The Fencer

The Fencer

Year: 2017

Runtime: 99 min

Language: Estonian

Director: Klaus Härö

Echo Score: 68
DramaHistorySport

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.

Bittersweet
Bittersweet ending
Moderately emotional
Medium intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

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Timeline & Setting – The Fencer (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Fencer (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 1950s

The movie takes place in the early 1950s, a period marked by the lingering effects of World War II and the complexities of Soviet occupation. This era was characterized by political turmoil, societal upheaval, and a struggle for identity as the Baltic states grappled with their futures amidst foreign control.

Location

Estonia, Haapsalu, Leningrad

Estonia serves as the primary setting of the film, encapsulating the struggles during and post World War II. Haapsalu, a picturesque coastal town, is where Endel Nelis builds his life and fosters a community through fencing. Leningrad, a city steeped in history, symbolizes both the threat of the past and the aspirations for a brighter future.

🇪🇪 Estonia 🏙️ Haapsalu 🏛️ Leningrad

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:08

Main Characters – The Fencer (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Fencer (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Endel Nelis (Lembit Ulfsak)

Endel Nelis is a young educator who embodies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As he navigates the dangers of his past, he emerges as a pivotal figure in the lives of his students, instilling in them a passion for fencing. His internal struggle between safety and duty highlights his commitment to his students' aspirations, making him a relatable and inspiring character.

🎓 Teacher 🛡️ Protector ✊ Resilient

Aleksei

Aleksei serves as Endel's loyal friend and mentor, offering wisdom and guidance about the dangers of returning to Leningrad. His character adds depth to the narrative by representing the weight of history and the consequences of past alliances. Throughout the film, he stands as a counterbalance to Endel's optimism, reminding him of the stark realities they face.

💬 Mentor ⚠️ Advisor 🤝 Loyal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:08

Major Themes – The Fencer (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Fencer (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Fencing

Fencing serves as a metaphor for self-expression and empowerment throughout the story. For Endel's students, it represents not only a sport, but also a means to reclaim their identities and agency after the loss and disruption caused by war. The discipline of fencing instills values of teamwork and resilience in a generation struggling to find their place.

🌍 Occupation

The theme of occupation is central to the narrative, reflecting the turmoil and uncertainty faced by Estonians during this turbulent time. As the country endures dominance from both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, the impact of war on personal and collective identities takes center stage. Endel's fight to create a safe space for his students highlights the human spirit's resistance against external pressures.

👨‍🏫 Mentorship

Endel's role as a mentor showcases the profound impact of guidance and support in shaping young lives. He becomes a father figure to his students, instilling hope and purpose amidst chaos. The theme emphasizes the importance of positive role models in fostering resilience and determination among youth dealing with the consequences of war.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:08

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Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a knowledgeable but wounded individual who reluctantly enters a teaching role. As they connect with their students, their hidden past threatens to surface, creating a central conflict. The story's climax forces the mentor to choose between their own safety and the dreams and safety of those they guide.

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These films are grouped by their shared focus on the redemptive power of mentorship. They blend themes of personal sacrifice, found family, and the courage it takes to face the past for the sake of a better future.

Historical dramas about hope under oppression like The Fencer

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Narrative Summary

Stories unfold in a politically charged setting, where characters seek normalcy, passion, or community despite systemic pressure. The central tension arises from the conflict between their private, uplifting pursuits and the oppressive external world, often leading to a bittersweet resolution that acknowledges both loss and resilience.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific emotional mix: the warmth of human connection contrasted with the cold fear of an oppressive system. The pacing is often steady, building tension not through action but through the growing threat to characters' fragile happiness.

Unlock the Full Story of The Fencer

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The Fencer Summary

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The Fencer Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Fencer Spoiler-Free Summary

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