User reviews

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 .

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 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."

The first scene in the film is a super one. In the middle of a small Haitian village, through the impenetrable crowds of people, walks a man who is clearly out of place with everything else. He walks toward the sea and stops before a beach. In his hands he holds a scroll and a seal. He breaks the seal, drops it on the surf, and walks away, leaving a small boy to watch as the sea begins to boil and the fish wash up on the shore. It is clear what is happening: the first sign of the apocalypse.

Thus begins "The Seventh Sign", a supernatural thriller that only partially works, and should be better than it is. Demi Moore is a pregnant woman who begins to believe that the boarder in the apartment next door may have some bizarre, end-of-the-world plans for her baby. The boarder is the aforementioned stranger with the seal, as played menacingly by Jurgen Prochnow. The strength of this film is the sense of impending doom that pervades throughout. The film is stylish, and very effective in managing an apocalyptic tone.

The main flaw of the movie, however, is that the supporting characters are so much more interesting than the featured couple. Prochnow's boarder is very creepy, and we realize that this man means business (although his role and his motives are never really made clear). The Father Lucci character is a fascinating one, and when we hear of his true identity, we are further gripped, although at the end he is made into a routine maniacal villain, and his fate is never told.

This movie might have worked better if the Moore character were not so bland. She is put forth as a woman destined to save the world, yet she comes across as a talking head who is endlessly impressed by Prochnow's cryptic stories. She never really comes across as anything interesting. Her husband is the typical disbelieving clod who refuses to accept what his wife is saying, even when all hell is breaking loose around their ears.

Despite the flaws, I enjoyed "The Seventh Sign" and would willingly watch it again. There are several powerful moments, and other scenes that are memorable, like the opening shot. I would recommend it, but I'm not sure if I'd do so as a serious movie or as silly weekend fare.

This movie develops three themes that later come together in the climax of the movie. The first is that of the troubled pregnancy of Abby Quinn (Demi Moore) and their seemingly unrelated decision to rent a room to a boarder. Ms. Moore is the star of the movie and plays her role convincingly. The second theme involves Russell Quinn's fight to save the life of a convicted murder (John Taylor) plus keeping his wife as calm as possible during her pregnancy. The last theme is that of the mysterious boarder, played well by Jurgen Prochnow, who shows up in the oddest places. The movie is capably acted by everyone involved and offers some supernatural thrills without going overboard. The ending is sad and yet uplifting which makes the movie a winner. This is a must for viewers who like to collect small movies that most people have never heard of.

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+

Supernatural thriller about the apocalypse. Demi Moore is married to Michael Biehn and they're expecting a baby. Mysterious drifter Jürgen Prochnow shows up and rents a room from them. Meanwhile, all around the world various natural disasters are occurring which seem to signal that the End Times are nigh. The Vatican sends a priest (Peter Friedman) to investigate but he seems to have an agenda of his own.

The incorporation of the Wandering Jew legend into the story is the best part. Moore's character makes several leaps of logic to service the plot and there are more than a few contrivances, especially towards the end. The subplot about a young man with down syndrome sentenced to be executed for murdering his incestuous parents opens the movie up to ridicule. They really should have rethought that part. It's an entertaining movie but, with a couple of changes, it could have been a very good one. Still, worth recommending you check it out.

"The seventh sign" borrows a lot from "Rosemary's baby" and "the omen" (it actually blends the two stories).Even its title recalls Bergman' s "the seventh seal" .

Nevertheless,it begins well enough,with all the omens scattered on the whole earth,and in parallel ,a -seemingly- distinct plot with Moore's husband trying to save a poor boy (who killed his parents who were brother and sister)from death penalty.This time,both Christian and Jewish religions are called to the rescue (even the Wandering Jew is involved),which makes the lines sometimes unintentionally funny (Have you ever been to Sunday school? But they taught me that God was love!).The best scene IMHO ,is the short dialog between priest John Heard -who does not seem to take things seriously ,too bad he was not given a more important part because his laid-back acting is priceless-and the young Jew.

Demi Moore probably registered the same desire as ex-husband Bruce Willis :saving the world.She does not save the movie for all that.

In Haiti, David Bannon (Jürgen Prochnow) breaks a seal and there's a sea life die-off. In the Middle East, terrorists escape into a town formerly Sodom which is then frozen. Father Lucci (Peter Friedman) is certain of the supernatural but he assures the Vatican that they are explainable. Abby Quinn (Demi Moore) is non-religious and had attempted suicide. She is sure that this pregnancy will take after previous failures but her husband Russell (Michael Biehn) is more concerned. Russell is a lawyer defending mentally-slow Jimmy Szaragosa who killed his parents following the word of God because they're siblings. David rents a room from the Quinns. Young Avi is convinced of impending doom.

There is not much action. The leads aren't actually doing much. It's not really a thriller or even a horror. What I like is the spooky mystery. It's piecing together this simple story. Often Apocalypse is something epic. This makes it something much smaller and personal. The ending is touching and poetic.

When it comes to religious horror films where a female takes the lead role; there are two contenders, namely The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby. The Seventh Sign is bound to be compared to those two masterpieces often, and it will lose out every time. This Demi Moore vehicle isn't essentially a bad film; but it doesn't have a lot going for it, and serves as merely just another addition to already overpopulated horror sub-genre. This film sets its scope broader than the likes of The Exorcist, and rather than making a personal battle the centre of the piece, we follow the fate of the entire world. The Seventh Sign takes its plot from the idea of the seven signs of the apocalypse from the book of Revelations. As strange events begin to happen around the globe, the church is acting very strangely by trying to pass them off with scientific reasons. For one woman, however, the signs are very real; as the seventh sign will be the birth of her child. As the world draws nearer to oblivion, only a heavily pregnant Demi Moore and some dorky kid with huge glasses can save the day...

The plot isn't a bad base for a horror film, despite being unoriginal, but the way that the film is set out really lets it down. There isn't much suspense in The Seventh Sign, and as the plot is spoon-fed to the audience; it's easy to know what's going on all the time...which makes watching it a bit pointless. I could have pretty much guessed the ending before seeing the film. The way that it takes in ideas from the bible is good, however, as it gives the plot some kind of credibility; and the way that it veers away from demons and black magic ensures this further. But then again, the fact that it tries to keep the plot grounded in reality makes the film more boring than it should have been...and going out on a limb more often may have ultimately helped Carl Schultz's film. Demi Moore takes the lead role, and it's easy to believe that this film was made just for her. Not because she fits the role so well or anything; just because the entire piece feels like an excuse to have her on screen. Michael Biehn stars opposite and gives one of his trademark forgettable performances in a movie that I won't be remembering for long. The Seventh Sign does have its moments...just not many. Only see this if you have literally seen everything else.

Most critics wrote this movie off simply because it was a supernatural or horror film. I didn't have high hopes for it myself, but I watched it because I like the actor Jurgen Prochnow. And I was pleasantly surprised. The movie itself looks good; a lot of films of this type look cheap and flimsy, but not this one. The story was cohesive, suspenseful, eerie and had some truly skillful acting. There is the always good Michael Biehn as the husband and the two young actors Manny Jacobs and John Taylor are standouts. Even Demi Moore, an actress I normally find irritating, comes off well here. She played a pregnant woman and was pregnant herself, which certainly added a dimension to the nervous Abby. But it is Jurgen Prochnow who truly makes an impression; his eyes, his face, his voice are so expressive of the character. I won't reveal more, but let's just say a lot of actors have played this role, and this is one of the most believable interpretations of it that I've ever seen. Rent this movie!

For much of it's time it's hard to figure out exactly where this film is going as it slides from continent to continent, the world apparently heading for apocalypse while poor Demi Moore suffers like Mia Farrow in 'Rosemary's Baby' and Lee Remick in 'The Omen' seated in front of her television assailed by fifty-seven varieties of atrocity footage.

Highly unusual for having such a stress on religious practise it's unlikely if it was made today it would have a non-believer for a heroine; although Jurgen Prochnow's ever-present romantic stranger is in all probability almost certainly a Christ figure.

Unlike many others, I thoroughly enjoy this movie, it has many inconsistencies and it is no fair representation of The Book of Revelations or Christian mythology. However, the acting is good on most parts and the story in itself is thrilling. The best part is the end, though! My guess is that the producers did not use a test audience or they would have chosen a much sweeter and uninteresting ending.

ho-hum.another one of those "all signs point to the end of the world movies".as these types of movie go,this film is much too lacking in substance to be compelling viewing.think "the Omen"(the original)lite.very lite.there are a few variations on the theme,true,but the movie fails to make a lasting impression(or any impression)the actors put in good performances,and bear no responsibility for the film's failure.credit that to the lacklustre script which is simply has no depth.as well as the direction,which ,ironically has no direction.the original The Omen,set the Standard for this genre and has yet to be nor will likely ever be surpassed.as for the Seventh Sign, it is a good diversion,but will quickly be forgotten after viewing.a good rule of thumb about this type of movie is that it should stick with and make you question things.this movie does neither. 6/10

Are you religious? Do you believe in the Bible and do you think that a great reckoning is coming? Maybe you even think that some world leaders or disasters have been made to punish us as human beings for the way we have treated each other, God and/or the world in general (?). Now this movie treats you and your believe as a given.

We start with a few things happening and a mysterious figure who seems somehow to be connected with those things. And we do have other things happening - things that may or may not be explainable in reasonable fashion. If you do believe, you may have some issues with the movie. Not so much the violence but the nudity (even if not sexualized) in it. Whatever you think, the movie does work as a thriller and the effects are still decent if you don't have too high expectations

THE SEVENTH SIGN is one in a string of "end of the world" style apocalyptic thrillers that plough the Bible for their inspiration. Unfortunately, this is one of the more insipid entries in that particular sub-genre, and it's a film that fails to make much of its premise; it's very much "weak sauce" throughout, and it pretty much fails both as a horror and a thriller.

As a horror film, this is anything but. There are a couple of would-be supernatural situations but it's routine for the most part and there is no sense of menace or foreboding at any stage. As a thriller, it's routine and dull, lacking the kind of tension that a decent suspense flick calls for.

The problems with this one are myriad, but the writing is the worst offender; it has an interesting background, but the diverse plot elements feel jumbled and uncertain. Demi Moore doesn't help, giving a wishy-washy and unsympathetic turn in the lead role, and the one genuinely interesting actor in the cast - Michael Biehn - is wasted in a boring part. In all respects, THE SEVENTH SIGN is a forgettable little movie, perhaps not the worst I've seen but lacking any elements to make it the least bit memorable.

Around the world, the signs of the apocalypse -- as outlined in the Book of Revelation -- seem to be coming to pass in the wake of a mysterious wanderer. Father Lucci, the Vatican Emissary assigned to investigate, dismisses the occurrences as natural, but Abby Quinn, a young American woman, has reason to fear they're real -- and that the unfolding events may spell disaster for her unborn child.

This is a fantastic thriller that uses some pseudo-biblical foundations. A bit like "The Prophecy", and much like "Ninth Gate"... it may spark an interest in the Bible. Is it all accurate? Well, maybe not. But still makes for a great story.

This also happens to be one of the better Demi Moore films ever made. I do not think she was ever quite A-list, but more of a solid B-list, and often defined by her husband. But in this film she really gives her all.

Horrible. Plain boring. Awful screenplay, poor acting and one moronic story. Skip it. Save your life.

This is not a great movie but it's not a horrible film either. It's pretty good and it entertained me! "Abby save the world" from the apocalypses/end times is basically what the film is about. The 4 horsemen ride, the 7 seals are being broken one at a time but how does Abby fit into all of this? What does Abby have to do with the end of the world? How will Abby save the inhabitants of planet Earth from being destroyed? I do agree with others that Demi Moore gives a good performance here but her character Abby Quinn that was a little flat and needed to be "spiced up" just tiny bit without over doing it. But I do like the character! Abby's husband Russell Quinn: He does love Abby without a question and when first introduced to him he seemed snotty, rude and a but of a stinker but as the signs of the apocalypse are reviled he is the one that makes since in trying to be rational, reasonable like the 2-29 thing, as he told Abby "you don't even know if that IS a date!" -- And Avi confirmed Russell to be correct that it is not a date. So Russell becomes more likable as the movie progresses (to me) - he's right about some things and wrong about other things.

Anyway, overall I really enjoyed this film.

7.5/10

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.

Pregnant woman in the present day comes to believe the fate of the world may actually hinge on her unborn baby. Religious propaganda with suspense-thriller aspirations is mostly overwrought, but has enough chutzpah and magnetic performances to nearly make it worthwhile. Demi Moore is very good in a leading role that, if played too broadly, might've lapsed into camp or cliché; Moore is surrounded by frenzy, and yet she keeps a convincingly cool head and an open mind (though the director undermines her appeal with a possible suicide sequence--featuring Demi nude--that is rather tacky). The movie is ultimately thought-provoking and entertaining, though the screenwriters fail to follow through with their own set-up, rewriting God's Word in the process! **1/2 from ****