Breaking the Waves (1996) I had not encountered Lars Von Trier till recently this year 2009. I have now seen 3 of his other films and all have affected me deeply. Breaking the Waves caused some controversies because you either hated it or loved it. A lot of people have give it negative reviews. Be sure and read the critics ( and ordinary people) reviews on IMBD and especially Eberts Review. Many complained about the hand held camera motion. This was not a major problem for me-actually the camera seemed pretty steady (compared to say: the film n "The Celebration?) Does anybody in real life have any idea what it might be to make a movie with video cameras and no or few props?? (very difficult) Lots of women complained about this movie due to its debasement of the role of women. LADIES and gents grow up this 2009 and this is a work of FICTION and a modern religious morality play. Breaking the Waves tells the story of Bess McNeill, who marries oil rig worker Jan, despite the apprehensions of her community and Calvinist church. The movie takes place in the 1970s, in a remote northern Scottish village. Bess is somewhat simple and childlike, and has difficulty living without Jan when he is away on the oil platform. She prays for his return, and when he returns paralyzed after an industrial accident, she believes it is her fault. No longer able to make love, and mentally affected by the accident, Jan urges her to find and have sex with other men, and then tell him the details. Bess slowly begins to believe that what she is doing is the wish of God. In reality she is and was mentally unstable even before her marriage to Jan. This movie is about Love Devotion and Sacrifice. Central to the story is Bess's relationship with God. In this film she is goodness personified but goodness gone astray. Breaking the Waves won the Grand Prix Jury Prize at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival,. Emily Watson was nominated for the 1996 Academy Award for Best Actress. Certainly this is one of the best films of 1996 and Roger Ebert Rates it "one of the best films of the decade (90s)) This film is long at 238 minutes and it held my attention the entire time no wasted scenes here. The film was not as depressing or shocking as many of other reviews made it. This film is excellent the idea of plot etc excellent. I can accept Bess's faith and communication with god as it happened --Trier made it believable for me. (although she was in my mind insane) the film is really an emotional success and Emily Watson was just stunning in this role. The power of faith and prayer make themselves know to all at the end of the movie in a gut twisting ending regarding life and death loaded with Religious irony. Whether or not you accept the bell ringing ending you cannot help but be moved. this is a spellbinding film. this is just the most unusual movie I have ever seen. five stars. highest rating