The Fencer

As World War II approached its conclusion, Estonia was overrun by Nazi Germany. This occupation resulted in the conscription of most able-bodied Estonian men into the military, altering the fabric of society dramatically.

Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, Estonia fell under the control of the Soviet Union. The transition marked the beginning of a new regime that harshly treated those associated with the previous occupiers, branding them as enemies of the state.

In the early 1950s, we meet Endel Nelis, a young educator living in the town of Haapsalu. He is attempting to navigate a world filled with political uncertainty while striving to make a difference in the lives of his students.

Endel finds himself on the run from the secret police in Leningrad. This precarious situation compels him to establish his new life in Estonia, where he quickly begins to earn his students' respect as a beloved teacher.

Endel takes a significant step by founding a sports club at his school, specifically focusing on fencing. This encourages his students to engage in sport while simultaneously igniting their interest in an activity rich with history and discipline.

Endel's unorthodox teaching methods soon raise suspicions from the school principal. The principal's disapproval gradually escalates into a full-blown investigation into Endel's mysterious background.

Endel's confidant, Aleksei, delivers a stark warning about the consequences he would face if he returned to Leningrad. This warning serves as a reminder of the ever-present perils that loom over Endel due to his past.

As Endel cultivates a passion for fencing among his students, the sport becomes a means of self-expression and empowerment. Many of the students are coping with deep personal losses from the war, and the unity forged through fencing provides solace.

Through his dedication and support, Endel emerges as a father figure to his students. He takes on an unexpected sense of responsibility, as they look to him not only for guidance in fencing but also for personal stability.

The students express eager enthusiasm about competing in a national fencing tournament held in Leningrad. This ambition places Endel in a moral quandary, as he weighs the safety of returning to Leningrad against his desire to help his students achieve their dreams.

Endel finds himself at a crossroads, torn between fulfilling his students' dreams and protecting himself from the authorities. This dilemma underscores the depth of his commitment to the young lives he has impacted and the hazards they all face.

Regardless of the outcome, the events surrounding the tournament will forever change the relationship between Endel and his students. The culmination of fear, hope, and resilience encapsulates the struggle for identity in a war-torn landscape.