The Fencer (Estonian: Vehkleja)

Synopsis

"The Fencer (Finnish: Miekkailija, Estonian: Vehkleja) is a 2015 internationally co-produced drama film adapted from the life story of Endel Nelis, an accomplished Estonian fencer and coach. It was directed by Klaus Härö and written by Anna Heinämaa. Filming began in Estonia in late February 2014." [Wikipedia] "Fleeing from the Russian secret police, a young Estonian fencer is forced to return to his homeland, where he becomes a physical education teacher at a local school. The past however catches up and puts him in front of a difficult choice." [IMDb] After World War II, Estonia was invaded by Russia. "Estonian men, drafted by the Nazis, became Enemies of the People, hunted by Stalin's Secret Police." [Opening text] In 1953 Stalin died; millions of prisoners released; "Endel Nelis died in 1993, two years after Estonia's independence and the fall of the Soviet Union. The fencing club he started still exists today." [Closing text]

Genre

Historical

Released

2015

Location

Estonia

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