A narrative path leading from the sincere to the ludicrous, and culminating in a final image of flabbergasting transcendance, gives Breaking the Waves its surprising power.
With this artlessly profound and affecting story of love, von Trier emerges as one of those blessed filmmakers who've managed to blend their early stylistic flamboyance with enough human empathy to make their work both visually and emotionally compelling.
80
TimeRichard Corliss
TimeRichard Corliss
In its pagan fervor, this is an almost religious experience.
70
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
You won't come out of it indifferent, and even if it winds up enraging you (I could have done without most of the ending myself), it nonetheless commands attention.