Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Breaking the Waves (1996)
"Breaking the Waves" is a 1996 movie set in the 1970s, in a remote northern Scottish village. It tells the story of Bess (Emily Watson), a sweet-faced and somewhat naive girl with a history of mental health issues, who is viewed with skepticism by her tight-knit community because of her decision to marry Jan (Stellan Skarsgard), an oil rig worker. Despite the community's disapproval, Bess' love for Jan is so intense that she reacts violently when his arrival for their wedding is delayed. Jan, a tall, kind man with a warm smile, simply embraces her in his arms.
Bess is inexperienced in the matters of love and marriage, but her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are evident as she confronts her new husband in the powder room at their wedding reception, expressing her desire to consummate their marriage. This new experience of sexual intimacy transforms her, and she is deeply grateful for Jan's love.
However, tensions are brewing in the background, with Jan's shipmate and Bess' grandfather showing visible animosity towards each other. We also learn about Bess' past struggles, including a breakdown after the death of her brother. Her closest friend is her sister-in-law, Dodo (Katrin Cartlidge), a nurse who chooses to stay in the remote village mainly because of Bess. Bess belongs to a religious sect with strict rules, including the prohibition of women speaking in church and harsh sermons about sin and hell.
Bess' world is shattered when Jan suffers a critical accident on the rig that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite the doctor's bleak prognosis, Bess holds on to hope, fiercely insisting that Jan is strong enough to recover. Jan's condition deteriorates, leading him to make an unusual request: he asks Bess to find another man to sleep with and then tell him about it. Bess is initially uncomfortable with this idea, but she complies out of loyalty and love for Jan. Dodo, however, is furious and accuses Bess of indulging Jan's drug-fueled fantasies.
The movie never really explains why Jan, a seemingly good man, would ask such a thing of his wife. But the focus of the film is on the lengths that Bess is willing to go to in her desperate attempt to save her husband, even if it means putting herself in dangerous situations.
"Breaking the Waves" is a dark and intense film. It is not a movie for everyone and might be best avoided if you are not a fan of deeply unsettling narratives.
- You are under 18, as the film contains adult themes and explicit content.
- You are uncomfortable with graphic sexual content, as the movie contains explicit sex scenes.
- You suffer from severe depression or anxiety, as the movie may trigger these conditions due to its intense emotional drama.
- You do not like slow-paced movies, as the film may feel slow due to its detailed focus on characters and their relationships.
- You are not a fan of emotional drama, as the movie heavily focuses on the psychological aspects and emotions of the characters.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Breaking the Waves"? I thought I was settling in for a cool movie about surfing, something that would make me want to grab a board and hit the nearest beach. But no, instead, I get a film so depressing it has me questioning my very existence.
American Beauty (1999)
Those who appreciate "Breaking the Waves" (1996) will likely also enjoy "American Beauty" (1999) due to the films' shared exploration of complex human emotions, societal pressures, and intricate character dynamics. Both movies delve deeply into their characters' psychological landscapes, featuring protagonists who experience significant personal transformations throughout their respective narratives. While "Breaking the Waves" is set against a religious, rural backdrop and "American Beauty" in a suburban setting, both films delve into themes of love, sacrifice, and rebellion against societal norms. Each movie's masterful storytelling, profound narrative depth, and standout performances contribute to a similar overall tone and mood, which should appeal to fans of either film.
Dogville (2003)If you love Lars von Trier's 'Breaking the Waves,' you're bound to appreciate his later work 'Dogville.' This film, set during the Great Depression, shares a similar societal critique, displaying von Trier's signature stripped-down, minimalist style. The movie's powerful performances, especially that of Nicole Kidman, will keep you engaged from start to finish.
Harold and Maude (1971)Lovers of "Breaking the Waves" will appreciate "Harold and Maude" because both films explore unconventional, intense love stories that challenge societal norms. Both are emotionally heavy and deeply character-driven, offering complex, flawed, and compelling protagonists. Both films also delve into existential themes revolving around life, death, sacrifice, and the human capacity for love, making them impactful and thought-provoking cinematic experiences.
The Lobster (2015)'The Lobster' is a dystopian black comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. If you were drawn to 'Breaking the Waves' because of its unique narrative and distinctive style, 'The Lobster' might be worth checking out. The film presents a surreal and satirical exploration of relationships, much like 'Breaking the Waves' twists the traditional love story.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)Those who love "Breaking the Waves" will also love "2001: A Space Odyssey" as both films delve into deep, thought-provoking themes and challenge conventional storytelling. They share a similar spirit of pushing the narrative boundaries and forcing the audience to interpret and seek their own understanding of the story. "Breaking the Waves" explores the concept of love, sacrifice, and faith in extreme conditions, while "2001: A Space Odyssey" pushes the limits of human understanding about evolution and existence. Both films are directed by visionary auteurs, Lars von Trier and Stanley Kubrick, respectively, known for their unique cinematic style and remarkable ability to create emotionally resonant and visually stunning films.
Citizen Kane (1941)Admirers of "Breaking the Waves" will likely appreciate "Citizen Kane" due to its similar exploration of complex characters and their psychological depth. Both films delve into the human condition, the struggle between personal desires and societal pressures, and the tragic consequences of these conflicts. Like "Breaking the Waves," "Citizen Kane" is a cinematic masterpiece known for its innovative storytelling techniques and visual style. The use of non-linear narrative, flashbacks, and dramatic lighting in "Citizen Kane" can be seen as a precursor to the experimental filmmaking seen in "Breaking the Waves," making it a must-watch for those who enjoyed the latter film.
The Graduate (1967)Devotees of "Breaking the Waves" will appreciate "The Graduate" due to their shared themes of individual struggle against societal norms, complex character development, and emotionally charged narratives. Both films also showcase the protagonists' transformative journeys, anchored by stellar performances - Emily Watson's Bess McNeill and Dustin Hoffman's Benjamin Braddock. Furthermore, they both use innovative filmmaking techniques for their times, contributing to their status as revered classics in the world of cinema.
Midnight Cowboy (1969)Connoisseurs of "Breaking the Waves" would appreciate "Midnight Cowboy" for its similar exploration of complex characters and heart-wrenching narratives. Both films delve into the human condition, tackling themes of love, sacrifice, and suffering, all wrapped in provocative and raw storytelling. The cinematography and performances in both films are exceptional, with each providing an intense, emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact. Just as "Breaking the Waves" showcases Emily Watson's breakthrough performance, "Midnight Cowboy" features standout performances from Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. Both movies are a testament to character-driven, emotionally charged storytelling.
Taxi Driver (1976)Those who love "Breaking the Waves" (1996) will also love "Taxi Driver" (1976) because both films delve into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of alienation, sacrifice and redemption through their complex, multi-dimensional protagonists. Both films are renowned for their intense, emotional storytelling and their commitment to portraying dark and gritty realities, with directorial styles that emphasize atmospheric cinematography and raw performances. So, if you appreciate challenging, thought-provoking cinema that is unafraid to examine the darker corners of human experience, "Taxi Driver" is likely to appeal to you just as "Breaking the Waves" did.
The Piano (1993)"Breaking the Waves" and "The Piano" are intense, character-driven narratives that explore the themes of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit under extraordinary circumstances. They both have strong, complex female protagonists who face societal pressures and personal dilemmas. Their narratives are deeply emotional and controversial, as they examine the intersection of passion, morality, and redemption. Furthermore, both films are brought to life with exceptional performances, atmospheric cinematography, and a haunting score, providing a captivating cinematic experience.
Rushmore (1998)"Breaking the Waves" and "Rushmore," while differing in their respective genres and themes, both offer compelling narratives driven by complex characters and their emotional journeys. These films stand out due to their unique storytelling styles, enhanced by the distinct directorial visions of Lars von Trier and Wes Anderson, respectively. Like "Breaking the Waves," "Rushmore" presents a deeply human story that blends drama and dark humor, with nuanced performances that might appeal to those who appreciated the emotional depth and rawness in "Breaking the Waves." Both films also present unconventional love stories and explore the themes of sacrifice, love, and personal growth.
Dancer in the Dark (2000)"Breaking the Waves" (1996) and "Dancer in the Dark" (2000) are directed by Lars von Trier and are parts of his Golden Heart Trilogy. They share similar characteristics such as intense emotional drama, controversial themes, and the use of innovative filming techniques. Both films also feature strong, complex female protagonists who undergo severe trials and tribulations. Von Trier's distinctive narrative style and his exploration of societal norms, morality, and human suffering offer a unique cinematic experience for viewers, making these films appealing to the same audience.
Antichrist (2009):Again from Lars von Trier, 'Antichrist' is an experimental horror film that digs into complex themes of grief, despair, and guilt. With a deeply disturbing yet artistically impressive narrative, it takes the emotional intensity found in 'Breaking the Waves' to an entirely different level. It's not for everyone, but if you appreciated the emotional courage in 'Breaking The Waves,' this could be your next favorite.
Festen (The Celebration) (1998):'Festen' is a Danish drama directed by Thomas Vinterberg. It's an excellent choice for 'Breaking the Waves' fans, as it marked the beginning of the Dogme 95 movement in cinema, which Lars von Trier also adhered to. 'Festen' is an intense exploration of family dysfunctions and secrets that unfold in real-time during a family reunion.
Blue Valentine (2010):'Blue Valentine' is an intimate and emotionally raw film that explores a relationship's rise and fall. It shares the gritty and realistic portrayal of love found in 'Breaking the Waves.' Directed by Derek Cianfrance, it stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, both delivering powerhouse performances that lend the film its heartbreaking authenticity.
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