Dancer in the Dark
Dancer in the Dark Image
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Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 94 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Björk
  • Summary: Bjork stars as Selma, a Czech immigrant and single mother working in a factory in rural America. She is losing her eyesight and her 10 year-old son stands to suffer the same fate if she can't put away enough money to secure him an operation. (FilmFour)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
  1. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Rene Rodriguez
    100
    One of the most searing experiences to be had at the movies this year.
    All this critic's reviews
  2. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ella Taylor
    80
    I was astonished to find myself weeping copiously over von Trier's latest, which is another parable of monomaniacal sainthood.
  3. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    60
    Aside from Bjork's astonishing performance, it's a grim tragedy that's deliberately drab and exceedingly painful to watch.
  4. Dallas Observer
    Reviewed by: Gregory Weinkauf
    30
    Björk holds the movie together, her natural charisma and the overwhelming intensity of her emotions should blind a lot of viewers to the ludicrousness of the story and the intentionally rotten videography.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 3 out of 45
  1. smijatov
    10
    Dancer in the Dark is one of my favourite films ever. I cannot help but cry every time I watch it. The excellent performance by Bjork (surprisingly excellent, might I add) and the genius direction of Lars von Trier work perfectly to make one of the best films that have graced the film screen. Intensely disturbing, yet intensely gratifying and rewarding.… Expand
  2. MorriBey
    8
    The movie is shot like a documentary which magnifies the sadness of the ending. It is a sad sad movie and has no moral message to offset the tragic ending. Its a movie that i will always love but its always a movie that i would never recommend giving its fatalistic ending. Only for the strong at heart.… Expand
  3. Chaziltasm
    7
    Dancer In The dark by visionary film director Lars Von Trier is one of my favourite films, yes what my favourite film is doesn't matter, but this film is quite simply exquisite. This film uses all of the wonderful techniques seen in Dogme 95 films, to create a deeply immersive filmic experience. The handheld style helps to feel like you are watching a woman's life unfold tragically before you. As it may not be to everyone's taste i'm sure, it is certainly a heart breaker, you cannot help but sympathise with Selma, and a powerful award wining performance certainly contributes to your emotions. For some reason I enjoy the musical/drama, a unique blend. I find it hard to find flaws, and to me it will be a narrative and aesthetic masterpiece.… Expand
  4. ryancarroll88
    2
    A movie that will tear your heart apart - that is if you don't tear your eyes out first. It's too bad, because Björk showed so much promise as an actress in the beginning - but by the end her performance just relies on viewer sympathy and nothing else. To give it some credit, the musical sequences are very well done on their own, but they have no stylistic place in this movie… Expand

See all 45 User Reviews

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