Breaking the Waves (1996) Reviews
- Starring:
- Emily Watson, Stellan Skarsgård, (more)
- Director(s):
- Lars von Trier
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R
Member Rating
My RatingAverage Ratings
11 out of 11 people found this review helpful Caution: do not be fooled by the reviewers who cast this as a story about a naughty little sex-pot and her debauched husband. This film depicts the most astonishing love story since the ancient ... Read More Caution: do not be fooled by the reviewers who cast this as a story about a naughty little sex-pot and her debauched husband. This film depicts the most astonishing love story since the ancient Roman myth of "Cupid and Psyche." Watson and von Trier both deserved Oscars for this one. This film is at once sensual and sad, repugnant and riveting. The use of a single hand held camera provides intimacy that ensnares the viewer. Watson, as Bess, is the most innocent and beguiling character you will ever encounter. Besss relationship with god, played out through an eerie solitary dialectic becomes more plausible as the story unfolds until the big finale (equal parts heartbreak and joy) when the viewer learns the true power of Besss relationship not only with her husband but also with her god. To say any more would spoil the prize. If you allow yourself to fall in love with Bess in the first scene, you will be riveted for the full 2 ½ hours. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful This is the story about love. Everyday we experience this breathtaking emotion with both inanimate objects and with other souls. It is when we finally find true love that nothing else in the world ... Read More This is the story about love. Everyday we experience this breathtaking emotion with both inanimate objects and with other souls. It is when we finally find true love that nothing else in the world seems worthy or good. We work as hard as we can to continue this warmth that we feel in our hearts when true love exists, and sometimes that means going to a level we never thought imaginable. That is the central theme of Lars von Triers epic, Breaking the Waves. Love has no boundaries as we watch Bess do everything possible (and more) to keep the relationship with her husband together during the roughest of times. This is a love story, but not like one we have seen in a very long time. I dont think we will see anything similar to this again. It will be hard for Hollywood to emulate such raw talent, groundbreaking direction, and life-changing story. Thank you Lars von Trier for your imagination and passion for love. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful Lars is in the midst of creating his own mini genre of moviemaking: the horribly depressing as entertainment. This along with dancer in the dark have got to be two of the most unrelentingly dismal ... Read More Lars is in the midst of creating his own mini genre of moviemaking: the horribly depressing as entertainment. This along with dancer in the dark have got to be two of the most unrelentingly dismal movies ever made. The problem with not liking them is that he is a master, and in the hands of the truly gifted any type of cinema transcends itself. I only warn the happy shiny people to stay away, you will be crushed beneath the tread of tank Lars. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful I didn't like the way it was filmed. The shots were often blurry and the camera-work unsteady. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The love Bess has for Jan is so pure and she is ... Read More I didn't like the way it was filmed. The shots were often blurry and the camera-work unsteady. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The love Bess has for Jan is so pure and she is child-like in her adoration of him. Jan, on the other hand, is a man of the world with his long hair and cavalier attitude towards his new wife's faith. I don't want to give too much away, but I found myself wondering what would've happened if Bess was the one injured and Jan had to give up life on "the rig" to come take care of her. How long would he have stayed with this woman who loved him so much and cared nothing for herself? This film portrays the difference between the way men and women love each other and where their priorities lay in a marriage. Emily Watson should have won an Oscar for her role in this film. It was brilliant! Stellan Skarsgard is always brilliant in my opinion, but I could not feel much compassion for his character, Jan, in this film. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful No matter how cruel love is in this movie it is the answer. This movie was filmed using the Dogma technique that von Trier came up with. Camera in your hand and roll. This movie tells a story of a ... Read More No matter how cruel love is in this movie it is the answer. This movie was filmed using the Dogma technique that von Trier came up with. Camera in your hand and roll. This movie tells a story of a very religious girl who fell in love, got married, tasted love and wanted her husband to be with her all the time. The God she believes in answers hers s but there is always a price to pay. Bess is a believer and she will do anything to keep her love alive. Anything. That anything leads to dramatic consequences. It is a movie about being in love and the risks you would take for the person you love. A must see even for non romantic people. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
3 out of 6 people found this review helpful Not for everyone, but if you like the I love you and will do anything for you type of story, then watch this with your opposite sex partner and be prepared for the tears "it's so sweet" thing. Just ... Read More Not for everyone, but if you like the I love you and will do anything for you type of story, then watch this with your opposite sex partner and be prepared for the tears "it's so sweet" thing. Just to watch for me, a bit boring. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful Bu filme sifir verenin taa a.qWAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No |
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