Das Siebte Zeichen

"The Seventh Sign" is an intelligent and atmospheric horror film, although "religious thriller" would probably be a more apt description. It is has many creepy moments, and what's interesting is that the fear caused by the film is God-inspired, unlike so many films in the genre. This is a movie that has a thoroughly disturbing tone, the same level of pervading dread that made "The Exorcist," "The Omen," and the underrated Roman Polanski film, "The Ninth Gate" so successful. The acting and writing are solid; there are good performances from Demi Moore and Michael Biehn. Peter Friedman is excellent as a tortured priest. If you're in the mood for a thought-provoking thriller, check out "The Seventh Sign."

After watching this movie at a family friend's home without checking the IMDb score it occurred to me that I was brainwashed to think that the score is always right.

Until now, I'd see a movie with a low IMDb score, watch it and found it dumb, not worthy of my time. Then, I'd see one with a high IMDb score and I'd like it. This is a unique, triumphant moment for me because, for the first time since the 9th grade when I started to follow the score (now I'm the 12th), my rating proved to be significantly different than the average rating!

I'm still aware of some major plot-holes and breaches in logic (and there are many I'm not yet aware of) but It was one heck of a ride and I've enjoyed it so much that I'll give this movie...

An 8 out of 10.

Oh, and I've loved Demi Moore.

In Haiti, the sea and the life-form die; in the Middle East, a town is frozen. These are signs of the Apocalypse and the Vatican is investigating, but Father Lucci (Peter Friedman) advises that these omens are hoax or technologically explained. In California, the housewife Abby Quinn (Demi Moore) is pregnant and the delivery is scheduled to February, 29 in a leap year. Her husband, the lawyer Russell Quinn (Michael Biehn), is defending a weird case of the teenager Jimmy Szaragosa (John Taylor) that killed his parents telling that he was following the Word of God. Meanwhile Abby rents a garage apartment to the mysterious David Bannon (Jürgen Prochnow). The hopeless Abby has strange nightmares and soon she finds that around the world there are signs of the Apocalypse in accordance with the Book of Revelation. She learns also that David Bannon is Jesus that has returned; Father Lucci is the Pilate's porter Cartaphilus that was doomed to wander on Earth for the eternity; and she is a woman that tried to help Jesus. Further, she is the Seventh Sign and the Apocalypse will happen when her baby is stillborn. What can she do to save her unborn son and mankind?

"The Seventh Sign" is an original film about Apocalypse, with a complex story. There are flaws that should have been explained, such as Abby let a stranger in her house when she was alone, but it seems that she has already discussed with him the rental. Invinting him for dinner is part of etiquette and politeness with the tenant. Curiosity killed the cat and explains her behavior snooping around his apartment. There are many other criticism to this film, but if the viewer do not pay attention to the flaws, he or she will find an enjoyable supernatural movie. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Sétima Profecia" ("The Seventh Prophecy")

The picture concerns a pregnant woman (an actually pregnant Demi Moore) living with her husband (Michael Biehn). She realizes the strange boarder (Jurgen Prochnow) at home and the fantastic goings-on happening are united to the ¨Book of Revelation¨ and some prophecies connected to her unborn son . She gets drawn into a cobweb of mysterious events . Nowadays , she only can stop the destruction of the world like is said in ¨The commentaries of the Apocalypse of Saint John¨. All around the world various signs emerge from Biblic omens . A Vatican emissary priest (Peter Friedman) is dedicated to investigate the bizarre deeds . As the seals have been broken. The prophecies have begun. Now only one woman can halt the end of our world. An ancient evil has been awakened and there is nothing you can do to stop it... except pray.

It's a spiritual triller skillfully narrated with bit action but quite entertaining . Strikingly designed and well paced with little exterior scenarios , being exception for the frozen village and African outdoors . This polished film provides chills , supernatural events and thrills in lively mystery . It's rich and dark , though confusing , at times . The film belongs to supernatural prophecy sub-genre (along with : ¨The omen¨and its sequels , ¨The Body¨ , among others) . Good main and support cast , even Ellen DeGeneres played a bit role, but it was cut from the film before releasing . Esoteric musical score and excessive use of synthesizer by composer Jack Nitzsche (Starman , Jewel of Nile , Razor's edge) . Colorful cinematography full of shades and lights by excellent Spanish cameraman Juan Ruiz Anchia (Close range , House of game , River runs black) . The motion picture was well directed by Carl Schulz (a regular television picture director) . It's one of the most unusual supernatural movies from the 80s and certainly one of the most unsettling .

Released in 1988, "The Seventh Sign" is a creative take on the Bible's end-of-the-world prophecies: Apocalyptic judgments seem to be occurring all over the world as an unbelieving California couple (Demi Moore and Michael Biehn) are preparing for their first child. A mysterious stranger rents an apartment from them and Demi slowly discovers that she and her baby are the focal point of the end or possibly humanity's second chance.

Jesus Christ Himself is one of the main characters and this is one of the best depictions of Christ in film, if not THE best. He's by far the most interesting character in the movie (I'd tell you the actor playing the role but I don't want to give away who the Messiah is as the movie keeps it kinda discreet, not that it's too hard to figure out). I just wish they gave JC more screen time and dialogue since he's so intriguing; it would have made for a much more compelling picture. As it is, the film focuses on Demi and she's just not that interesting a character.

I enjoy movies that make you reflect and try to figure out. This is such a film. Some have criticized that the story is nonsensical, but it's all there clear as a bell if you reflect on it.

One reviewer criticizes that the film lacks substance, yet the story deals with nothing less than the salvation of humanity via sacrifice, faith, hope and love; plus Jesus Christ Himself is a major character. I think this qualifies as substance.

If you're having trouble figuring the story out ask yourself this question: Why is Jesus Christ attracted like a magnet to Demi and her baby? Once you have that figured out the story makes perfect sense.

I'd also like to point out that the film is expertly made on practically every level. This ain't no low-budget fare.

People seem to have trouble categorizing "The Seventh Sign" because it's so unique. I would say it's a mystery/horror film, but not "horror" in the sense of a slasher flick; "Seventh Sign" is more classy than that. Although there are loads of dead bodies & blood, there's hardly any cussing and no youths getting naked.

As far as Biblical eschatology goes, the story gets it fairly accurate up to a point but then takes a creative turn. If such creative license with Christian prophecy offends you then stay away. Regardless, keep in mind that the main message of the film is completely Biblical, i.e. salvation only comes via the spilling of blood and faith, hope & love.

Unfortunately the film has a bit of a tedious vibe despite the numerous intriguing aspects, which is a major flaw considering it only runs about 90 minutes. Again, they should have given JC more screen time and dialogue as he is definitely the most interesting character. Because of this tedious vibe I give the film an overall strong 5/10 or C+ (if I was in a better mood I'd give it a 6/10 Stars or B-). In other words, although "The Seventh Sign" has some undeniably great elements, overall it's neither great nor horrible; it's somewhere in between. Regardless, it's very worthwhile if the subject matter piques your interest.

GRADE: C+