Overview
A gripping tale of redemption and courage unfolds as a fencer confronts his past while inspiring the next generation.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- inspirational
- warm
- sincere
- inspirational movie night
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the fact-based inspirational story emotionally effective, with sensitive direction and affecting performances, though overall critical enthusiasm was moderate.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Endel flees the Russian secret police while establishing a new life teaching children in Haapsalu.
Endel trains schoolchildren in fencing, transforming the sport into a source of belonging and self-worth.
Endel must decide whether to abandon his students when his past places him in danger.
Fencing lessons and performances provide the film's recurring visual and dramatic structure.
Films like The Fencer, and why
The Karate Kid
shared fact-based sports drama, inspirational mentorship, and a warm coming-of-age arc
The Lives of Others
shared postwar historical setting, endangered teacher figure, and uplifting community-centered drama
A Hidden Life
shared sensitive historical storytelling, personal courage under authoritarian pressure, and affecting humanist tone
McFarland, USA
shared sports mentorship, young students overcoming hardship, and emotionally accessible feel-good drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Klaus Härö
- Release Date
- 2015-03-13
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (88)
Cast
- Märt Avandi
- Ursula Ratasepp
- Hendrik Toompere
- Liisa Koppel
- Joonas Koff
- Egert Kadastu
- Ann-Lisett Rebane
- Elbe Reiter
- Jaak Prints
- Kirill Käro
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Fencer about?
- A fugitive Estonian fencer risks his safety to give a group of postwar children purpose through sport.
- What is The Fencer like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Fencer as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Fencer violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Fencer as mild.
- What did critics think of The Fencer?
- Critics broadly found the fact-based inspirational story emotionally effective, with sensitive direction and affecting performances, though overall critical enthusiasm was moderate.
- Which films are like The Fencer?
- Films with a similar feel include The Karate Kid, The Lives of Others, A Hidden Life, and McFarland, USA.
- How long is The Fencer?
- The Fencer runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Fencer?
- In United States, The Fencer is available to rent or buy from Google Play Movies, YouTube.
