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Breaking the Waves
1996 159 min Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden R 18+
★8.2
Drama, Romance
Director: Lars von Trier
Trailers
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EN
EN
Description
In a small, conservative Scottish village, an oilman is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when he urges her to have sex with another.
Budget:
$7.5M
US Gross:
$3.8M
Worldwide:
$23M
Starring
Emily Watson
Actor
Stellan Skarsgård
Actor
Katrin Cartlidge
Actor
Awards
César Awards 1997
— Best International Feature Film
Cannes Film Festival 1996
— Grand Jury Prize
European Film Awards 1996
— Best Picture
Cannes Film Festival 1996
— Grand Jury Prize
BAFTA 1997
— Best Actress
Golden Globe 1997
— Best Actress (Drama)
Academy Awards 1997
— Best Actress
Goya Awards 1997
— Best European Film
European Film Awards 1996
— Best Picture
European Film Awards 1996
— Best Actress
European Film Awards 1996
— FIPRESCI Prize
Key opinion
Breaking the Waves is widely regarded as a raw, emotionally devastating cinematic achievement that explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the nature of love. While many viewers are deeply moved by its portrayal of spiritual devotion and innocent suffering, others find the narrative logic implausible and the director’s provocative stylistic choices manipulative or cruel.
| Acting | Emily Watson’s performance as Bess provides a haunting, authentic anchor that defines the film's emotional weight. | |
| Cinematography | The use of grainy, handheld cinematography creates a sense of intimacy and claustrophobic realism that enhances the film's gritty atmosphere. | |
| Theme | The film functions as a complex, mythic parable about faith and self-sacrifice rather than a literal narrative, challenging viewers to look beyond conventional morality. | |
| Screenplay | The story divides audiences: some view it as a profound, transcendent look at divine love, while others dismiss the plot as implausible, masochistic, or manipulative. | |
| Culture | Opinions on the film's depiction of religious institutions range from viewing it as a powerful critique of hypocrisy to seeing it as an insulting caricature. |