The Seventh Seal

The Seventh Seal is one of Ingmar Bergman's masterpieces, a big influence on Woody Allen and all kinds of modern directors. It may be considered pretentious by some but in my opinion it deserves its status.

A Knight and his squire back from the crusades witness the horror of the Black Death which is devastating their lands. As they near their home Death makes an appearance in human form - ie the grim reaper - and tells him it is his time.

The knight challenges Death to a game of chess with the stake his life - as they play the world around them is shown in stages to be destroyed by the plague, causing turmoil, upheaval and destruction to all concerned.

As the world is turned upside down the pair's sly remarks compete for your attention. It's all kind of witty in places with symbolism flying at you from all angles. Totally gripping as long as you are in the right mood.