there is strengthened. Showing another story about naïve people, Breaking The Waves tells a very moving story, that kind of feels like a fable with a message. Using little clips to introduce the start of a new chapter in Bess's life which are accompanied by parts of songs, for example Elton John's 'Your Song', the story has a clear structure that takes its viewer on a journey to watch the life of a young woman unfold. This use of music, that is non-diegetic, is one of the reasons this one isn't part of the Dogme movement, although some people happen to think it is, which is probably because of Von Trier. Experiencing both good and bad, Bess, the main character, lives in a small town where the people are very religious. Played by Emily Watson, Bess is the movie's main focus that is carried by the phenomenal tour de force performance by Watson. One of the best performances I've seen in my life so far and probably one of the best I will ever see, Watson inherits every emotion of Bess as if they are her own. With her big glistering eyes she steals every scene she's in. Great are the scenes where she talks to God, fully immersed in what you think to be her own imagination. Breaking The Waves also features great performances by Stellan Skarsgård and Katrin Cartlidge, who died in 2002 at the beginning of her forties, and who play Bess' husband, whom Bess marries at the beginning of the film, and Dodo McNeill, Bess' sister. But the one who really excells is Emily Watson. She is what makes the film interesting and the main reason you keep watching. It wouldn't even have mattered if this film was going to turn out to be really bad, Watson gives a must-see performance. Fortunately after a rather slow start, that you take for granted after you see how good it has been for the development of the characters, the movie reaches great heights as well. A fascinating drama that leaves you speechless, even though you feel like screaming hysterically like Bess does many times, once you figure out step by step where this story will lead you to.What is it about?
Consisting of seven chapters with a prologue and epilogue, Breaking The Waves is the story about Bess McNeil, a young and naïve Scottish woman living in a very religious community. Insisting she will get married, Bess finds approval to marry Jan, an oil-worker living outside Bess' community which makes him an 'outsider' just as Bess' sister Dodo. When Jan returns from the rig, Bess and he get married, even though Bess' family hardly know anything about Jan. After their marriage Bess life consist of making passionate love to Jan and she seems happier than ever before. Even though she has always known Jan one day has to get back to work at the rig, she feels very hurt and gets mad when it's time for him to leave. She only finds rest in the church where she prays to God who seems
to answer her prayers and tell her what she can do best. Jan goes back as Bess is left waiting. Only having contact by calling her from the rig, Bess waits long hours for Jan in a telephone cabin until he finally calls. When he does they tell how much they miss each other and pretend to make love over the telephone. Still praying for Jan she aks God to bring him back to her soon, since it seems unbearable for her without him. When in about a couple of days Jan is said to return for a week, Bess gets very excited. This isn't for long though, once she finds out about an accident on the rig in which Jan is involved. Blaming herself for her prayers to God in which she asked for God to send Jan home, she heads into the everyday struggle of getting Jan to survive and be healthy once again.Final Verdict: *****
Feeling very layered, Breaking The Waves unfolds itself little by little until it reaches the finish line beautifully making you forget the film is almost three hours long. A film that has many things to offer, it tells a great story about real passionate love, nomatter in what circumstances, and a strong believe that everything will turn out right as long as you follow in Gods footsteps and listen to your loved one. Von Trier has made a great film that is more
watchable than for example Dancer in The Dark. Where Dancer In The Dark draws heavily on tragedy, Breaking The Waves is more a mix and puts the focus on love. Despite the sad events, the story is also very uplifting. With great characters that move you and which you happen to really care for as the movie goes along, Breaking The Waves leaves you with a great experience that sticks. The real force in all this, however, is Emily Watson, who's performance is pure brilliance. It must be a really great character to play, and Watson succeeds in every way. A film that turned out to be far better than I expected it to be, it's one that can not be missed. And surprisingly one that I would choose over the also great Dancer In The Dark.
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