The best known of Ingmar Bergman’s films, and indeed one of the most iconic works in the canon of twentieth century cinema, The Seventh Seal owes its formidable reputation to a series of indelible monochrome images that have become emblazoned upon the collective unconscious. As the plague tears through medieval Europe, a knight, Antonius Block (Max von Sydow), returning from the chaos of the Crusades, challenges Death to a game of chess to forestall his demise. Block wishes to find answers to some of life’s big questions and perform at least one meaningful deed before he dies.

The screening will be introduced by Dr. Harvey O Brien, Head of Film, UCD.

Notes by David O’Mahony.

This film screens as part of BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL: THE FILMS OF INGMAR BERGMAN.

See the full collection of films on IFI@Home, launching February 1st.