The Canon / Parallax Editorial Archive
Curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax
Breaking the Waves
Directed by Lars von Trier
1996•2h 39m•R•★ 7.7
Drama / Romance
Synopsis
In an austere Scottish Calvinist coastal community, a simple, deeply religious young woman marries a Scandinavian oil rig worker who becomes paralyzed in an accident, embarking on a harrowing, self-sacrificing path of sexual degradation in the belief that her suffering will heal him. Lars von Trier's Cannes Grand Prix winner introducing Emily Watson.
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Breaking the Waves
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Cinematic Profile
Lars von Trier
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Cast & Crew
DirectorLars von Trier
WriterLars von Trier
CinematographyRobby Müller
MusicJoachim Holbek
Principal Cast
Emily WatsonBess McNeill
Stellan SkarsgårdJan Nyman
Katrin CartlidgeDodo McNeill
Jean-Marc BarrTerry
Adrian RawlinsDr. Richardson
Sandra VoeMother
Udo KierSadistic Sailor
JH
Jonathan HackettPriestTechnical Specifications
Runtime2h 39m (159 mins)
Catalogued Editions
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Collector Status
Not Yet Collected
Production Details
DirectorLars von Trier
LanguagesEnglish
CountryDK, SE, FR, NL, NO, IS
StudioZentropa Entertainments • Trust Film Svenska • Argos Films
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