Breaking the Waves

On Sunday, 22 November, cinemas across Europe celebrate European Art Cinema Day. For the occasion, Tartu Elektriteater’s Raekoja Hall will screen a fine selection of films by European directors from morning until evening. Bess (Emily Watson), a devout Scottish girl with a childlike spirit, marries the worldly Jan (Stellan Skarsgård)—an outsider from an oil rig—despite opposition from the Calvinist patriarchs in her community. But, at the height of their happiness, a traumatic accident leaves Jan confined to bed. Does this mean the end of their love? The doctor says, “Illness is all-powerful.” Bess says, “Love is all-powerful.” Rarely has a film about faith, hope and love been so emotional, gripping and moving. The film won the Jury Grand Prix at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival and the European Film Academy’s Felix Award. Lead actress Emily Watson won the Felix for Best European Actress and was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Read more