Review of Breaking the Waves (2014) by Adrian B — 12 Jan 2013

Bess the saint. Itâ(TM)s about this couple that get married, Bess and Jan (Emily Watson and Stellan Skarsgard). After their marriage, a tragedy occurs, and to say that it puts a strain their relationship is an understatement.

Bess is a completely pure person, although not the most rational thinker. Through her actions, she tries to save Jan. Lars von Trier has this way of taking women who are completely good-natured, almost to a fault, and putting them in the worst possible situations that challenge their morals.

This is exactly why he gets accused of being misogynistic, but I donâ(TM)t care what people say, I think he makes great, sledge-hammer-to-the-heart movies. Emily Watson is so fantastic in this, it is difficult to believe that this is her big screen debut.

Like a lot of von Trierâ(TM)s works, this isnâ(TM)t the easiest film to watch, as it is mostly conflict without much relief. But it is really well done, has a thought-provoking message about religion, and if you like your movies to punch you in your gut, this is your fist.