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Dancer in the Dark 2000

A Czech factory worker and single mother, facing progressive blindness, finds escape and joy through her love of American musicals. Selma tirelessly works to save money for her son's operation, but a misunderstanding and false accusation lead to a devastating chain of events and a tragic turn of fate. The film explores themes of hope, despair, and the power of music in the face of adversity.

A Czech factory worker and single mother, facing progressive blindness, finds escape and joy through her love of American musicals. Selma tirelessly works to save money for her son's operation, but a misunderstanding and false accusation lead to a devastating chain of events and a tragic turn of fate. The film explores themes of hope, despair, and the power of music in the face of adversity.

Does Dancer in the Dark have end credit scenes?

No!

Dancer in the Dark does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Dancer in the Dark

Explore the complete cast of Dancer in the Dark, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Dancer in the Dark

See how Dancer in the Dark is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Dancer in the Dark stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

63

Metascore

8.6

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

70%

TOMATOMETER

review

91%

User Score

IMDb

7.9 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

79

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Dancer in the Dark Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Dancer in the Dark with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Dancer in the Dark Quiz: Test your knowledge of the poignant story and themes presented in 'Dancer in the Dark'.

What is the profession of Selma, the main character?

Awards & Nominations for Dancer in the Dark

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Dancer in the Dark, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Dancer in the Dark and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


73rd Academy Awards 2001

Nomination

Music (Original Song)

16th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2001

Win

Best International Film

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Dancer in the Dark

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Read the complete plot summary of Dancer in the Dark, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Selma is a young Czech mother residing in Washington state during the early 1960s. She is passionate about musicals; however, her vision is rapidly deteriorating, posing a significant threat to her employment at a local factory, and even jeopardizing her safety. At work, she assists her friend Cathy, who finds herself increasingly overwhelmed by Selma’s mounting workload, which includes the tedious task of pinning hairpins to unbent cardboard as a side job.

Living in a mobile trailer, Selma has an ungrateful 12-year-old son who often gets into trouble, and they reside on the property of a local sheriff alongside his cheerful wife. One fateful day, the sheriff confesses a somber secret to Selma, prompting her to reveal her own dark fate: her impending blindness. This exchange leads Selma’s life into a downward spiral, but she remains committed to safeguarding her friend’s secret.

As tensions rise, Cathy becomes increasingly exasperated by Selma’s choices. Yet, as the film reaches its intense climax, she recognizes that Selma’s way of handling life was indeed justified. In a poignant moment during the final scenes, Cathy reassures Selma that she made the right decisions despite the odds stacked against them.

This film is a unique blend of satire and tragedy—filled with experimental camera techniques—that explores the profound themes of friendship and maternal love. It’s a story best experienced in the company of others!

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Dancer in the Dark

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Dancer in the Dark. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


AFS Presents: DANCER IN THE DARK

I've seen it all

I've Seen It All

In The Factory

Ending Scene (107 Steps - Next To Last Song)

Making of Cvalda

Cars Featured in Dancer in the Dark

See 18 more

Explore all cars featured in Dancer in the Dark, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Allis-Chalmers

C

Cadillac

1950

Series 62

Cadillac

1961

Series 62

Cadillac

1955

Series 62 Convertible

Chevrolet

1947

Advance-Design 3100

Chevrolet

1958

Bel Air

Chevrolet

1951

Fleetline De Luxe

Chevrolet

1941

Heavy-Duty

Chrysler

1955

Windsor

Chrysler

1959

Windsor

Dancer in the Dark Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


factoryczech immigranttragedyblindnessdaydreamdancingsingingblind protagonistphysically disabled protagonistsecretreference to oldrich novyends with quotationfemale protagonistspontaneous choreographydirector on camerasurrealismfalse accusationprisonvisually impaired persondigital filmbetrayalmother son relationshippolicedeath rowcapital punishmentfactory workerimmigrationwoman wears eyeglassesdomestic dramamelodramapsychological dramatragedy dramaperiod dramareference to fred astairelovechristmaschristmas treemoneywashington stateoptimismyear 1964women's prisonexecutionriding a freight trainoverturemurderblind womanloss of eyesightmovie theaterintended dilettantism

Dancer in the Dark Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for Dancer in the Dark across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Bailarina en la oscuridad Danser dans le noir Taps Horevontas sto skotadi Raghsandeh dar tariki 어둠 속의 댄서 Bailar en la oscuridad Bailando en la oscuridad Dançando no Escuro Танцьорка в мрака Plesačica u tami Tanec v temnotách Tantsija pimeduses Χορεύοντας στο σκοτάδι Táncos a sötétben Myrkradansarinn ダンサー・イン・ザ・ダーク Танцующая в темноте Dejotāja Tumsā Šokėja tamsoje Tańcząc w ciemnościach Dansând cu noaptea Tanečnica v tme Plesalka v temi 在黑暗中漫舞 Karanlıkta dans Та що танцює у пітьмі Karanlıkta Dans 黑暗中的舞者 רוקדת בחשיכה Та що танцює у темряві 어둠속의 댄서 Bailando en la Oscuridad 天黑黑 Ballar en la foscor จังหวะชีวิต ลิขิตด้วยเพลง Dansatoarea din întuneric Ples u tami სიბნელეში მოცეკვავე

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Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


Other Names for Dancer in the Dark

Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for Dancer in the Dark. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.


Bailarina en la oscuridad Danser dans le noir Taps Horevontas sto skotadi Raghsandeh dar tariki 어둠 속의 댄서 Bailar en la oscuridad Bailando en la oscuridad Dançando no Escuro Танцьорка в мрака Plesačica u tami Tanec v temnotách Tantsija pimeduses Χορεύοντας στο σκοτάδι Táncos a sötétben Myrkradansarinn ダンサー・イン・ザ・ダーク Танцующая в темноте Dejotāja Tumsā Šokėja tamsoje Tańcząc w ciemnościach Dansând cu noaptea Tanečnica v tme Plesalka v temi 在黑暗中漫舞 Karanlıkta dans Та що танцює у пітьмі Karanlıkta Dans 黑暗中的舞者 רוקדת בחשיכה Та що танцює у темряві 어둠속의 댄서 Bailando en la Oscuridad 天黑黑 Ballar en la foscor จังหวะชีวิต ลิขิตด้วยเพลง Dansatoarea din întuneric Ples u tami სიბნელეში მოცეკვავე

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