The Virgin Spring

Directed by Ingmar Bergman

Bergman’s second foray into medieval Sweden boasts a majestic performance from von Sydow, as the father bent on avenging his ravished daughter. It’s also a fascinating contest between paganism (in the shape of Gunnel Lindblom’s earthy sister) and a Christian ethic that would become Lutheranism with a vengeance. The rape sequence enraged censors of the time, but remains more anguished than salacious.

Duration:
87 minutes

Country of origin:
Sweden

Year of production:
1960