This is yet another biblically based film that addresses the end of the world and the second coming of Jesus Christ. It's not a horror movie, but a mystery thriller that works great and appeals to our most elemental emotional feelings. The film makes a mixture of Christian and Jewish elements and beliefs that may not seem very cool but the heart of the story is closely associated with the prophecy of the Book of Revelation, in particular the verses concerning the seven seals. Of course, the story starts from this base but then takes on other contours and creative freedoms, while making everything more intimate and personal thanks to Abby (a main character played by Demmy Moore in an excellent performance), a young girl who wants to be a mother very much But has a painful history of miscarriages. This young woman ends up getting directly involved with the issue, becoming the victim of events beyond her control. This gives the audience a clear sense of support for the young woman, holding our attention to the end. Michael Biehn did well in the role of Abby's husband, although the character has very little value for the story. Jürgen Prochnow made a good performance in the role of David, the mysterious abbot of Abby who, in fact, is Jesus in disguise. The special, visual and sound effects of the film are quite satisfying and help at the time of the most amazing scenes.

Let me say this right off the bat: I'm not usually a fan of religious films. Although The Seventh Sign has heavy undertones, I can't help but love it for being a really well crafted, atmospheric thriller that let's it's fantastic cast go to some truly tough emotional places, that would still be captivating in a film without religious roots. Demi Moore, who I've always loved a lot, plays Abbey Quinn, a tortured girl whose pregnancy only brings forth dark memories from her past and troubles her more. As ominous biblical signs intrude on her benign everyday life, a charismatic, intense stranger (Jurgen Prochnow) rents a room from her, and right away we know he ties into the phenomena somehow. Prochnow rarely gets a chance to play outside of the Soviet terrorist psychopath prototype, but here he brings sincerity, depth and a warm heart to a role that isn't easy to play without lookin like a preachy moron. Michael Biehn give a fiercely touching turn as Abbey's husband, a realist who finds himself out of his element with the supernatural elements that begin to creep into his life. Biehn has a scene at the end that he just nails, and is a highlight of his career. All religious paraphernalia aside though, the themes presented, about sacrifice, love, and finding the one tiny ray of hope in a world cluttered with scum and degenerates are concepts that can be universally applied to any story, be it Christian or not. It's a moody, exciting, heartfelt film that's well worth checking out.

OK, let me just say that it's a long time since I've seen this film, and it's the sort of thing that irritates by being so often horribly written, directed, acted, implausible and vacuously melodramatic (as per the supposedly underrated 'Ninth Gate'. Furthermore, I'm an atheist. Yet I've never forgotten The Seventh Seal. I will never forget the implacable, murderously sad face of 'The Lamb' visiting Earth in Lion mode. There must be something about strange weather, tectonic events and red rivers that is hard-wired in humans to evoke dread and fascination, because I have also never forgotten feeling both of those things, watching the results of the breaking of the biscuit-shaped seals. Well, red rivers = war, and that's happening now, so maybe these images got under my skin because they were topical. We're expected to side-line these sorts of considerations though, with our view obscured by Demi Moore and biblically referenced mystery plot stuff. Moore i can easily glance past, and the bible i know almost nothing about (have only seen the Angers Tapestries for an education in Revelations and apocalypse), so was able to watch the film in something approaching freedom, even with the aforementioned preconceptions about the genre. Demi does an OK job as always, no real problem there. The naked pregnant thing is no big deal; those who are disturbed by that should get a life. The plot moves along efficiently. we do want to know what happens next..so far so good. Things come to a denouement; will The World prevail or will Armageddon complete itself? Nothing so exceptional there... but just one or two things did very much move me; the notions of the greatness of love and sacrifice- in this context nicely morphed to counter patriarchal tropes- and the Guf. For someone who has always thought of all unborn children as pre-existing, waiting only to be summoned to this mortal coil, the idea of the Guf is heart-clenchingly sweet and beautiful. All in all, all I can say is just have a look :-). Despite your well-reasoned and fair reservations, there is something in this film that you might find unforgettable, and as others have mentioned, moving.

This story, which is most definitely based on the prophetic last book of the New Testament, that of Revelation, holds some entertainment value but remains sadly and irresponsibly inaccurate.It tells the tale of the Seven Signs that are to herald the end of the age and the judgment of all humanity by the Almighty God. For Hollywood however, director Carl Schultz tones down the Biblical prophecies and humanises the plot to gain a wider audience.For unbelievers, "The Seventh Sign" may well intrigue or perhaps bore you, depending on taste. Tragically though, this movie will leave many believing a very wrong doctrine: that mankind can save himself.Sunday, March 22, 1992 - Video