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The Virgin Spring
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The Virgin Spring

1960
Drama
Crime
1h 29m
Set in beautiful 14th century Sweden, it is the sombre, powerful fable of peasant parents whose daughter, a young virgin, is brutally raped and murdered by swineherds after her half sister has invoked a pagan curse (imdb)
Directed by:
Ingmar Bergman Ingmar Bergman
Written by:
Ulla Isaksson
Starring:
Max von Sydow Max von Sydow Allan Edwall Allan Edwall Gunnel Lindblom Gunnel Lindblom Axel Düberg Birgitta Valberg Birgitta Pettersson Tor Isedal Tor Isedal Gudrun Brost Oscar Ljung Oscar Ljung Tor Borong Axel Slangus Ove Porath
More
Genres:
Drama, Crime
AKA:
Jungfrukällan
Country:
Sweden
Languages:
Swedish, German
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Virgin Spring

1960
Drama
Crime
1h 29m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 73.06% from 1567 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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farzanFarzan
Rated 22 Aug 2007
99
99th
This is one of my favorite Bergmans. It has such an excellent pace, one that flows from scene to scene, in such a fluid manner, and the atmosphere and imagery are absolutely mindblowing. Sure, it's not as philosophical as The Seventh Seal, or Persona, but the fairly linear story of The Virgin Spring is a nice change of pace for Bergman. The story sticks out so much in my mind, but the characters emotions, especially von Sydow at the end were definitely the high point. A Masterpiece.
Rated 22 Aug 2007
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 11 Sep 2008
100
99th
There's a moment where Max Von Sydow wrestles with a tree. I believe it to be the most profound image of internal conflict ever realized.
Rated 11 Sep 2008
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 03 Mar 2007
93
98th
Bergman's works are often overambitious and overburdened with symbolism. The Virgin Spring is arguably his masterpiece, a very powerful film and his most focused, purest, most economic. With all due respect to the marvelous directing, I guess the one to thank for this is Ulla Isaksson, to whom Bergman should probably have gone for more scripts.
Rated 03 Mar 2007
sebbysebby
Rated 30 Mar 2011
80
91st
Damn, the look on Tore's face staring at his murder hands after gorilla pressing that kid -- a la the fucking Ultimate Warrior! -- is devastating. And then the God-hands at the end. Sydow and Bergman can't lose.
Rated 30 Mar 2011
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 05 Feb 2007
80
77th
The best thing about this "average" Bergman film is the performances (specially Gunnel Lindblom) and the cinematography, which is truly haunting. Yet again, an "average" Bergman film is far ahead of most the rest of cinema.
Rated 05 Feb 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 30 Dec 2013
60
62nd
Bergman is not the writer here, and it shows (as it does in BRINK OF LIFE, which, too, is written by Isaksson). The religious elements seem half-hearted, and the melodrama about crime and revenge seems less than profound. Performances are good, as is some of the photography, but overall this is one of Bergman’s weaker efforts. Naturally this is the one they awarded with an Oscar (in the Academy’s defence, they would eventually give him another, this time well-deserved, for FANNY AND ALEXANDER).
Rated 30 Dec 2013
paxtonPaxton
Rated 27 Jan 2012
80
88th
Max Von Sydow picks up and throws a dude. That should be enough.
Rated 27 Jan 2012
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 21 May 2010
8
82nd
This movie is really sad and filled me with a sense of dread throughout the entire running time. Great use of foreshadowing and the cinematography is unbelievably good. Max von Sydow's face owns
Rated 21 May 2010
terrymacterrymac
Rated 16 Dec 2020
90
97th
Beautifully filmed and acted, thought-provoking and affecting. The grimness of the subject matter can't be avoided, but there's just enough light to stop it being nihilistic. Max von Sydow is incredible, isn't he? The rest of the cast are equally impressive. This apparently inspired low-rent schlockers like The Last House on the Left (effective in its own way), but it's on an entirely different level of film-making. I must see more of this director's work.
Rated 16 Dec 2020
actionbergActionberg
Rated 23 May 2011
85
84th
This is another superb film by Bergman. There are a number of great scenes here, my favorite likely being the boy alone with the body of Karin, unable to withhold his own childish horror at the entire situation. I thought the ending was fascinating and beautiful. These characters suffer from the same cynicism towards the uncertainty of existence that I've seen in almost every Bergman film, a sort of pessimism that I don't fall in line with but always find so endearingly expressed in these works.
Rated 23 May 2011
anilscnanilscn
Rated 08 Jan 2020
50
48th
Spoiler! En saçma Bergman filmi. Bir Lord'un kızını kilometrelerce uzağa yanlız yollayabileceğini ve aynı lordun sefil insanları evinde ağırlayacağını düşünmek hem de 14.yy şartlarında mantık dışı. Yine lordun savunmasız olmasını geçtim, kötü karakterlerimiz hangi akılla kızın elbisesini anlamayacaklarmış gibi aileye satmak istiyor? Bir de 50'li yaşlarda gibi düşünen bir çocuk da unutulmamış. Bu film hiç ama hiç Bergman'a yakışmıyor.
Rated 08 Jan 2020
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 04 Apr 2008
9
90th
A very simple film with great emotional power.
Rated 04 Apr 2008
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 19 Feb 2011
88
91st
Disturbing and haunting. Simple - perhaps too simple - but still touches on great themes of faith and vengeance. Refreshing to see a film where the heroes have realistic character flaws, pulled off greatly by all the actors involved. In a word, gripping.
Rated 19 Feb 2011
drawkward86drawkward86
Rated 27 Dec 2010
64
27th
An effective, luminescent revenge tragedy, but as a morality play I felt somewhat distant from it and never really registered an emotional reaction to this film, outside of the characters of Karin and the Boy, both of whom share a bracingly honest, wide-open screen presence that is unmistakable. Gorgeous and admirably thoughtful, but the disparate themes never gelled for me and what could have been a quietly harrowing experience usually felt merely like a quasi-historical intellectual exercise.
Rated 27 Dec 2010
herzdameHerzdame
Rated 03 Jan 2011
100
95th
It is a gift to be able to deliver such underlying complexity of the subject matter in conjunction with the themes and symbolisms intrinsically concealed beyond the surface with such raw, visceral simplicity of film-making. Bergman imparted in this film all of his essence and his humanity. He truly is inimitable.
Rated 03 Jan 2011
kahKAH
Rated 01 Aug 2009
3
74th
This movie is all about asking the question "Why believe in the idea of a god that lets such terrible things happen?" The ending might seem ambiguous, but it may very well be a joke an Bergman's part, as it shows how easily people turn to god even though they have witnessed a true sign of his absence. If there is a god, he is a more evil being than you and I are.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
helfen419helfen419
Rated 05 Jan 2011
88
84th
The original Last House on the Left, obviously better.
Rated 05 Jan 2011
bownBown
Rated 05 Oct 2010
85
75th
A lot less complex than most of Bergman's films, but still thematically rich and wonderful to look at, with a fantastic performance by von Sydow.
Rated 05 Oct 2010
klausglenskiKlausGlenski
Rated 05 Jan 2010
90
95th
I might get tired of repeating how brillant Bergman and Nykvist were but i cannot see me getting tired of watching their magic. The Virgin Spring might be some sort of an 'easy Bergman' but got all one could expect from the two magicians. Brillant pace, mindblowing cinematography and of course Max von Sydow who is outstanding. 05/01/2010
Rated 05 Jan 2010
icarusIcarus
Rated 02 Dec 2011
99
99th
A beautifully realized tragedy, and one of the few films Bergman directed but did not write. The black and white photography from Nykvist pops off the screen, while Von Sydow appropriately looks cut from an ancient religious icon. The film is built on a visually-oriented language that highlights shadow and closed spaces. Only in the final moments, when Von Sydow awkwardly collapses in front of the stream, do we get any real sense of freedom of movement.
Rated 02 Dec 2011
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 21 Apr 2010
96
92nd
I can't find much fault with this movie. It's brutal examination of some of life's greatest dualities: vengeance vs. forgiveness, good vs. evil.
Rated 21 Apr 2010
meerkatmeerkat
Rated 12 Nov 2007
90
81st
Max von Sydow looks more like a Norse god than a person. This is a beautiful film. The cinematography is stunning. I adore black & white. There is one particularly effective scene that has the most moving black & white visual I have ever seen. The story is vibrant and the characters even more so.
Rated 12 Nov 2007
neonmanNeonman
Rated 27 Jul 2010
55
10th
Pretty much if Bergman did a standard revenge thriller, which is disappointing to come from a man so thoughtful and so rooted in morality. But like any other Bergman film, there are moments in this I'll never forget.
Rated 27 Jul 2010
snatit4387Snatit4387
Rated 29 Feb 2008
95
80th
Impeccably shot, and beautifully acted. This is, perhaps Bergman's most under-rated and under-appreciated film.
Rated 29 Feb 2008
hotsakehotsake
Rated 17 Nov 2018
86
97th
The way Karin was depicted you just know something bad will happen and when it did I was enthralled, I kind of knew what was going to happen and that just made it even more compelling. The anticipation was nerve wracking, I both wanted the film to hurry up and get on with it but at the same time I was caught up in the moment and was savoring the build up. The stark black & white photography made the whole film more powerful as did the lack of music during certain crucial scenes.
Rated 17 Nov 2018
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 23 Jun 2007
87
78th
The Virgin Spring, per usual with Bergman, is both haunting in subject matter and its visuals. The thing that makes this one so good is when that big guy with the beard throws that little 12 year old boy against a wall. Hahahahaha
Rated 23 Jun 2007
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 14 Sep 2010
100
96th
In a way The Virgin Spring embodies everything that is great about Bergman. It's intimate and quiet, and yet grandiose, even operatic simultaneously. The film is structurally simple in a way that I found kind of humbling and beautiful. That's true of most of Bergman's films, but it really stood out here.
Rated 14 Sep 2010
crayonCRAYON
Rated 26 Jan 2010
95
97th
Such a beautiful film. Some scenes, while not necessarily graphic, will stick with you. I was thinking about the movie the entire day after I saw it.
Rated 26 Jan 2010
kramyessevKramYessev
Rated 16 Sep 2011
57
36th
Note to self: re-watch now not an idiot.
Rated 16 Sep 2011
lintonmyroxylintonmyroxy
Rated 04 Dec 2020
85
51st
The half sister never really invokes a pagan curse. The idyllic first half is great but once the daughter dies I think it goes a little downhill. Von Sydow had the swineherds asleep and at knifepoint and allowed one of them to wake up and grab a knife smh
Rated 04 Dec 2020
rthornhillrthornhill
Rated 10 Dec 2008
96
96th
Beautiful and brutal. Enjoyed the spiritual questions it raises. Highly recommended.
Rated 10 Dec 2008
torontodogtorontodog
Rated 29 Jan 2008
95
97th
I know Bergman didn't like this one, but I'm a sucker for the revenge flick...
Rated 29 Jan 2008
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 16 Mar 2010
4
70th
Another outstanding religious drama from Bergman. He takes on vengeance and the silence of God. It covers a lot of ground that his other films do, but is crafted with his usual expertise so it's never a bother. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, though.
Rated 16 Mar 2010
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 02 Oct 2008
5
93rd
Grace and mercy are godly applications inexplicable to men, who succumb to cruelty and vengeance. This film's strength is its complete simplicity: a narrative, thematic, and aesthetic thrift which nevertheless feels as substantial as any of Bergman's work, in no small part for these passionate performances. He called this Kurosawa imitation, deferential to Rashomon, but it also bears a more general resemblance to that Japanese master, mostly in the way the actors engage a rustic landscape.
Rated 02 Oct 2008
dardandardan
Rated 03 Dec 2015
70
71st
The writing is weak, forced or strained at many points while lacking the depth, subtlety and complexity of other Bergman films. One of the best examples is the crucial element as described in the summary: 'her half sister has invoked a pagan curse' only being revealed a near hour after it happened, emptying the weight it was supposed to carry within the narrative as intended. This obviously is taken up and is a result of the reconstruction Bergman did to the story, but it still is messy.
Rated 03 Dec 2015
qvtQVT
Rated 16 Sep 2012
100
99th
It's been three and a half years since I gave out a 100. This is a fucking masterpiece. Watching the scene in the barn I was almost convinced, but the ending is so magnificent I couldn't resist adding this to the list of best films I've ever seen. Acting like this doesn't happen often. God, that tree...
Rated 16 Sep 2012
arkadinarkadin
Rated 08 Apr 2012
79
76th
great way of telling, there was no impatience and hate on the faces if i consider faithfulness, i think the faithful is hard to everything and the film charmed me at most in this unusual way
Rated 08 Apr 2012
amerigoamerigo
Rated 08 Dec 2009
88
93rd
Bergman decides to make a Christian parable out of the Middle Ages. That's it. It's simple and straightforward and wonderfully succinct.
Rated 08 Dec 2009
caimancaiman
Rated 16 Feb 2010
93
96th
An intense, moving movie by Bergman. Chock full of symbolism about faith and rebirth, the movie's plot is refreshingly simple, but the emotions and actions of the characters are deep and real. The best here is Max von Sydow as the stoic father who is faced with an abrupt, indescribably painful revelation. The decision he makes and the actions he takes are intense, gruesome, heartbreaking and unforgettable - and I would use those same adjectives to describe The Virgin Spring as a whole.
Rated 16 Feb 2010
doyler29doyler29
Rated 18 Feb 2023
90
87th
This film has a cold and terrible poetic beauty. It doesn't really portray the goat herders as evil men, so much as brute facts ... part of the wild uncultured world that Von Sydow lives in. The film pits Von Sydow's somewhat primitive Christian faith against the brutish aspects of the world, turning the story into a crisis of faith narrative. How does a man living in this times reconcile his beliefs with the terrible things the world inflicts on him?
Rated 18 Feb 2023
genevajoygenevajoy
Rated 14 Apr 2012
100
98th
Absolutely one of the most emotional and heartbreaking films I've ever seen.
Rated 14 Apr 2012
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 02 Sep 2009
95
96th
I enjoyed it. Simple story but it really gets at you.
Rated 02 Sep 2009
thoughtgraffThoughtgraff
Rated 31 Mar 2009
100
97th
Fucking amazing.
Rated 31 Mar 2009
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 08 Jan 2023
82
79th
Bergman is cheerful as ever in this extremely well made and perfectly acted tale centered on two of Bergman's favorite topics: God and depressing the hell out of the viewer. It's simple and a lot easier to grasp than a lot of Bergman's work, which has been a bit hit or miss for me (with the hits really hitting.) Pace is perfect. Maybe one of the most stereotypical Bergmany movies stylistically, up there with The Seventh Seal. I suspect this one will stick with me.
Rated 08 Jan 2023
mechatiggerMechatigger
Rated 05 Mar 2009
100
91st
Bergman's quietly chilling morality play about pagan lusts, Christian renewal. He has captured the quality of ancient legends: their primitive passions; human sorrows; abrupt beauty, for one of his most powerful films.
Rated 05 Mar 2009
mkellinsmkellins
Rated 08 May 2014
75
85th
What I love about Bergman's work is that every scene and piece of dialogue is so well thought out and a crucial part of the film. This one is no exception. Maybe it didn't engage me quite as deeply as some of his other films, but that doesn't make it a bad movie. It's an interesting, but simplistic, story about guilt, revenge and religion.
Rated 08 May 2014
jpfergusonJPFerguson
Rated 17 Jul 2020
60
54th
This is a visually beautiful film and the ascetic soundscape is powerful. However, I was not sufficiently convinced of the loss and revenge that is the focus of the story. Unusually flat for one of the Swedish master's films, more of a veneer of a Bergman film.
Rated 17 Jul 2020
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 01 Mar 2023
94
89th
Admittedly I have a weak spot for Bergman’s more straightforward efforts like this; Bergman succeeds where later "torture porn" efforts would fail in his depiction of the (still brutal) violence (especially the rape scene itself) while never glamourising or playing the material for cheap “shock” value – it’s the bait-and-switch to a phenomenal von Sydow’s crisis of faith that gives this its deep resonance and philosophical thoughtfulness. Heartbreaking work from Pettersson in support as well.
Rated 01 Mar 2023
rushshirtrushshirt
Rated 27 Feb 2023
10
95th
Bergman's greatest is also one of his most difficult, due to its graphical depictions of sexual assault and murder. A profoundly religious film of Jobian theodicy, marked by the unflinching stillness by which it shows man's fall from and return to grace.
Rated 27 Feb 2023
panzerwolfpanzerwolf
Rated 21 Jul 2010
90
96th
Can't decide between this and the Seventh Seal, but this is definitely one of my favourite Bergmans. The mood is very powerful throughout, the story flows easily and the acting is brilliant. What else can you expect from Max von Sydow, though?
Rated 21 Jul 2010
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 22 Dec 2006
87
87th
Powerful and bleak.
Rated 22 Dec 2006
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 25 Oct 2013
90
80th
A bit more thematically obvious, as far as Bergman goes anyway, but what it lacks in intellectual curiosity it makes up for with pure emotional power, with scenes that are both chilling and devastating. Max von Sydow is great, and some of those shots will stick with you forever.
Rated 25 Oct 2013
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 02 Mar 2008
54
26th
# 927
Rated 02 Mar 2008
scurryscurry
Rated 22 Jan 2008
55
67th
Very accessible for a Bergman film, but a bit overrated. Von Sydow is not quite convincing for me.
Rated 22 Jan 2008
wongfooWongFoo
Rated 12 Apr 2018
89
90th
I love when Max von Sydow throws that kid across the room.
Rated 12 Apr 2018
jpotiijpotII
Rated 07 Jun 2019
82
86th
Capricórnio
Rated 07 Jun 2019
x_humanx-human
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
76th
Puts all its imitators to shame with its dark sorrowful narrative where even the good guys have their character flaws.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
reyRey
Rated 19 Apr 2009
80
65th
O final é realmente muito bonito. Todo a força e pureza da jovem virgem origina a fonte que intitula o filme. Uma imagem muito tocante, porém o resto do filme não mexeu muito comigo. É bonita também a reação do pai frente toda a tragédia, representando uma crença ainda muito firme e inabalável em Deus, mesmo numa época conturbada em que o paganismo ganhava força na Suécia.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
leokittyleokitty
Rated 29 Nov 2012
85
78th
Focused movie about faith and the cause and effects of vengeance. The characters are real people with flaws which makes it all the more chilling and sad.
Rated 29 Nov 2012
akjnakjn
Rated 16 Apr 2019
80
82nd
ilk izlediğimde sıkıcı gelmişti ama bergmanın en saf ve gerçekçi işi olabilir. insan dinin kurallarından kolayca vaz geçebilir, dinini tam anlamıyla yaşamayabilir ama yine de ondan kopamaz, anlaşılmaz.
Rated 16 Apr 2019
desertpunkDesertPunk
Rated 27 Nov 2013
90
97th
I was really surprised when I heard people discussing the Virgin Spring as being an "average" Bergman film. I really don't see it, and it's my favorite so far. Sydow's performance is one of the best I've ever seen, and the whole thing is relentlessly tense and well-paced. The script is also surprisingly tight, and the cinematography is unbelieveable. I knew within 5 minutes of this movie starting that it would be over 90.
Rated 27 Nov 2013
isaboojumisaboojum
Rated 30 Sep 2012
4
87th
I couldn't help but feel a little let down by the ending. The religion just doesn't sit well with me, even though it makes sense in the film. But I was engrossed throughout. It was a very good watch.
Rated 30 Sep 2012
evilmangoesEvilMangoes
Rated 18 Jan 2021
96
90th
A
Rated 18 Jan 2021
judo_koalaJudo Koala
Rated 18 Jul 2015
85
90th
The irony in people's referring to this as one of Bergman's more 'simplistic' films lies in the fact that it raises what might be some of the most difficult questions Bergman has posed forth: In what manner must we act towards those who have wronged us so cruelly? Is there even a 'correct' way to do so? And to what end does religious conviction require the act of forgiveness to supplant that of vengeance--or is it righteous 'justice'? Heavy material that is both beautiful and harrowing at once.
Rated 18 Jul 2015
theyshoot08theyshoot08
Rated 19 Dec 2008
55
10th
891
Rated 19 Dec 2008
yakamoz22YakaMOZ22
Rated 01 Jul 2023
82
88th
Acting & Casting - 13/15 Presentation and Development of Characters - 11/15 Story and Story Presentation - 12/15 Visual Quality - 10/10 Creativity - 5/5 Execution - 6/10 Pacing and Lenght - 3/5 Music and Theme - 4/5 Sound and Visual Quality, Cinematography - 10/10 Directing - 8/10
Rated 01 Jul 2023
stainStain
Rated 25 Mar 2007
50
33rd
This film may have to be seen on the big screen to properly appreciate it -- much more so than films normally do -- 'cause it's another one where the cinematographer totally steals the show. Despite everyone's raving about what a classic this is, it's remarkably dull considering the subject matter, and some of the performances actually seem kinda silly. Also, as an American and a fairly enlightened one, I've had it up to here with raving Xtians and therefore don't dig explorations of faith
Rated 25 Mar 2007
larsvontrierLarsVonTrier
Rated 02 Feb 2021
4
93rd
Bergman just flips everything, moves like a hurricane and leaves no stone unturned in the 60's and this is one of those stunning works of that era.
Rated 02 Feb 2021
roujinroujin
Rated 16 Sep 2008
70
78th
Probably as direct and concise as you can get.
Rated 16 Sep 2008
francogonzoFrancoGonzo
Rated 01 Mar 2016
15
81st
Star Rating: ★★★★
Rated 01 Mar 2016
napolenbradynapolenbrady
Rated 15 Mar 2019
86
40th
85.50
Rated 15 Mar 2019
dougiedDougieD
Rated 17 Jun 2013
95
91st
One of the most gripping and disturbing films I've ever seen. Raises many questions concerning fate, spirituality and forgiveness (or the lack thereof). This like a haunting dream that refuses to leave your memory after you've woken from sleep.
Rated 17 Jun 2013
picklemanPickle_Man
Rated 26 Jul 2020
100
94th
It's kind of hilarious that, at some point in his life, Wes Craven watched this and thought 'I can make that.'
Rated 26 Jul 2020
glm01glm01
Rated 02 Oct 2013
87
91st
87.000
Rated 02 Oct 2013
lookinglandLookingLand
Rated 16 Nov 2007
70
73rd
harsh harsh film, but soooo good.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
ddrudgesd_drudges
Rated 05 May 2014
80
90th
The build up is slow but completely worth it for the mesmerizing finale. The Virgin Spring explores religion as a solution for the human want for structure in life. Was the spring created by God? Was it created by Odin who, aided by his crows, sees and hears everything and noted the sacrifice by combat? Was it created by chance? Bergman doesn't tell you, leaving it up to your faith.
Rated 05 May 2014
derdudeDerDude
Rated 06 May 2012
9
86th
This is not a lesser Bergman, it might be even more profound than some of his more famous works. You won't find characters in a face close-up, spelling out their inner monolog here, this is a beautifully piece of subtle characterization, often invoking Kurosawa.
Rated 06 May 2012
metismetis
Rated 06 Aug 2021
89
88th
???????????????????????????????????????/?????????????????????????
Rated 06 Aug 2021
iyisinekiyisinek
Rated 02 Dec 2014
78
79th
orman, yolculuk, tecavüz, çobanlar, intikam (soldaki son ev'in orijinali gibi)
Rated 02 Dec 2014
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 24 Jul 2011
81
86th
It's a beautiful, strangely haunting film, typically full of Bergman's stunning photography and some great performances. It won't go down as one of my favourite Bergman films, but even when Bergman wasn't firing on all cylinders he was still twice as good as pretty much anyone else out there! The final 20 minutes or so are particuarly brilliant, with the final scene a beautiful and emotional climax.
Rated 24 Jul 2011
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 24 Jan 2007
89
92nd
It's a beautiful, haunting and compelling work, but a bit simplistic -- not as dense as Bergman's finer films. Also the ending is weak and doesn't seem to fit at all in the film, or even anywhere in the whole of Bergman's oeuvre.
Rated 24 Jan 2007
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 30 Dec 2013
6
83rd
it perhaps doesn't have the thematic depth or even dramatic heft of some of the later, greater bergmans, but this middle ages period piece on faith and family still has numerous great elements.
Rated 30 Dec 2013
suskisSuskis
Rated 04 Feb 2015
7
0th
Un medioevo terribile, dove esiste solo un paganesimo feroce (anche quando cammuffato da cristianesimo) in cui le tragedie si susseguono senza salvezza per nessuno. Molto bello il bianco e nero, un po'incerta la storia e gli atti dei personaggi. La scena finale, che per molti rappresenta la ritrovata salvezza, a me pare invece una sottolineatura dell'ignoranza pagana di questa gente, incapace di far altro che lavorare, dormire, mangiare e pregare.
Rated 04 Feb 2015
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 24 Oct 2010
25
61st
"Represents the primary nexus between Bergman's austere but accessibly recherché works of the 1950s and his downright ascetic 1960s cinema." - Eric Henderson
Rated 24 Oct 2010
thehynesthehynes
Rated 16 May 2014
32
4th
The usual turgid fare.What?You like it?Well I never...
Rated 16 May 2014
jebJeb
Rated 28 Oct 2008
95
87th
Not as dense as other Bergman masterpieces, but it isn't weak in any spots. While a bit simplistic sometimes, I was completely swept away by the film's pacing and acting. Max von Sydow is a god in human form, and it's utterly devastating in every way, concerning the plotline.
Rated 28 Oct 2008
theyshoot10theyshoot10
Rated 15 Jan 2010
65
30th
707
Rated 15 Jan 2010
adiljunadiljun
Rated 09 Dec 2021
82
97th
(November 8th, 2017 / 85)
Rated 09 Dec 2021
thereeldealthereeldeal
Rated 03 Sep 2015
75
65th
Bergman's The Virgin Spring explores more themes of religious skepticism, primarily focused around action and inaction, justice and tragedy, and our convenient nature to tie these things to anything but ourselves. Though it feels as if Pettersson only exists to be trampled for the sake of the film's messages, this doesn't decrease the power of the infamous rape scene, where Bergman steps back from the act and allows a non-sensational objective look at such a deplorable crime. Very empathetic.
Rated 03 Sep 2015
paradigmaParadigma
Rated 04 Aug 2011
90
97th
One of the hardest films I've seen.
Rated 04 Aug 2011
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 02 Dec 2011
63
26th
#740
Rated 02 Dec 2011
karamazovkaramazov.
Rated 01 Jul 2014
48
63rd
A haunted, totally fucked-up fairytale.
Rated 01 Jul 2014
graveyardtangraveyardtan
Rated 05 Oct 2013
100
98th
The Virgin Spring's mesmerizing images do nothing to alleviate the film's horrors. Virgin Spring is so visceral, one might almost mistake it for a genre film, though its roots are firmly in the existential. One of Bergman's best.
Rated 05 Oct 2013
dkaufman_iiD_Kaufman
Rated 25 Dec 2013
79
81st
If for nothing else, see it for its last two minutes.
Rated 25 Dec 2013
zipsterZipster
Rated 26 Dec 2014
99
96th
So graceful, subtle and omniscient that when we experience powerfully emotional moments, we haven't even expected them, and when we have, it's already hit us. With every detail, the result is utter simplicity, no fluctuation in the face of whatever brutality or emotional quakes, making them all that much more profoundly moving.
Rated 26 Dec 2014

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