Breaking the Waves
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75% Critic Match

Breaking the Waves

Love is a mighty power.

7.5 / 10 1996 2h 39mR Danish
DramaRomance

Storyline

In a small, conservative Scottish village, an oilman is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when he urges her to have sex with another.

Cast & Crew

Emily Watson

Emily Watson

Bess McNeill

Lead
Stellan Skarsgård

Stellan Skarsgård

Jan Nyman

Katrin Cartlidge

Katrin Cartlidge

Dodo McNeill

Jean-Marc Barr

Jean-Marc Barr

Terry

Adrian Rawlins

Adrian Rawlins

Dr. Richardson

JH

Jonathan Hackett

Priest

Sandra Voe

Sandra Voe

Mother

Udo Kier

Udo Kier

Sadistic Sailor

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Lars von Trier's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
4.0
Every frame feels alive. Breaking the Waves is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker