# Breaking the Waves

> 1996 film by Lars von Trier

**Wikidata**: [Q538412](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q538412)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_the_Waves)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/breaking-the-waves

## Summary
*Breaking the Waves* is a 1996 film directed by Lars von Trier, produced by Zentropa, and distributed by the Danish film company. The drama, romance, and art film explores themes of love, mental illness, and societal expectations, winning critical acclaim at major film festivals and receiving multiple awards.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Lars von Trier (born 1956, Danish)
- Produced by Zentropa (Danish film company, founded 1992)
- Released in 1996 (exact dates vary by region: May 18, August 23, July 5, November 13, October 3)
- Genres: drama film, romance film, art film
- Won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix (1967 inception)
- Received the César Award for Best Foreign Film (1976 inception)
- Won the European Film Award for Best Film (1988 inception)
- Received the European Film Academy Critics Award
- Won the European Film Award for Best Actress
- Included in the National Board of Review: Top Ten Films (1929 inception)
- Countries involved: Denmark, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Norway, Iceland

## FAQs
**What awards did *Breaking the Waves* receive?**
The film won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, the César Award for Best Foreign Film, the European Film Award for Best Film, the European Film Academy Critics Award, and the European Film Award for Best Actress. It was also included in the National Board of Review: Top Ten Films.

**Who directed *Breaking the Waves*?**
The film was directed by Lars von Trier, a Danish filmmaker known for his controversial and visually striking style.

**What genres does *Breaking the Waves* belong to?**
The film is classified as a drama, romance, and art film.

**Where was *Breaking the Waves* produced?**
The film was produced by Zentropa, a Danish film company founded in 1992.

**Which countries are associated with *Breaking the Waves*?**
The film involves Denmark, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland.

## Why It Matters
*Breaking the Waves* is significant for its bold exploration of mental health, societal expectations, and the complexities of love. Directed by Lars von Trier, the film pushed boundaries with its raw, unflinching portrayal of a woman with schizophrenia, challenging conventional narratives in cinema. Its critical acclaim and awards underscore its impact on the art film genre, influencing subsequent works that tackle similar themes. The film’s production by Zentropa and its international distribution further highlight its cultural significance across Europe.

## Notable For
- Won the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious awards in cinema
- Received the César Award for Best Foreign Film, recognizing its international appeal
- Featured in the National Board of Review: Top Ten Films, indicating its widespread critical acclaim
- Directed by Lars von Trier, a filmmaker known for provocative and visually innovative works
- Produced by Zentropa, a Danish film company that has supported groundbreaking cinema

## Body
### Overview
*Breaking the Waves* is a 1996 film directed by Lars von Trier, a Danish filmmaker renowned for his provocative and visually striking style. The film was produced by Zentropa, a Danish film company founded in 1992, and distributed by the same company. The film is classified as a drama, romance, and art film, reflecting its exploration of deep emotional and psychological themes.

### Production and Release
The film was released in multiple regions in 1996, with specific dates varying by country. It premiered on May 18, with additional releases on August 23, July 5, November 13, and October 3. The film’s production involved collaboration with Zentropa, a company that has been instrumental in supporting Danish cinema.

### Awards and Recognition
*Breaking the Waves* received numerous awards and accolades, including the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, the César Award for Best Foreign Film, and the European Film Award for Best Film. It also won the European Film Academy Critics Award and the European Film Award for Best Actress. Additionally, the film was included in the National Board of Review: Top Ten Films, further cementing its status as a critically acclaimed work.

### Genres and Themes
The film is classified under multiple genres, including drama, romance, and art film. These classifications reflect its exploration of complex themes such as love, mental illness, and societal expectations. The film’s raw and unflinching portrayal of a woman with schizophrenia pushed the boundaries of conventional cinema narratives.

### Countries Involved
The film involves several countries, including Denmark, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland. These countries are associated with the film’s production, distribution, and critical reception, highlighting its international significance.

### Director and Production Company
Lars von Trier, born in 1956, is the director of *Breaking the Waves*. He is a Danish filmmaker known for his controversial and visually innovative works. Zentropa, the production company, was founded in 1992 and has been a key player in Danish cinema, supporting films that challenge conventional storytelling.

## References

1. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/przelamujac-fale)
2. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=15408.html)
3. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film618791.html)
4. [Source](https://filmow.com/ondas-do-destino-t5871/)
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115751/)
6. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmawards.eu/en_EN/film/breaking-the-waves.5409)
7. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/breaking-the-waves)
8. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115751/fullcredits)
9. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/1996.94.0.html)
10. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/European-Film-Awards-Winners-1996.77.0.html)
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. The Movie Database
13. Breaking the Waves. Rotten Tomatoes
14. IMDb
15. Box Office Mojo
16. [Source](http://www.kinokalender.com/film817_breaking-the-waves.html)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Mubi
19. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/1996.112.0.html)
20. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
21. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/breaking-the-waves/)
22. AlloCiné
23. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
24. film distribution certificate
25. Online-Filmdatenbank
26. mymovies.it
27. Breaking the Waves
28. Danish Film Database
29. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/86854)
30. Trakt.tv
31. FilmVandaag.nl
32. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute