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The Seventh Seal

The Seventh Seal

1957
When disillusioned Swedish knight Antonius Block returns home from the Crusades to find his country in the grips of the Black Death, he challenges Death to a chess match for his life. Tormented by the belief that God does not exist, Block sets off on a journey, meeting up with traveling players Jof and his wife, Mia, and becoming determined to evade Death long enough to commit one redemptive act while he still lives.
Ratings:
Brad Score: 7.2/10
Internet Score: 8.2/10
Director:
Ingmar Bergman
Cast:
Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe, Bibi Andersson, Inga Gill, Maud Hansson, Inga Landgré, Gunnel Lindblom, Bertil Anderberg
Genres:
Drama Fantasy

My notes

My initial reaction on finishing this was that I would need to watch it again. Not immediately, not in that sort of joy one gets from romps, but rather because the themes of the film - religion, existentialism, nihilism - need more than one viewing to really unpack.

I'm fairly certain that my rating will improve over time.

Watched Jan. 7, 2026 via UHD — rated 7.2/10
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