One of Ingmar Bergman’s most controversial films, The Virgin Spring, set in 14th century Sweden, takes its inspiration from a medieval ballad (which the director initially considered adapting as an opera) which recounts the tale of Töre (Max von Sydow), a father who takes violent revenge against the men who assault his daughter. Winner of the Academy Award for best foreign-language film, The Virgin Spring is an exploration of the tension between Christian forgiveness and the primal desire for vengeance. The film also served as inspiration for The Last House on The Left, Wes Craven’s notorious 1972 debut.

The screening will be introduced by Donald Clarke, The Irish Times’ chief film correspondent.

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.