Dancer in the Dark
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
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  1. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Rene Rodriguez
    100
    One of the most searing experiences to be had at the movies this year.
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  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Edward Guthmann
    100
    A thrilling, audacious work.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    90
    For all its fancy pedigree, the spellbinding Dancer in the Dark aims right for the heart and aces its target.
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  4. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Michael Atkinson
    89
    Easily the year's most trying, tormented, and thrilling movie ordeal.
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  5. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    It is a bold, reckless gesture.
  6. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    88
    (The film is) one of the most anguished, intense and weirdly brilliant of the year.
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  7. San Francisco Examiner
    Reviewed by: Wesley Morris
    88
    A movie too smart and too urgent to be categorically awful. Clinically insane may be another matter altogether.
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  8. Charlotte Observer
    Reviewed by: Lawrence Toppman
    88
    Can be unbearably moving or annoyingly mawkish, sometimes in the same scene.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 94 Ratings

User 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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… Full Review »
  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.… Full Review »
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