Breaking the Waves (1996)

This is peak early von Trier, an earnest and harrowing heartbreaker that launched the director globally and features a monumental, never-equalled performance from Emily Watson as the determined yet unstable Bess.

The film marks von Trier's reinvention toward emotional truth and heart-wrenching performances, especially Emily Watson's as Bess. It remains bracing and pure in its vulnerability despite its disturbing plot of faith, love, and self-sacrifice.

An erotic-metaphysical fantasy about a young woman's transformation into a saintly figure through love and sacrifice in a severe religious community. Rafferty singles out von Trier's recognition of the aphrodisiac properties of religious imagery.

The critic finds this epic melodrama about love, faith, suffering and redemption emotionally overwhelming. They single out the raw power assured by the forthright performances (especially Emily Watson and Katrin Cartlidge) and Robby Müller's camerawork, while questioning whether the film's treatment of its heroine borders on sadism.

The critic finds the film a ridiculous yet forceful hoax-like ordeal from von Trier that manipulates audiences, but praises Emily Watson's luminous, generous performance as the selfless wife as the element that gives it substance.

Skillful and provocative filmmaking that ultimately offers the flimsy illusion of profundity rather than the real thing. Turan praises Emily Watson's alive performance as the expressive heart of the film but criticizes its trite and juvenile ideas.

The critic finds the film as frustrating as it is rewarding and compulsive viewing. They single out the daring and exalting miraculous send-off for praise while complaining about the perverse convolutions that strain credulity.

The film is emotionally and spiritually challenging, presenting a story of sacrifice and faith that questions conventional morality. Ebert praises Emily Watson's instinctive, animal-like performance as Bess and the film's raw power in confronting good and evil.

Von Trier finds his greatest film in an active dialogue with characters and actors, creating emotional resonance amid rule-breaking aesthetics. The film is praised as a faith-based story with a punk-rock style that captures the terrifying wrongness of visionary existence through Bess's transcendent selflessness.

The raw, crazy tour de force fuses true love with lurid exploitation and religious faith into a fierce, wrenchingly passionate film. Maslin highlights its surprising power from a narrative path leading to a final image of flabbergasting transcendence.

An emotionally draining, soaring story of love, devotion, sacrifice and miracles centered on newcomer Emily Watson's extraordinary performance. Stratton notes the power of the theme and central performance carry the day despite flaws like length and visuals.