The Fencer 2015

     Endel Nellis is an Estonian fencer fleeing from the Russian secret police because of his controversial past.  He lived in Estonia during World War II and it was occupied by Nazi Germany.  Most of the men in this area were drafted into the German Army.  The Soviet Union considers soldiers of the German Army to be criminals and Estonia was incorporated into the USSR.  Endel returns to his homeland of Haapsalu, Estonia and he takes a job as a gym coach to a group of young school children.  The Headmaster tries to eliminate his fencing program but the parents want it to remain because the children really like the program.  The Headmaster begins to look into the past of Endel.  There must be something he can use against him to get rid of him?  The students want to enter a competition in Leningrad.  Endel believes he will be arrested if he goes to Leningrad but he can’t say no to the hopes of the children.

     Endel has devoted his life to fencing and he wants to impart his skill and experience to the children in his hometown.  Whenever someone tries to do something good, there is always someone who wants to stop this work?  Surveillance is everywhere and everyone is constantly wondering about the future.  The grandparent of one of the boys who voted to keep the fencing program is removed from his home and family.  It’s unknown if he will ever return?  The program originally started by Endel is still thriving today.  3 ½* (I liked this movie)

99 min, Drama directed by Klaus Haro with Mart Avandi, Ursula Ratasepp, Hendrik Toompere Sr., Liisa Koppel, Joonas Koff, Egert Kadastu, Ann-Lisett Rebane, Elbe Reiter, Jaak Prints, Kirill Karo, Lembit Ulfsak.

Note:  Imdb 7.2 out of 10, 85% critic 74% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 2*, Amazon 5* with 4 reviews, The Guardian 3* out of 5* Leslie Felperin, Metacritic 60 out of 100 with 13 critics

Special Note:  The story is partially based on the real life story of Estonian fencer Endel Nelis (1925-1993).  Filmed in Parnu, Haapsalu and Tallinn, Estonia.  This film was the Finnish candidate for the best foreign language film in the 2016 Academy Awards.