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The Seventh Seal

Original title: Det sjunde inseglet
  • 1957
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 36m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
209K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,183
29
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Psychological DramaDramaFantasy

A knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague.A knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague.A knight returning to Sweden after the Crusades seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague.

  • Director
    • Ingmar Bergman
  • Writer
    • Ingmar Bergman
  • Stars
    • Max von Sydow
    • Gunnar Björnstrand
    • Bengt Ekerot
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    209K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,183
    29
    • Director
      • Ingmar Bergman
    • Writer
      • Ingmar Bergman
    • Stars
      • Max von Sydow
      • Gunnar Björnstrand
      • Bengt Ekerot
    • 436User reviews
    • 144Critic reviews
    • 88Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #220
    • Awards
      • 9 wins & 2 nominations total

    Photos214

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    Top cast46

    Edit
    Max von Sydow
    Max von Sydow
    • Antonius Block
    Gunnar Björnstrand
    Gunnar Björnstrand
    • Squire Jöns
    Bengt Ekerot
    Bengt Ekerot
    • Death
    Nils Poppe
    Nils Poppe
    • Jof…
    Bibi Andersson
    Bibi Andersson
    • Mia…
    Inga Gill
    Inga Gill
    • Lisa - Blacksmith's Wife
    Maud Hansson
    Maud Hansson
    • Witch
    Inga Landgré
    Inga Landgré
    • Karin - Block's Wife
    Gunnel Lindblom
    Gunnel Lindblom
    • Girl
    Bertil Anderberg
    Bertil Anderberg
    • Raval
    Anders Ek
    Anders Ek
    • The Monk
    Åke Fridell
    Åke Fridell
    • Blacksmith Plog
    Gunnar Olsson
    Gunnar Olsson
    • Albertus Pictor, Church Painter
    Erik Strandmark
    Erik Strandmark
    • Jonas Skat
    Siv Aleros
    • Flagellant
    • (uncredited)
    Sten Ardenstam
    • Knight
    • (uncredited)
    Harry Asklund
    • The Landlord
    • (uncredited)
    Benkt-Åke Benktsson
    Benkt-Åke Benktsson
    • Merchant at the Inn
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Ingmar Bergman
    • Writer
      • Ingmar Bergman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews436

    8.1208.9K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'The Seventh Seal' delves into mortality, faith, and existential questions through its medieval setting. The chess game with Death symbolizes humanity's struggle against fate. Themes of societal chaos and religious fervor are depicted through plague, witch burnings, and flagellants. Characters like the knight, squire, and actors provide varied perspectives on life and death, enriching the narrative. The film's allegorical approach resonates with contemporary audiences, highlighting the timeless nature of its themes.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    10Quinoa1984

    The Quintessential Bergman Picture

    One thing that can be certain after watching the Seventh Seal, outside of being thankful for living in this century, is that Bergman knows his film-making- and imagery. He uses subliminal and not so subliminal techniques to convey a dying, frightened world, where making a living is almost impossible and the debate of god's control over life is discussed like un-rhyming yet fascinating poetry.

    The result is beautiful cinema, capturing the always foreboding fear and allure of the almighty and for the waiting death, appropriately staged in post-crusades, mid dark age Europe. Max Von Sydow gives an excellent showing as the opponent of Death (in a clever and meticulous chess game), yet the character of Death, played by Bengt Ekerot with chilling conviction, steals the show, if only for the alluring quality of the character.

    Even if the story veers it veers in good and interesting territory, focusing on people who convey Bergman's point and or style. I can't reveal what the bottom line point is (many newcomers to Bergman's work won't either, especially if you're not in the mood for soul searching), but one thing is for certain, an allegory on life and death is shown perfectly in the second to last shot of the reaper and his minions following in a dance across the field. This is one of the most pure of cinema's masterpieces and certainly Bergman's best cine. A++
    Cowman

    Chilling, audacious, and awe-inspiring. An undisputed masterpiece.

    The mysteries of religion and death have long been a popular focus among artists of all media, including film. And while many films question these mysteries, they seldom provide any real insight into the world of the unknown. In Ingmar Bergman's THE SEVENTH SEAL, these mysteries are not only questioned; they are dissected, splayed, and scrutinized.

    THE SEVENTH SEAL could very well serve as sort of a manifesto for existentialism. Its deep acuity and haunting imagery is powerful enough to jar even passive viewers out of their complacency and force them to examine their own reality. The delicately crafted story centers around a 14th century knight named Antonius Block and his ongoing game of chess with a shadowy, hooded figure: Death. Bergman uses this allegory not just to personify death, but to illustrate the lengths man will go to in order to avoid it. In the end, however, Death is a much better player than any of us, and though he may humor some of his opponents by letting them think that they have the advantage, the end result is inevitable: Death always wins. No matter how skillfully we plan our moves or how determined we are to win, we can never beat Death.

    In Antonius's search for answers, he encounters a variety of very unique characters, each with their own outlook on life, death, faith, fear and love. Their commentary on such matters is often dryly funny and always brilliant, continuously and effectively challenging our perceptions of the world around us. For me, the dialogue was definitely the high point of the film, as it was extremely thought-provoking and carefully constructed throughout. Almost every line spoken is, in one way or another, daunting and unforgettable. Jöns's description of love as "the blackest of all plagues" is a quote that will forever be engraved in my mind.

    THE SEVENTH SEAL truly is a remarkable accomplishment in the world of cinema. It is a deep, mesmerizing, and darkly beautiful work of art. More importantly, THE SEVENTH SEAL is one of those rare movies that doesn't just entertain, but also has the power to change the way one thinks.
    Infofreak

    One of the most extraordinary movies ever made. I cannot recommend 'The Seventh Seal' highly enough.

    'The Seventh Seal' is universally regarded as a masterpiece. It's one of those classics like 'Citizen Kane', 'Rear Window' or 'The Godfather' that has subtlety entered popular culture, so even if you haven't actually seen it you recognize references to it in other movies, TV, magazines and everyday conversation. The thing is like the aforementioned and 'Rashomon' and 'Sunset Blvd' it isn't regarded as a masterpiece for nothing, it really is one. I think anybody who loves movies will be totally knocked out by 'The Seventh Seal'. It's still one of the most extraordinary movies ever made. Visually it's stunning, the acting is first rate, and the end result is mesmerizing. Once seen never forgotten is a cliche, but it's the perfect description for this amazing film. Max von Sydow brilliantly plays Antonius Block, a knight returning from the Crusades who challenges Death (Bengt Ekerot) to a chess match. He is accompanied on his journey home by his cynical squire Jons (Gunnar Bjornstrand). Jons is my favourite character in the movie, and as good as von Sydow is Bjornstrand's performance is even better. I also was very taken by the traveling actors who become part of Block's entourage, Jof (Nils Poppe) and his wife Mia (Bibi Andersson), and confess to developing quite a crush on Mia. I cannot recommend 'The Seventh Seal' highly enough. Don't be put off by Bergman's highbrow reputation, this is a movie that can be appreciated by anybody, especially by old school horror fans. While it isn't strictly a horror movie itself anyone who admires the James Whale and Val Lewton classics of the 1930s and 1940s will find much to enjoy here.
    CinemaClown

    An Allegorical Take On Life, Death, Religion, Faith & Existential Angst

    Painting a grim portrait of the western world plagued by the Black Death, threading together several norms of the medieval era into a single setting, and addressing its themes by observing them through contemporary lens, The Seventh Seal is a fable of life, death, religion, faith & existential angst that, despite the allegorical treatment, makes sure its narrative remains somewhat accessible.

    Written & directed by Ingmar Bergman, one of the first things that stands out about this sermon is the dark & deathlike atmosphere the plot comes drenched in. Add to that, the whole premise of playing chess against the Grim Reaper with one's life on the line sounds interesting on paper. The story however piles on more subplots and digs deeper into the philosophical & spiritual elements that only slow down the ride.

    The crisp black n white cinematography is captivating throughout. Characters of all moods are present in the picture. The period details may not be appropriate but the gloomy aura is finely captured. And comfortably steering the film past the finish line are the sturdy performances, led by Max von Sydow who plays a knight locked in a game with Death itself, latter personified by Bengt Ekerot. And the scenes between the two are easy standouts.

    Overall, The Seventh Seal is actually easier to navigate than what I was expecting, and the parallels viewers can draw between the medieval pandemic and one we're dealing with currently makes the journey rather intriguing. Nonetheless, the relaxed pace & numbing speeches still made it a frustrating sit for me and failed to strike an emotional chord. As is the case with previous Bergman entries, I do get its legacy & repute but don't feel any personal love for it.
    6bsinc

    Didn't like it but will definitely see it again in the distant future

    First of all, I have taken the time to read some posts on this movie before writing my review because I was searching for lots of answers. Didn't get many though, the popular thing fans like to say (and please, no pun intended) is that it just takes time to understand and appreciate this movie. To this I quickly reply that my perception of "Det Sjunde Inseglet" was that it is a rather dull, if not eventless, movie. It has some really nice moments (and for some reason I really liked the concept of a man playing chess with death itself) but in the end almost nothing is resolved except from the main protagonist who, at the brink of his death, discovers that it's love that makes people want to live ,very roughly put, I apologize, but even this revelation was hidden from the writer of this comment. And this is what bothered me the most, I couldn't read (for the lack of a better word) any of these important details, the movie very coldly rolled in front of my eyes and I just didn't get it! Now the easiest and dumbest thing to say is that this is all the fault of the director for not having a more universal way of film-making, rather the viewer has to decipher such information if he wants to fully appreciate his movies. I've just realized that I could say the same for Kubrick's visionary movies, I didn't like most, scratch that, none of them the first time around, they grew on me after a second viewing. And I dig Kubrick, a lot!!!

    I was also surprised with the admiration the cinematography received, it did not impact me whatsoever (and I am more so a visual that a sensual movie buff and love this kind of stuff). All in all, as Antonius Block, I am searching for answers, important ones. It bothers me a lot that I don't appreciate this movie, and I ask anyone to help me resolve my problem.

    What am I missing? What don't I get? What should I know about "The Seventh Seal", its meaning, its importance, its making, its director...?

    Thank you for your time

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Ingmar Bergman credited the film with helping him overcome his crippling fear of death. Because the film dealt so overtly with the subject, he found it a highly cathartic experience.
    • Goofs
      The chess players focus on capturing the Queen. The Queen was not a super-powerful piece until centuries later when a recent chess-variant initially called "chess of the mad queen" became more popular than the classic game.
    • Quotes

      Antonius Block: We must make an idol of our fear, and call it god.

    • Connections
      Edited into Severed Ways: The Norse Discovery of America (2007)
    • Soundtracks
      Hållas mellan rona
      Music by Erik Nordgren

      Lyrics by Ingmar Bergman

      Sung by Gunnar Björnstrand

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    FAQ23

    • How long is The Seventh Seal?Powered by Alexa
    • What is 'The Seventh Seal' about?
    • Is this movie based on a book?
    • To what does the "seventh seal" refer?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 13, 1958 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Sweden
    • Languages
      • Swedish
      • Latin
    • Also known as
      • El séptimo sello
    • Filming locations
      • Hovs Hallar - Naturreservat, Skåne län, Sweden(Opening beach scene and ending scene)
    • Production company
      • Svensk Filmindustri (SF)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $150,000 (estimated)
    • Gross worldwide
      • $312,104
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 36 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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