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Breaking the Waves (1996)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
13 November 1996 (USA)
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Tagline:
Love is a mighty power.
Plot:
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. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar.
Another 40 wins
&
13 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(32 articles)
Exclusive Interview: Chris Alexander talks to Lars Von Trier about Antichrist
(From Fangoria. 12 November 2009, 8:33 AM, PST)
Exclusive Interview: Chris Alexander talks to Lars Von Trier about Antichrist
(From Fangoria. 12 November 2009, 8:33 AM, PST)
(From Fangoria. 12 November 2009, 8:33 AM, PST)
Exclusive Interview: Chris Alexander talks to Lars Von Trier about Antichrist
(From Fangoria. 12 November 2009, 8:33 AM, PST)
User Comments:
My brief review of the film
more (196 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Emily Watson | ... | Bess McNeill | |
| Stellan Skarsgård | ... | Jan Nyman | |
| Katrin Cartlidge | ... | Dodo McNeill | |
| Jean-Marc Barr | ... | Terry | |
| Adrian Rawlins | ... | Dr. Richardson | |
| Jonathan Hackett | ... | Priest | |
| Sandra Voe | ... | Mother | |
| Udo Kier | ... | Sadistic Sailor | |
| Mikkel Gaup | ... | Pits | |
| Roef Ragas | ... | Pim | |
| Phil McCall | ... | Grandfather | |
| Robert Robertson | ... | Chairman | |
| Desmond Reilly | ... | An Elder | |
| Sarah Gudgeon | ... | Sybilla | |
| Finlay Welsh | ... | Coroner (as Finley Welsh) |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
MPAA:
Rated R for strong graphic sexuality, nudity, language and some violence.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
159 min | USA:153 min (director's cut)
Language:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:16 |
Singapore:R21 (re-rating) |
New Zealand:R16 |
Australia:R |
Canada:18A |
Chile:18 |
Denmark:12 |
Finland:K-14 |
France:-12 |
Germany:12 |
Hong Kong:III |
Hungary:16 |
Italy:VM14 |
Netherlands:16 |
Norway:15 |
Portugal:M/16 |
Singapore:R(A) |
South Korea:18 |
Spain:18 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:18 |
USA:R |
Argentina:16 |
Israel:18
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The first film in Lars von Trier's "Golden Heart" trilogy in which the heroines remain naïve despite their actions. The two other parts are Idioterne (1998) and Dancer in the Dark (2000).
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Quotes:
The Minister:
I would say to you that if there is one of these commandments you do not love and do not obey, you have no business at the Lord's table.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in From Dogma to Dogville: Don't Try This at Home (2006)
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Soundtrack:
I Did What I Did for Maria
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (196 total)
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A film about love, faith, religion and many other things, it is a draining experience but yet fascinating to watch, with superb acting and an intriguing main character. It is surprising how gripping the film is, as it is difficult to watch, not just because of the subject matter, but also because of its style. Made by the conventions of Dogme '95, the film has many extreme close-ups, generally shaky camera-work and errors in continuity for editing and audio levels, all of which is supposed to amount to a film that looks and feels more realistic. With this film though, the quality of the acting and writing provide enough realism alone, and therefore the style serves no purpose other than to make the film more difficult to digest. It is an incredibly long film, and while this is not too much of a problem, the chapter markers are noticeably long without much reason either. Still, the film comes through despite its detracting bits. Watson, in her first film performance, is excellent, and Cartlidge provides great support. This is not an easy film to watch and like, but it is easy to admire what is done well in the film.