Movie Description
Danish director Lars von Trier's BREAKING THE WAVES is a sweeping romantic fable that is photographed like a low-budget documentary, resulting in a strikingly original motion picture from one of contemporary cinema's most distinct visionaries. Bess (Emily Watson) is a shy young woman living in a small Scottish shore town. When she meets Jan (Stellan Skarsgard), the two immediately fall in love. Jan is a rig worker who immediately embraces Bess's absolute innocence. Soon after, they are married. Their magical existence comes to a crashing halt when Jan is forced to return to sea for an extended period of time. In a series of intense dialogues with God, Bess begs for Jan's return back to shore immediately, and when Jan is paralyzed in a freak accident, her wish is granted. Convinced that her prayers caused Jan's tragedy, Bess devotes her life to redeeming herself however she can. Jan insists that she experience sexual relations with a series of strangers, relating to him her escapades. Obeying his wish, she begins to see that her actions are restoring Jan's health, sparking her into committing one reckless final sacrifice. Watson delivers one of the most stunningly naked screen debuts in screen history, filling BREAKING THE WAVES with an intensity that is tragic, yet somehow hopeful.
| Credits | | Cast: | Jean-Marc Barr, Stellan Skarsgaard, Udo Kier |
Notes
Theatrical release (N.Y. & L.A.): November 15, 1996.
The film was shown at the New York Film Festival on October 4 & 6, 1996.
At one point, Helena Bonham Carter and Gerard Depardieu were slated to play the lead roles.
Lars von Trier consciously chose not to match shots even when the weather changed drastically within a scene, foreshadowing his Dogme 95 manifesto.
"You've been a bad girl, Bess."--Bess (Emily Watson), as God, talking to Bess
Editorial Reviews
"...A spellbinder....[Watson's] knockout performance heralds one of the most extraordinary film debuts in ages..."
Travers
"...A soaring story of love and devotion....Watson is a major find....Graced with delicate, expressive features, she gives an extraordinary performance..."
Variety - David Stratton (05/20/1996)
"...Skillful and provocative filmmaking....An examination of the nature and power of faith..."
Los Angeles Times - Kenneth Turan (11/20/1996)
Ranked #10 in Entertainment Weekly's "10 Favorite Films of the '90s" -- "...A vérité mirage....[Watson gives an] indelible performance..."
Entertainment Weekly - Owen Gleiberman (04/10/2000)
"Its raw emotionalism and documentary-style technique are the lifeblood of von Trier's own Dogma 95 movement, and just seven years later, it already feels like a classic."
Premiere - Premiere Staff (12/01/2003)
Awards
1996CannesJury Prize
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