A medieval knight challenges Death to a chess game to save himself and his friends.
Directed by the Legend Ingmar Bergman and also written by himself in 1957 is the story of a Medieval Knight who return from crusades back to his home country during the the Plague.
Starring Max Von Sydow as Antonius Block ( The Knight) and Gunnar Bjornstrand as Jons ( His Squire)after returning from the Battlefield the Knight is greeted by non other than Death himself. he was informed that Death was always by his side
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He strikes a Bargain or we can also say he makes a challenge to Death about a game of Chess if the Death is defeated he will spare the lives of him and his squire. Although greatly amused by this challenge Death accepts it and the condition is that as long as the Game goes on they will continue to live.
He uses this time to look back at life and his decisions and also thinks about the crusades and the practices that were greatly influenced by Religion.
This work of Bergman went on becoming one of the classics of Cinema.Bergman questions the meaning of Life, Death, Faith and existence of God The thought that Death is along with us always yet we fear to face it and thus live a life inconceivable of our fullest potential.
Also the the very quest of Challenging Death to a game of Chess is very thought provoking. It derives a balance on existence and non - existence of a being. It brings a balanced outlook. Although there are many biblical references to the film for one to understand it fully.
The cinematography is great. it has some stunning, powerful and haunting images which stays in mind.
One of the most iconic shot of the film the Danse Macabre or Dance of Death at the end of the Film at the crest of the distant hill is one of the breathtaking shot of the film.
| Dance of Death |
The Seventh Seal is one of the classics of world cinema and a must watch and experience film for everyone who wishes to understand the cinema.
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