Selma, a migrant single mother in rural America, is slowly going blind. While daydreaming about the musicals she adores, she works endless shifts at a factory, saving up for an operation that will save her son’s eyesight. But when a neighbor accuses Selma of stealing his savings, tragedy strikes.

The ultimate postmodern musical, von Trier’s quirky genre hybrid hinges on a ravishing performance by Icelandic pop star Björk, which makes the most of her innocent vitality. This idiosyncratic fantasy and overpowering tearjerker took home the Palme d’Or at Cannes, along with Best Actress for Björk!