The Fifth Seal

“And when he had opened The Fifth Seal, I saw under the altar, the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on earth. And white robes were given unto every one of them, that they should rest, yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled.”

One of the most my favourite films – a film of Zoltán Fábri «The Fifth Seal» (Az ötödik pecsét). For the characteristic of my impression of this film it is possible to borrow Lenin’s saying: «It has ploughed up me all». Up to this film I, to the shame, did not know Bosch. After «The Fifth Seal» Bosch became my favourite painter. Till now I remember, how we, then 20-22 years, students after watching a film argued to a hoarseness, who we are: Tamateos Katatiki or Dudu. Without coming to a common opinion, again and again also went to a cinema to watch this film (video then, in the mid-seventies, was not yet), to find the answer. But we could not solve this dilemma.

Last 10-15 years I did not watch this film though it presents for a long time in my collection. But recent tragical events in Norway have vaguely reminded me of this film and have forced to look it again. Actually, even not events, and explanations of Breivik of the reasons of its evil deeds. Personally I had an association: the lame religious fanatic photographer Kesei with the same ease for the sake of the religious nonsense sends on the death of a four of innocent inhabitants as Breivik for the sake of the nationalist nonsense shoots seven tens of innocent young men and girls. Fanaticism, whether it be religious, nationalist or even sports – always is evil. Are there other opinions?