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Breaking the Waves (1996) 7.9
Ratings:
7.9/10 from 43,251 users
Metascore: 76/100
Reviews: 219 user | 112 critic | 28 from Metacritic.com Oilman Jan is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when Jan urges her to have sex with another. Director:Lars von Trier (as Lars Von Trier) |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Emily Watson | ... | ||
| Stellan Skarsgård | ... | ||
| Katrin Cartlidge | ... | ||
| Jean-Marc Barr | ... |
Terry
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| Adrian Rawlins | ... |
Dr. Richardson
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Jonathan Hackett | ... |
Priest
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Sandra Voe | ... |
Mother
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| Udo Kier | ... | ||
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Mikkel Gaup | ... |
Pits
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| Roef Ragas | ... |
Pim
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Phil McCall | ... |
Grandfather
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Robert Robertson | ... |
Chairman
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Desmond Reilly | ... |
An Elder
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Sarah Gudgeon | ... |
Sybilla
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Finlay Welsh | ... |
Coroner
(as Finley Welsh)
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Edit
Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Drama set in a repressed, deeply religious community in the north of Scotland, where a naive young woman named Bess McNeil meets and falls in love with Danish oil-rig worker Jan. Bess and Jan are deeply in love but, when Jan returns to his rig, Bess prays to God that he returns for good. Jan does return, his neck broken in an accident aboard the rig. Because of his condition, Jan and Bess are now unable to enjoy a sexual relationship and Jan urges Bess to take another lover and tell him the details. As Bess becomes more and more deviant in her sexual behavior, the more she comes to believe that her actions are guided by God and are helping Jan recover. Written by &view=simple&sort=alpha">Jonathan Broxton <j.w.broxton@sheffield.ac.uk>
Taglines:
Love is a mighty power.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong graphic sexuality, nudity, language and some violence | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See more »
See full technical specs »
Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
13 November 1996 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Contra viento y marea See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$110,741 (USA) (22 November 1996)Gross:
$4,040,691 (USA) (2 May 1997)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (director's cut)Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
Color (Eastmancolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
Edit
Bess McNeill: His name is Jan.
The Minister: I do not know him.
Bess McNeill: [coyly] He's from the lake.
The Minister: You know we do not favor matrimony with outsiders.
An Elder: Can you even tell us what matrimony is?
Bess McNeill: It's when two people are joined in God.
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The person being buried is called Anthony Dod Mantle. This is a reference to Lars von Trier's favorite cinematographer - Anthony Dod Mantle - who served as a location scout in the movie. See more »Goofs
(at around 7 mins) When Bess is in bed with her sister-in-law, the blanket is on, then off, Bess' shoulder. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Bess McNeill: His name is Jan.
The Minister: I do not know him.
Bess McNeill: [coyly] He's from the lake.
The Minister: You know we do not favor matrimony with outsiders.
An Elder: Can you even tell us what matrimony is?
Bess McNeill: It's when two people are joined in God.
See more »
Initially, this story about the marriage of young Scottish woman and a Scandinavian oil rig worker had my eyes glazing over. I was ready to hit the eject button about 20 minutes into the movie. But I held in there and slowly was drawn in to their lives, their environment, and the ghastly tragedy that confronts them.
Lars von Trier is a very patient storyteller, as well as being an eccentric movie maker. In Breaking the Waves, he slowly, very slowly unfolds his drama. The problem is; you have to pay careful attention, and this can be difficult. Von Trier's style, with its hand-held camera, lack of artificial lighting, grainy photography, and lingering close-ups can try the patience. The movie is also long, clocking in at about 2½ hours. But if you see it through, the final half hour will blow your mind, and you will have seen one of the best (and most emotionally powerful) movies of 1996, maybe even the whole decade.