The Seventh Seal

(1957)Directed by Ingmar Bergman96 minFantasy, Drama
The story of a challenge to death.

A knight (Max von Sydow) returns from the Crusades to find Sweden ravaged by plague, and Death (Bengt Ekerot) waits for him on a rocky shore. He challenges Death to a game of chess, wagering his life for time to find meaning before the end comes. Bergman frames them hunched over the board as the world empties around them, the sky darkening, until one figure sits alone at the table and the other is gone.

Bengt Ekerotas Death
Max von Sydowas Antonius Block
Inga Gillas Lisa
Maud Hanssonas Witch
Gunnel Lindblomas Mute Girl
Anders Ekas Monk
Gunnar Olssonas Albertus Pictor
Erik Strandmarkas Jonas Skat
Lars Lindas Young Monk (uncredited)
Benkt-Åke Benktssonas Merchant at Inn (uncredited)
Tor Borongas Farmer at Inn (uncredited)
Gudrun Brostas Woman at Inn (uncredited)
Harry Asklundas Landlord (uncredited)
Ulf Johanssonas Knight Commander (uncredited)
Sten Ardenstamas Knight (uncredited)
Gordon Löwenadleras Knight (uncredited)
Karl Widhas Man with Crutches (uncredited)
Tommy Karlssonas Mikael (uncredited)