Breaking the Waves

Rating:
Summary: An incredible, deeply moving experience
Review: "Breaking the Waves" is one of the best films I've ever seen -- I have added it to my list of top ten best films ever (right up there with "Citizen Kane" and "The Piano"). It is not for the faint of heart, however, nor is it recommended for those who like their movie endings tied up neatly. The film has stayed with me and continues to raise questions about the nature of faith, the power of religion and community, and the meaning of love. Emily Watson's performance was pure and sincere -- she should have won an Oscar. The breaks between "chapters" filled with great music and breathtaking scenery were an inspired device to give the viewer a necessary breather, a moment to allow the previous scenes to sink in. This movie will stay with me for a very long time. If you liked "The Piano" or "The Rapture," then I strongly recommend "Breaking the Waves."

Rating:
Summary: Unbearably DREADFUL!!!!
Review: This movie is FOR SADISTS ONLY. From the beginning, you know that the central character is hopelessly doomed, and you spend almost 3 hours just watching her fall apart. It's so obvious throughout that she doesn't have an ice cube's chance in hell, and the film ponderously proves you right. I could not muster any sympathy at all for such a helpless, hapless, and totally idiotic character. The film is like one continuous, monochromatic downhill slide, with a puzzlingly "upbeat" (by comparison) or "inspiring" ending which is hilariously inane. Can be summed up thus: an idiotically naive, half-retarded woman falls blindly religiously in love with an undeserving lout and basically martyrs herself for him. Really difficult to watch...plus very pretentiously "artsy," self-indulgent and snail-paced.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing performance, pity about the script
Review: There is no question that Emily Watson gives an amazing performance in "Breaking the Waves." Unfortunatly, it is this performance that led many to overlook the fact that the script is unbearably pretentious, remarkably inplausible, and tremendously self indulgent. 2 and a half hours mof watching a woman bed hop and humilate herslef until the inevitiable and very predictable conclusion. Full of art house cliches, "Breaking the Waves" can be appreciated only for bringing Emily Watson to the world's attention.

Rating:
Summary: A VERY GOOD MOVIE
Review: I think that this movie should have won Best Picture of the Year. It is such a beautiful movie and is very emotional.

Rating:
Summary: In one word....haunting
Review: I was told by several people this was an intense drama that was at times difficult to watch, but I didn't care. The warning I soon learned was the understatement of the century. The film itself is emotionally draining and perversifying, but the aftershock is what really got to me. Emily Watson's huge blue eyes raised to heaven as she converses with the Almighty followed me for weeks. Watson's debut is astounding and her performance chilling. I was offended she did not recieve an Oscar for this foray in the dark depths of religion and heartbreaking love. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys acting and cinematography at its best, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Rating:
Summary: Haunting and beautiful
Review: It took some time for me to shake off the imprinted images and emotion of this movie. The cinematography is outstanding and the unpredictable story is broken up by shockingly beautiful screen shots that are so tranquil and well timed that you wonder for many of them if they are still shots or, because of the improbable beauty, phoney!

Intense acting and well edited, a must see. (not recommended for those who insist on feel-good movies with Hollywood endings).

Rating:
Summary: rare and original reworking of Christian themes
Review: This is a very unusual reinterpretation of the Christian concept of love and suffering. Filmed in a rough, hand held documentary style- almost like a home movie- this is an intense , beautiully written, beautifully acted story. It can seem difficult to watch at times because it is so emotionally intense. It will appeal to those who have an interest in the boundaries between religion and insanity. I would compare it to "The Rapture." With this single film Trier hasbecome ,in my opinion, one of the major filmakers today. ( One might look at Trier's "The Kingdom" if you liked Kubrick's "The Shining " .

Rating:
Summary: Quite moving for those who know the pain of...
Review: So simple, unpretentious, but very powerful story. I would have bought the book if there was one, and have read it again and again. Very impressive.

Rating:
Summary: Haunting...
Review: Bizarre and beautiful, I'm thankful that I didn't see this on the big screen...it would have been too intense for me. Some parts are difficult to watch (rape & obligatory sex) but I found it thought provoking and rich.

Rating:
Summary: Time will prove it a classic...
Review: Did you ever notice that almost every movie getsan average of 4.5 stars on Amazon and every movie, no matter how inane gets loads of "the greatest movie ever" quotes. The reasons are obvious, but the result is intriguing. That being said, I was blown away by this film in the theater. Not only does Emily Watson give one of the finest performances in the history of film (up there with Renee Falconetti in the equally devastating "Passion of Joan of Arc") but the stylistic choices of Von Triers elevate an otherwise familiar tale of redemption and sacrifice into something larger and greater. The documentary like approach, coupled with the storyline (which is essentially a fantasy- note the chapter headings and the final image, which, though jarring because of its incongruity with the rest of the body of the film, actually serves to tie the whole film into a cinematic storybook) make for one of the most emotionally draining and cinematically rewarding films I have ever had the fortune of seeing. For another film with a similar contrast between style and content (documentary filmmaking vs. fantastic story) see kore-eda's film, afterlife. It is a shame that Emily Watson's immense talents have not been utilized to such effect since (The Boxer and Hilary and Jackie were much weaker films, despite the comments below) DVD with director and actress' commentaries, please.