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The Virgin Spring (1960)

Jungfrukällan (original title)
Not Rated | | Drama | 14 November 1960 (USA)
The Virgin Spring Poster
An innocent yet pampered young virgin and her family's pregnant and jealous servant set out to deliver candles to church, but only one returns from events that transpire in the woods along the way.

Director:

Ingmar Bergman

Writer:

Ulla Isaksson

Stars:

Max von Sydow, Birgitta Valberg, Gunnel Lindblom | See full cast & crew »
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ON DISC
Won 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Max von Sydow ... Töre
Birgitta Valberg ... Märeta
Gunnel Lindblom ... Ingeri
Birgitta Pettersson ... Karin
Axel Düberg ... Thin Herdsman
Tor Isedal ... Mute Herdsman
Allan Edwall ... Beggar
Ove Porath Ove Porath ... Boy
Axel Slangus Axel Slangus ... Bridge Keeper
Gudrun Brost ... Frida
Oscar Ljung ... Simon
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tor Borong Tor Borong ... Farm-hand
Leif Forstenberg Leif Forstenberg ... Farm-hand
See full cast »
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Storyline

Set in beautiful 14th century Sweden, it is the sombre, powerful fable of wealthy land-owning parents whose daughter, a young virgin, is brutally raped and murdered by goat herders after her half sister has invoked a pagan curse. By a bizarre twist of fate, the murderers ask for food and shelter from the dead girl's parents, who, discovering the truth about their erstwhile lodgers, exact a chilling revenge. Written by L.H. Wong <as9401k56@ntuvax.ntu.ac.sg>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

virgin | rape | murder | revenge | pregnancy | See All (111) »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

Sweden

Language:

Swedish | German

Release Date:

14 November 1960 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Virgin Spring See more »

Filming Locations:

Dalarnas län, Sweden See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Svensk Filmindustri (SF) See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The scene with Märeta helping Karin to put on her new dress and get ready for her journey to the church have similarities with the scene in Gone With The Wind were Scarlett O'Hara gets help from her Mammy to put on her new dress and get ready for the barbecue at Twelve Oaks. See more »

Goofs

If you look closely when the boy is placing dirt on Karin's body, you can see her torso move as the actress breathes (even though she was supposed to be dead). See more »

Quotes

Töre: You are not alone, Mareta. And God alone bears our guilt.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in I Spit on Your Grave (1978) See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do Karin's parents recognize the goat herders as the murderers?
Q: Is 'The Virgin Spring' based on a book?
Q: How does the movie end?
See more »

User Reviews

 
Moving Masterpiece
21 April 2000 | by Merely – See all my reviews

Brilliant, tragic, heartfelt story that will move all who see it...and it certainly is a must for anyone serious about film. I originally wanted to see it because I admire the work of Max von Sydow. Acting, directing, story, cinematography simply flawless. Haunting and superb.
49 of 66 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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