The Seventh Seal (also known as Det sjunde inseglet) is a drama fantasy film directed by Ingmar Bergman and written by Ingmar Bergman (play), Ingmar Bergman (screenplay). It released on 16 February 1957 (Sweden). The film stars Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot. A man seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague.