Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A well-constructed movie about obsession and revenge, March 14, 2000
This review is from: By the Sword [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is not a movie about fencing. It is merely using the setting of a fencing academy to explore human nature, particularly obsession with excellence. Jeremy Kagan, an otherwise unremarkable director, weaves these themes into an engaging story with some terrific cinematography. In particular, many of the fencing scenes involving Roberts are downright gorgeous. Is the fencing accurate? I have no idea; I've heard both opinions offered, but it scarcely matters. F. Murray Abraham is as excellent as always. His path through the movie is mirrored not only by his physical health but by the appearance of his apartment, his relationships with others, etc., and Abraham is utterly convincing. Eric Roberts turns in a very good performance, surprisingly. He's got a natural tendency to really play over the top, but for the most part he avoids that here. He's uneven in a couple of scenes, particularly the end, but that's only a minor quibble. This movie will surprise you. The box, in particular, suggests a cheesy action film, but that is not what this is at all.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb!, February 27, 2006
This review is from: By the Sword [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This little known gem is one of my favorites. I first encountered it years ago on late night cable. Back then, it captivated me because I love fencing. Since then, I have learned to appreciate the story as well.
F. Murray Abraham plays a man just out of prison for murder. His was the foolish act of a headstrong youth. He has since come to regret it and wishes to change his life. He seeks employment as a fencing instructor in a prestigious salle but his style and skills are out of date. He can get work only as a janitor. Even so, he works to regain his lost skill and eventually gets the grudging acceptance of the maestro and is allowed to teach beginners classes. The students have a hard time taking him seriously but his skill is such that he wins acceptance from them as well. Eventually, his real identity comes out. He has a "history" with the maestro and tempers flare I a great clash of wills and style.
This isn't just a story about guys playing with long pointy things. It is about striving to be the best but setting limits as to what one is willing to do to be the best. It is about winning at all costs versus winning with honor. It is about vengeance and respect.
The fencing scenes are well done. Abraham does a convincing job of conveying the athleticism of fencing even though he is decades older than his opponents.
Touche!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A worthwhile movie, July 24, 2003
This review is from: By the Sword [VHS] (VHS Tape)
On the whole, this movie is very good, with a few minor problems. The movie presents us with a very interesting hero, an ex convict ( F. Murray Abraham) who is returning into the world, coming back to the fencing school where he studied. He comes back to meet the son of his long time protoge played by Eric Roberts. F. Murray Abraham plays a very convincing main role, as the dark, sullen swordsman Max Suba as is Eric Roberts in the part of the protege's son who is obcessed by excellence. This movie also offers an interesting look into the world of fencing and offers a explosive, can't be beat duel at the end between Eric Roberts and F. Murray Abraham, which makes the viewer wonder just how long it took them to fight as good as they do! The one thing that broght this movie down, although it was quite minor was the side story of two young fencing students who fall in love, this subplot is plauged with bad, cliched diologe that makes me want to fast foward to the fencing, but all in all, it does not subtract from the complete value of the movie. I would give this movie four stars for it being almost perfect.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
