While being known for co-writing the Dogme 95 manifesto, Lars von Trier’s first film after breaks his rules with built sets and music added in post. Still, Breaking the Waves has plenty of von Trier’s thematic preoccupations, challenging the notions between faithfulness and sexuality by positing a married couple who cannot indulge in marital pleasure, due to being paralyzed. While the premise leads to explicit scenes, it’s more harrowing than sexy, really. It’s terribly heartbreaking as Bess does all she can for her marriage, first by praying for her husband’s return, and then following his perverse wish, partly from guilt, but partly from pleasure, even when it goes contrary to her repressive church and community. Breaking the Waves may not be an easy watch, but regardless of what you personally feel about the morality of Bess’ actions, von Trier will nevertheless bring you to empathy.
Reviews
Awards
Nominee: Best Actress at the Oscars
Nominee: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role at the BAFTA AwardsWinner: Jury Prize at the Cannes Film FestivalNominee: Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film FestivalBest Foreign Film: César at the César AwardsWinner: European Actress of the Year at the European Film AwardsWinner: European Film of the Year at the European Film AwardsWinner: FIPRESCI Prize at the European Film AwardsNominee: Best Actress: Drama at the Golden Globes (USA)Drama: Best Motion Picture at the Golden Globes (USA)Best European Film: Goya at the Goya AwardsNominee: Best Foreign Film at the Independent Spirit AwardsWinner: New Generation Award at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association AwardsWinner: NBR Award: Top Ten Films at the National Board of ReviewWinner: Best Actress at the New York Film Critics Circle AwardsWinner: Best Cinematographer at the New York Film Critics Circle AwardsWinner: Best Director at the New York Film Critics Circle AwardsNominee: Best Film at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards
Genre
Drama, Romance
Director
Lars von Trier
Actors
Adrian Rawlins, Bob Docherty, Charles Kearney, David Bateson, David Gallacher, Desmond Reilly, Dorte Rømer, Emily Watson, Finlay Welsh, Gavin Mitchell, Iain Agnew, Jean-Marc Barr, John Wark, Jonathan Hackett, Katrin Cartlidge, Klaus Hjuler, Mikkel Gaup, Phil McCall, Robert Robertson, Roef Ragas, Sandra Voe, Sarah Gudgeon, Stellan Skarsgård, Udo Kier
Language
English
Mood
Challenging, Character-driven, Dark, Depressing, Discussion-sparking, Emotional, Gripping, Intense, Raw, Tear-jerker, Thought-provoking, Well-acted
Popular
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