Review of Breaking the Waves (1996) by Kilo D — 20 Feb 2014

"Breaking the Waves" is breathtaking cinema told through the lens of a highly gifted director. Von Trier weaves themes of religion, morality, sexuality, guilt, and loss without a heavy hand--the story unfolds, separated by gorgeous landscapes and musical numbers, with the characters as the centre.

And at the centre is Watson's towering talent and her character, Bess, a character not unlike one seen in a Bergman movie. And, indeed, Bergman appears as the main influence, however Von Trier's voice is far too vivid to be dismissed as a hack or imitator and "Breaking the Waves", an emotional napalm of a movie, is a landmark for its director and actress and cinema.

It will tear one apart and leave them trying to reassemble their selves for days after viewing.