Though I really didn't rate the story so much here, I thought the performance from Emily Watson as "Bess" is formidable. She lives on a remote Scottish island and is to marry oil rig worker "Jan" (Stellan Skarsgård). Somewhat reluctantly, the islanders embrace this and all is happy until she feels the wrench of his return to the rig. Pining for him, she regularly has conversations with God in their small kirk. It's on one such occasion that she begs him to send her husband home to her. Well, he does - but following a tragic accident that has left him completely incapacitated. She is…

“Love is a mighty power.”
In a small, conservative Scottish village, an oilman is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when he urges her to have sex with another.
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- DA
- Production
- Zentropa Entertainments, SVT Drama, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, La Sept Cinéma, VPRO, Media Investment Club, Trust Film Svenska, Liberator Productions, Argus Film Produktie, Northern Lights, DR TV, Villealfa Filmproductions, YLE, ZDF
- Budget
- $7.5M
- Box Office
- $23M
Cast
Media
Official Trailer
User Reviews
**An ugly film on all levels that insults our intelligence.** For me, cinema is an art that tells good stories, whether fictional, true or a mix of fiction and real facts. It has a clear social role, often makes people think or raises difficult questions. However, there are directors who seem to live off controversy, that is, they try to use cinema to shock or impress, attracting attention for the worst and most selfish reasons. Lars von Trier is like that: he loves a good controversy and doesn't mind about criticism, as long as they talk about him. And that's why I don't like him and I…
** A Movie That Doesn’t Just Move You, It Breaks You ** not just a film—it’s a raw, transcendent piece of art that pierces straight through the heart. From the hauntingly beautiful cinematography to Lars von Trier’s uncompromising direction, every frame of this movie is crafted with such emotional intensity that it becomes an unforgettable experience. Emily Watson delivers one of the most powerful performances I’ve ever seen, embodying Bess’s innocence, devotion, and suffering with heartbreaking authenticity. Her portrayal is so visceral that it’s impossible not to be moved to tears. The…
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Breaking the Waves (1996) for free?
You can stream the full Breaking the Waves movie (1996) right here on FlixWow in HD, completely free. No subscription, no signup, nothing to install.
What is Breaking the Waves about?
In a small, conservative Scottish village, an oilman is paralyzed in an accident. His wife, who prayed for his return, feels guilty; even more, when he urges her to have sex with another.
Who stars in Breaking the Waves?
The movie stars Emily Watson, Stellan Skarsgård, Katrin Cartlidge, Jean-Marc Barr, Adrian Rawlins and more.
When was Breaking the Waves released?
Breaking the Waves was released in 1996 and is streaming free on FlixWow.
Is Breaking the Waves worth watching?
Breaking the Waves holds a rating of 7.5/10 from viewer votes (1,143 ratings). Watch it free on FlixWow and judge for yourself.


























































































