The Fencer 2017
In 1950s Estonia, Endel Nelis, a man with a hidden past, seeks refuge in the coastal town of Haapsalu. There, he becomes a fencing teacher for a group of orphaned students, fostering their passion and offering them a sense of community. As their mentor and friend, Endel's dedication brings a fragile harmony to their lives, but his past actions loom over them, threatening to shatter their newfound stability. He faces a difficult choice: risk everything to help them pursue their dreams in Leningrad, or ensure their safety by abandoning those aspirations.
Does The Fencer have end credit scenes?
No!
The Fencer does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Fencer
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External Links and Streaming Options
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Ratings and Reviews for The Fencer
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The Movie Echo Score
The Fencer offers a solid blend of period atmosphere and emotional drive, anchored by strong performances but hampered by a familiar narrative arc. Reviews praise the director’s measured pacing and the emotional stakes of the climactic fencing scenes, though many note the film rarely departs from predictable territory. The production design and cinematography consistently evoke the drab elegance of postwar life, providing texture to the straightforward plot. Ultimately, the film remains engaging but lacks narrative surprises.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Fencer
Art & Craft
In terms of direction and cinematography, The Fencer demonstrates reliable technical skill. The director’s steady hand yields well-composed frames that highlight the muted palettes of the Estonian countryside, while editing maintains clarity during tense match sequences. Production design effectively evokes the period setting. Overall, the film’s artful elements are polished but not groundbreaking.
Character & Emotion
When it comes to character and emotion, The Fencer benefits from consistently strong performances. The lead actor conveys subtle vulnerability, and supporting players establish credible bonds with the students. Emotional peaks, particularly during the climactic bouts, resonate with sincere conviction. While the script limits deep exploration of backstories, the cast’s work provides genuine warmth and human connection.
Story & Flow
In terms of story and flow, The Fencer follows a conventional underdog structure that many reviewers find predictable. The pacing remains measured, offering steady progression toward the climactic match, but narrative twists are largely absent. While the historical context adds some depth, the formulaic plot seldom surprises. As a result, the storyline is engaging at moments but lacks originality.
Sensory Experience
When it comes to sensory experience, The Fencer offers a restrained but cohesive audiovisual presentation. The muted color palette and atmospheric location shooting reinforce the postwar setting, while the soundtrack underscores key emotional beats without overwhelming the narrative. Sound design remains serviceable, complementing fencing sequences. Overall, the sensory elements are polished and supportive.
Rewatch Factor
When it comes to rewatch factor, The Fencer delivers modest appeal on repeat viewings. The compelling performances and period details retain some interest, but the predictable plot and absence of nuanced subplots limit lasting discovery. Subsequent watches may still satisfy viewers drawn to the athletic sequences and setting, yet the film’s familiarity curtails its long-term appeal.
60
Metascore
7.5
User Score
85%
TOMATOMETER
75%
User Score
3.4
From 17 fan ratings
3.00/5
From 2 fan ratings
Take the Ultimate The Fencer Movie Quiz
Challenge your knowledge of The Fencer with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
The Fencer Quiz: Test your knowledge on the film 'The Fencer' set against the backdrop of World War II in Estonia.
What historical event is the backdrop of 'The Fencer'?
Awards & Nominations for The Fencer
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Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Fencer
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As World War II drew to a close, Estonia found itself mired in a complex occupation predicament. Initially neutral, the nation was overwhelmed by Nazi Germany, which conscripted most able-bodied men into its military ranks. Following the war, the Soviet Union took control, vilifying those who had served under the German banner as enemies of the state. This chaotic environment resulted in Estonia’s incorporation into the USSR, leaving its citizens in a perpetual state of uncertainty.
Amidst this turbulent backdrop, we meet Endel Nelis, a young educator navigating life in Haapsalu during the early 1950s. Fleeing from Leningrad’s secret police, Endel Nelis quickly earned respect as a teacher while also founding a sports club for his eager students, where he kindled their interest in fencing—a passion deeply rooted within him. However, his non-traditional approach did not escape the scrutiny of the school’s principal, who grew more disapproving and set in motion an investigation into Endel’s enigmatic history.
Endel’s loyal friend and mentor, Aleksei, delivered a grave warning: there were dire consequences if Endel ever returned to Leningrad. This advice merely highlighted the lurking dangers tied to his past.
As his students thrived under his mentorship, fencing transformed into a powerful vehicle for self-expression and empowerment for these young souls, many of whom had lost their families to the ravages of war. Endel emerged as a father figure, shouldering an unforeseen sense of responsibility. When the group expressed a passionate desire to compete in a national fencing tournament in Leningrad, Endel found himself facing an impossible dilemma: Should he jeopardize everything to fulfill their collective aspiration, or should he prioritize his safety and risk letting down the children who had come to depend on him?
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The Fencer Other Names and Titles
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