The Fencer (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The Fencer is set in Estonia, primarily in the coastal town of Haapsalu where Endel Nelis builds his life and teaching career. Leningrad also features as an important location representing both the threat of Endel's past and the aspirations of his students.

• estonia
• haapsalu
• leningrad
• setting
• location

The movie is set in the early 1950s, a period marked by the lingering effects of World War II and Soviet occupation of Estonia. This era was characterized by political turmoil, societal upheaval, and a struggle for identity as Estonia grappled with its future under foreign control.

• 1950s
• soviet occupation
• world war ii
• estonia
• time period

Fencing serves as a powerful metaphor for self-expression and empowerment throughout the story. For Endel's orphaned students, it represents not merely a sport but 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.

• fencing
• self-expression
• empowerment
• identity
• sport

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.

• occupation
• soviet
• war
• estonia
• identity
• resistance

Endel Nelis is the protagonist and fencing teacher in the film, portrayed by Lembit Ulfsak. He is a young educator who embodies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Navigating the dangers of his hidden past, he becomes a pivotal figure in the lives of his students, instilling in them a passion for fencing while wrestling with the conflict between their safety and their dreams.

• endel nelis
• fencing teacher
• protagonist
• mentor

Aleksei serves as Endel's loyal friend and mentor throughout the film, 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. He stands as a counterbalance to Endel's optimism, reminding him of the stark realities they face under Soviet occupation.

• aleksei
• mentor
• friend
• leningrad
• guidance

Mentorship is a powerful theme in The Fencer, showcasing the profound impact of guidance and support in shaping young lives. Endel becomes a father figure to his orphaned students, instilling hope and purpose amidst the chaos of post-war Estonia. The theme emphasizes the importance of positive role models in fostering resilience and determination among youth dealing with the consequences of war.

• mentorship
• mentor
• father figure
• guidance
• hope
• orphans

Leningrad serves as a dual symbol in the film, representing both the threat of Endel's mysterious past and the aspirations of his students for a brighter future. The city represents the pinnacle of fencing achievement in Soviet Russia, making it both a tempting dream for the students and a dangerous place for Endel due to his hidden history.

• leningrad
• dreams
• threat
• future
• aspirations

The film maintains a bittersweet tone, balancing hopeful, uplifting moments from the bond Endel forms with his students against the oppressive threat of his past being discovered by Soviet authorities. While themes of loss, war, and political persecution are serious, the focus on children's resilience and a mentor's love provides counterbalancing warmth throughout the narrative.

• bittersweet
• emotional tone
• hope
• war
• resilience

The Fencer explores three interconnected themes: fencing as a metaphor for self-expression and empowerment, the impact of occupation on personal and collective identity, and the transformative power of mentorship. These themes weave together to tell a story about finding hope and purpose in the aftermath of war while navigating the challenges of living under foreign occupation.

• themes
• fencing
• occupation
• mentorship
• identity
• war