Breaking the Waves (1996): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Breaking the Waves is a 1996 romantic drama directed by Lars von Trier, starring Emily Watson. It runs 2 hours 39 minutes and earned $3.8 million worldwide. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 39m (159 min)
- Director
- Lars von Trier
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- October Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Breaking the Waves About?
The premise of Breaking the Waves without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In a close-knit Scottish coastal community, Bess McNeill experiences an unexpected romance with Jan Nyman, a Norwegian oil rig worker. Following a devastating accident that leaves Jan paralyzed, their relationship is strained as he grapples with his physical and emotional struggles. Bess's unwavering faith is further challenged by hidden tensions within her marriage and the desires of those around her, leading to a profound and complex examination of devotion, sacrifice, and the depths of human experience.
Breaking the Waves Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- female full frontal nudity
- love
- accident
- husband wife relationship
- female frontal nudity
- female pubic hair
- scotland
- oil rig
- sexuality
- promiscuous woman
- outdoor sex
- wedding dress
+38 more Show fewer
- voyeur
- voyeurism
- naive young woman
- protective male
- vicarious sex
- faith
- small town
- death
- self sacrifice
- marriage
- sadism
- prostitute
- true love
- wedding
- bigotry
- sexism
- male pubic hair
- north sea oil
- female topless nudity
- sex scene
- male full frontal nudity
- hairy crotch
- domestic drama
- psychological drama
- tragedy drama
- period drama
- live action
- pantyhose
- husband lets wife have sex with another man
- simulated hand job
- handicapped husband
- paralyzed husband
- wife has sex with a random stranger
- grandfather granddaughter relationship
- mother daughter relationship
- transcendentalism
- depiction of god
- condemnation
Breaking the Waves Cast
Emily Watson stars in Breaking the Waves. Directed by Lars von Trier.
-
Director Lars von Trier
More from Lars von Trier
More films directed by Lars von Trier, best-rated first: Medea, Melancholia, The Five Obstructions and Dancer in the Dark.
Breaking the Waves Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Breaking the Waves 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.
-
IMDb 7.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 85% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 91%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 82 Metascore
User score 7.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 75% User score
See on TMDB
Breaking the Waves Plot Summary
What happens in Breaking the Waves from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The story of Breaking the Waves explores profound themes of love, faith, and sacrifice set against the backdrop of a small, devout coastal village in North Scotland during the 1970s. This community, deeply anchored in its traditions, particularly looked down upon outsiders and those who practiced different faiths. The film introduces us to Bess, a troubled woman grappling with her mental health and exhibiting a childlike demeanor, who depends on her family for care. She often converses with a “God Voice,” seeking solace amid her struggles.
Full summary
The whole story of Breaking the Waves, scene by scene
Breaking the Waves Box Office
Breaking the Waves grossed $3.8 million worldwide. $3.8 million came from the US and Canada and $27,884 (1%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$3.8M
- US & Canada
- $3.8M
- International
- $27.9K
Breaking the Waves Awards & Nominations
Breaking the Waves was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 5 nominations come from 4 ceremonies, the most at the Golden Globes 1997.
5 nominations4 ceremonies
-
Golden Globes 1997 2 nominations- Nominated Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actress) – Emily Watson
-
Spirit Awards 1997 1 nomination- Nominated Best Foreign Film
-
BAFTA 1997 1 nomination- Nominated Best Actress in a Leading Role – Emily Watson
-
Oscars 1997 1 nomination- Nominated Actress in a Leading Role – Emily Watson
Breaking the Waves Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 featurette.
- Trailer Trailer (1996)
- Featurette The Restless Cinematography of BREAKING THE WAVES
How Well Do You Know Breaking the Waves?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the primary setting of Breaking the Waves?
Cars in Breaking the Waves
15 cars on screen, including the Honda PC 50 and the 1975 Triumph 2500 S Estate.
-
Honda PC 50 Important role -
1975 Triumph 2500 S Estate Important role -
1956 Austin A30 Van Minor role -
1964 Bedford CAL Mk3 Minor role
Breaking the Waves Also Known As
31 alternative titles, including “브레이킹 더 웨이브” and “L'amour est un pouvoir sacré”.
- Also known as
-
- 브레이킹 더 웨이브
- L'amour est un pouvoir sacré
- Amor omnie
- Breaking the waves - Aallonmurtaja
- Damazontas ta kymata
- Kiseki no Umi
- Rompiendo las olas
- Contra viento y marea
- Suurinta elämässä
- Le onde del destino
- Рассекая волны
- Dalgaları Aşmak
+19 more Show fewer
- Prolomit vlny
- 破浪
- Δαμάζοντας τα Κύματα
- Hullámtörés
- לשבור את הגלים
- Ondas de Paixão
- Ondas do Destino
- Przełamując fale
- Порейки вълните
- Розсікаючи хвилі
- 破浪而出
- Prieš bangas
- 奇跡の海
- Abisul sufletului
- 愛情中不能承受的痛
- Trencant les onades
- Lom valov
- Šķeļot viļņus
- ด้วยใจเธอที่เปี่ยมรัก
Seen Breaking the Waves?
Movies Like Breaking the Waves
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Wild Seas, Breakdown and Maelstrom.
Breaking the Waves FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Breaking the Waves, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Breaking the Waves?
Breaking the Waves runs 2 hours 39 minutes (159 minutes).
When was Breaking the Waves released?
Breaking the Waves was released on November 13, 1996.
Who directed Breaking the Waves?
Breaking the Waves was directed by Lars von Trier.
More films by Lars von Trier Who is in the cast of Breaking the Waves?
Breaking the Waves stars Emily Watson.
How much did Breaking the Waves make at the box office?
Breaking the Waves grossed $3.8 million worldwide ($3.8 million domestic, $27,884 international).
How is Breaking the Waves rated?
Breaking the Waves has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.
Was Breaking the Waves nominated for any awards?
Breaking the Waves received 5 nominations across 4 ceremonies.
Does Breaking the Waves have a post-credit scene?
No. Breaking the Waves has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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