Breaking the Waves
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
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  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    100
    A movie about the passions of simple people, and it's done with such extraordinary empathy and commitment that it all but pulls you under. [29 November 1996, Friday, p.A]
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  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    Not many movies like this get made, because not many filmmakers are so bold, angry and defiant.
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    100
    One of the most emotionally devastating movies of the decade.
  4. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Peter Stack
    100
    One of the most haunting and vital movies of the year.
  5. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: F. X. Feeney
    100
    Not only one of the best films of the year, it's one of the best films of the decade.
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  6. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    100
    True art is a journey to somewhere you've never been, and there has never been a movie quite like Breaking the Waves.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    90
    "Waves" is a spellbinder.
  8. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Keith Phipps
    90
    What Von Trier arrives at is a complex, contemporary, and deeply moving exploration of faith.
  9. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Elvis Mitchell
    90
    A narrative path leading from the sincere to the ludicrous, and culminating in a final image of flabbergasting transcendance, gives Breaking the Waves its surprising power.
  10. Newsweek
    Reviewed by: David Ansen
    90
    There are few movies around that take such huge risks: this is high-wire filmmaking, without a net of irony.
  11. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    90
    Watson is a major find as Bess. Graced with delicate, expressive features, she gives an extraordinary performance.
  12. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Russell Smith
    89
    With this artlessly profound and affecting story of love, von Trier emerges as one of those blessed filmmakers who've managed to blend their early stylistic flamboyance with enough human empathy to make their work both visually and emotionally compelling.
  13. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    88
    If not for a somewhat forced catharsis during the epilogue (the weakest segment of the movie), Breaking the Waves would have been more wrenching than it is.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. LauraG
    10
    You just can't close your mouth once the movie has finished.
  2. JayH
    7
    Emotionally, the film is devastating, and it is certainly not a cheery movie. The performances are rich and deep, Emily Watson is amazing. I was a bit disappointed in the ending however, but it is a very well crafted film.… Full Review »
  3. antoñete
    10
    Unforgettable masterpiece with a masterclass perfomance by Emily Watson as Bess McNeill.
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