Rent The Fencer (2015)
3.8 of 5 from 135 ratings
1h 34min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
Klaus Haro's "The Fencer" is a touching true life drama about Endel Nelis, a young man who arrives in Haapsalu, Estonia, in the early 1950s. Having left Leningrad to escape the secret police, he finds work as a teacher and founds a sports club for his students. Endel becomes a father figure to his students and starts teaching them his great passion - fencing, which causes a conflict with the school's principal. Envious, the principal starts investigating Endel's background... Endel learns to love the children and looks after them; most are orphans as a result of the Russian occupation. Fencing becomes a form of self-expression for the children and Endel becomes a role model. The children want to participate in a national fencing tournament in Leningrad, and Endel must make a choice; risk everything to take the children to Leningrad or put his safety first and disappoint them. - Actors:
- Lembit Ulfsak, Kirill Käro, Märt Avandi, Liisa Koppel, Kai Nordberg, Ursula Ratasepp, Maria Avdjushko, Joonas Koff, Kaarle Aho, Hendrik Toompere Sr., Raimo Pass, Piret Kalda, Kaie Mihkelson, Tõnu Oja, Svetlana Doroshenko, Jaak Prints, Paul Laasik, Carmen Mikiver, Egert Kadastu, Kaspar Tõnisson
- Directors:
- Klaus Härö
- Producers:
- Kaarle Aho, Kai Nordberg
- Writers:
- Anna Heinämaa
- Aka:
- Miekkailija
- Studio:
- Spirit Entertainment Limited
- Genres:
- Drama, Sports & Sport Films
- Countries:
- Estonia
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- Not released
- Run Time:
- 96 minutes
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Reviews (6) of The Fencer
A Nice Surprise - The Fencer review by JP
'The Fencer,' based in a true story was a nice surprise as we knew little about it. There aren't too many films based in Estonia. The characters are very interesting and well acted, although the ending is a bit predictable. If you enjoy a heart-warming tale, then this one is for you. It shows us something about life post-WWII in Russian ruled Baltic states and how fencing brought joy into the lives of some school children.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
A real treat - The Fencer review by BY
On the one hand you could say this was a predictable formulaic movie with baddies, goodies, a bit of romance, cute children and a feel good ending - but Sound of Music it ain't!
This was a really unusual film tackling a sad period in the history of Estonia when the Soviet occupiers hunted down those whom they thought had collaborated with the Nazis. Using fencing as a theme is I think unique: I certainly can't think on any other film where this has been done.
The production and cinematography were excellent and gave the film an authentic feel.
This is the first time I have ever seen a film focused on Estonia and it was a truly informative experiencing.
To sum this film up in a few words: enjoyable, entertaining, interesting, informative. What more could you ask for?
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Winning fencing/cold war drama - The Fencer review by Alphaville
Having been conscripted into the German army during WW2, Estonian fencer Endel is now on the run from Stalin’s secret police in Leningrad. He hides away as a teacher in a small rural village, where he teaches the children to fence using wooden sticks. Then the school hears of a fencing competition in Leningrad…
This is a superbly realised and warm-hearted thriller-drama with fascinating teaching scenes, like School of Rock with swords instead of musical instruments. With a suspicious headmaster, there’s an undercurrent of tension throughout as we get involved in the lives of Endel and the children and the plot will hook you in as it builds to an irresistible climax.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.