PREMIER MOVIE REVIEWS - Sjunde inseglet, Det (1957)

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Sjunde inseglet, Det (The Seventh Seal) (1957)

Genre: Drama/Fantasy

Director: Ingmar Bergman

  Plot Summary & Review

I know in cinematic circles there's always been a long standing joke about a lot of Bergman's work (not for those with suicidal tendencies for sure) so after almost twenty years since I last clapped eyes on it I sat down to watch The Seventh Seal.  I'll lay my cards on the table with this one and say personally I think it is somewhat of a celluloid masterpiece. Set against the backdrop of the Black Plague we see the brilliant Max Von Sydow as Antonius Block recently returned from the crusades and  utterly  disillusioned he seeks answers about life, death, god, and religion and decides in the hope of getting some answers to play chess with the Grim Reaper.

The Seventh Seal
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Shot in black and white with some wonderful lighting it's a symbolic piece of film making packed with imagery and a certain degree of irony, as we see death stalk Block throughout the film as he encounters several different characters on his journey.

It's a stark, yet beautiful film to look at and stands up fifty years after it won the special prize at Cannes, there's a  philosophical fragility about it that draws you in as you marvel at its thought provoking qualities, and its exploration of the human psyche.  And despite the spectre of death hanging over it from start to finish it still manages to make life look worthwhile by the relationships formed, and events that take place as the journey unfolds.

I found it a fascinating watch with scenes that will be embellished on my memory for a long time.  Most people will either love it or loathe it.  There will be very few on the fence with this one.

I am aware certain scenes have been re-created in comical sketches  in one form or other over the  years - which I think no matter what way you dress it up is a real compliment in its own way.  A must for film buffs even if watched only once.

Personal thought - we must continually question our existence otherwise what is the point of us being here in the first place?

In a word - Stunning

Reviewed by Mary Kate, Premier Movie Reviews 2007

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS:  Ingmar Bergman: Persona.  Gunnar Björnstrand: Persona.  Max Von Sydow: Minority Report.  Bibi Andersson: Persona.

Main Cast

Gunnar Björnstrand

Bengt Ekerot

Nils Poppe

Max Von Sydow

Bibi Andersson

Inga Gill

Maud Hansson

Inga Landgré

Gunnel Lindblom

RATING

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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