The Fencer 2017

As the tumultuous years of World War II drew to a close, Estonia found itself entangled in a complex web of occupation. The once-neutral country was initially seized by Nazi Germany, where most able-bodied men were forcibly conscripted into the German army. Following the war’s conclusion, the Soviet Union assumed control, branding those who had fought under the German flag as enemies of the state. This tumultuous backdrop saw Estonia absorbed into the USSR, its people living in a constant state of uncertainty.

Against this fraught landscape, a young educator named Endel Nelis (played by a capable actor) emerged in Haapsalu during the early 1950s, fleeing the oppressive forces of Leningrad’s secret police. Endel quickly established himself as a respected teacher and founded a sports club for his students, where he nurtured their fledgling interest in fencing – a passion that burned brightly within him. However, this endeavor did not go unnoticed; the school’s principal grew increasingly disapproving of Endel’s unconventional methods, prompting an investigation into his mysterious past.

Meanwhile, Endel’s trusted friend and mentor, Aleksei (an experienced coach), issued a stark warning: under no circumstances was he to return to Leningrad. This ominous counsel only served to underscore the perils that lurked in the shadows of Endel’s former life.

As Endel’s students began to flourish under his guidance, fencing evolved into a potent symbol of self-expression and empowerment for these young individuals. Many had been orphaned by the war, and Endel’s presence had assumed a paternal quality, imbuing him with an unexpected sense of responsibility. When the children expressed their fervent desire to participate in a national fencing tournament held in Leningrad, Endel faced an impossible decision: risk everything to take them to this treacherous destination or prioritize his own safety, thereby disappointing those who had come to rely on him.