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As every movie lover knows, this story about a knight playing chess against death is one of the essentials of world cinema. The so-called "dark and depressing" film is actually much more hopeful and humorous than it's reputation suggests.
The knight himself is understandably obsessed with mortality, the nature of God and the meaning of life, since his chess game has the highest of stakes. The Knight, Antonius Block, and his squire encounter many characters along their journey home from the crusades, each one usually presenting new themes and subplots to be explored. Not only is the Black Plague wiping out the population of Block's homeland, but this has caused widespread religious fanaticism, moral decay, and various other forms of panic throughout that medieval society. In terms of historical significance, Bergman made this film as an examination of not only medieval European society, but also the 1950s cold war paranoia caused by the Soviet discovery of nuclear weapons. Despite those gloomy themes, the main characters are generally warm, funny and caring of one another. While this could have evolved into an angry indictment of humanity, Bergman actually goes the opposite direction, as he suggests that even in this darkest of times there is still good to be found in the world.
Technically speaking this film is perfect in every way. There are countless images that are iconic in the film world, and the acting is flawless all around. Since Bergman is considered one of the greatest directors who ever lived, and this is one of his defining works, I will simply agree with all the praise already heaped upon this film instead of repeating it endlessly.
As for recommending it, well let's face it, if you want to pretend to know anything at all about the art of motion pictures, then this is one of a handful of films you absolutely must see, whether you want to or not. But who wouldn't want to after all?
