell
Boy
Gavin Mitchell
Policeman
David Gallacher
Glasgow Doctor
Ray Jeffries
Man on Bus
Roef Ragas
Pim
Finlay Welsh
Coroner
Charles Kearney
Praying Man
Robert Robertson
Chairman
Sarah Gudgeon
Sybilla
Brian Smith
Police Officer
Iain Agnew
Praying Man
David Bateson
Young Sailor
Peter Bensted
Ugly Man
Callum Cuthbertson
Radio Operator
Bob Docherty
Man on Boat
Simon Towler Jorfald
Boy in Film
Owen Kavanagh
Man at Lighthouse
Steven Leach
Praying Man
Ronnie McKellaig
Precentor
Desmond Reilly
Elder
Dorte R�mer
Nurse
John Wark
Boy
Jonathan Hackett
Priest

Critic Reviews for Breaking the Waves

All Critics (66) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (6) | DVD (4)

Von Trier may put his characters and the viewer through the ringer, yet his empathy toward both is unmistakable.

September 1, 2009 Full Review Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

| Comment

Rob Nelson

City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Here is a film that makes you feel like you've read the novel, seen the movie, and lived the life of a protagonist more empathetic than any other. You just might need a stiff drink afterward.

August 30, 2009 Full Review Source: ColeSmithey.com

| Comment

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

A powerful tear-jerker romantic drama that intriguingly also brings religion into the mix.

September 6, 2007 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

The synopsis doesn't begin to do justice to the psychological and emotional complexities of the tale.

September 15, 2005 Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com

| Comment

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

The actors are superb. [But] it is the easiest thing in the world to do ... move people by destroying something beautiful.

December 6, 2004 Comment

Jeffrey Overstreet

Looking Closer

Unforgettable

December 6, 2004 Comment

Jon Niccum

Lawrence Journal-World

Will introduce the experimental director to a wider American audience.

July 1, 2004 Full Review Source: Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)

| Comment

Judith Egerton

Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY) Source: Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Breaking the Waves

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Breathtaking and heartbreaking, here is a unusual story about a small town woman, thought slow, simple and stupid by her peers, her unbelievably monumental faith in God ... and the bittersweet price for that faith. Not for the faint of heart.

September 7, 2011

moon rivers

Super Reviewer

An incredibly powerful film. While not as vulgar as Antichrist, don't expect to feel comfortable while watching this film. The Cinema-v� (C)rit� (C) style of this film gives this movie a realistic touch which makes the subject matter all the more troubling to handle. Yet, if you can brave the intense exploration into

April 4, 2010

Reid Volk

Super Reviewer

Breaking the Waves Quotes

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Luke: Alright. I'll give it a try.
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