When disillusioned Swedish knight Antonius Block returns home from the Crusades to find his country in the grips of the Black Death, he challenges Death to a chess match for his life. Tormented by the belief that God does not exist, Block sets off on a journey, meeting up with traveling players Jof and his wife, Mia, and becoming determined to evade Death long enough to commit one redemptive act while he still lives.
Cinematography
Black-and-white imagery so iconic it spawned a thousand parodies.
Direction
Bergman at peak 'God is silent and I'm upset about it' energy.
Acting
Max von Sydow's face is a whole religion collapsing.
Director
Ingmar Bergman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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