Review of Breaking the Waves (2014) by Augustine H — 14 May 2012

There's a first time for everything, and what Breaking the Waves has proven is that I'm truly capable of enjoying a Lars von Trier film. Who knew?

Breaking the Waves came out in 1996, a few years before Dancer in the Dark and over a decade before Antichrist and Melancholia, neither of which I care for.

There's no doubt that Breaking the Waves has elements of other von Trier films. There are certain visual similarities. It's divided into parts. It's very unusual. And it's entirely character driven. That said, the performances are excellent, especially Emily Watson's - outstanding is a more accurate word for hers; it's no wonder she was nominated for Best Actress.

In truth, I haven't seen all of von Trier's films, so I shouldn't speak as if I have, but after Antichrist and Melancholia, I hadn't planned to go out of my way to see any more. Now, I'm interested to see what other gems von Trier is responsible for.