Search - Dancer in the Dark (2000) on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 11/26/2018...

This is one of those movies that polarizes the viewers. You will either understand the purpose of a movie like this and embrace it...or you will not. If you are one who loves Hollywood fare and a good diversion from reality, give a wide berth. However, if you find Hollywood fare a slap in the face and the majority of movies far removed from the real complexities of everyday life, then you will find this cinematic expression a welcome, empathetic, and most especially *cathartic* experience.
For me, this is one of the few movies I could watch over and over again. It's one of those movies that stay with you for several weeks. I'm a rather phlegmatic person. My first viewing on VHS several years ago though left me crying uncontrollably for an hour. I simply could not stop. Thank goodness I watched it alone...heh!
If it is your first viewing of this DVD, turn up the volume and turn out the lights and distractions. It is convoluted piece of work. It is a martyr story. It is a foray into the dark exploring the relationship between living and sight. Bjork's central character, from point A, is on a beeline to her objective...and that is an act of selfless love.
This is also a musical like you have never seen before. Bjork's melodic pieces (goofy as they sometimes are) add an additional level of perception to what's happening on camera. Obtain the lyrics, which are readily available online, so you can understand clearly what is being sung. (Bjork is from Iceland.)
I would recommend this movie to all those souls out there who have ever felt trapped by their circumstances, those who have suffered various types of abuse, and trauma. This movie is HUMAN. If you have an NF temperament (Meyers-Briggs/Keirsey-Bates personality sorter) watch this movie...it was made for YOU.