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By the Sword (1991)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 11/25

BySword
11/25: Quick!

Name some fencing films. That's right...you can't besides By the Sword. No! The Three Musketeers, The Princess Bride, and anything by Errol Flynn don't count. That's swordplay, silly. This is fencing as in an Olympic sport although purists will disagree vehemently, making it a discussion for another day.

Therefore, By the Sword is unique and very fascinating along with the flashback to set up a mystery to be resolved. Initially, I went for it because of Eric Roberts. He's great and perfect for the role like how he was in Best of the Best. What I didn't expect is F. Murray Abraham in top form; this is the guy who won the Oscar for Amadeus.

Thanks to these two actors, the film takes off. One is haughty because he's the undefeated champion of the sport, so everybody is required to bow down to him. Despite having no credentials to speak of, the other scoffs at him and doesn't like his teaching style. There's a huge difference between them: the psychological aspect of killing. I wonder who would win in a fight: Villard in his prime or Archibald Cunningham of Rob Roy.

I like how fencing terms are used. Most people won't be familiar with them if it's their firest encounter. They are in French. "Allez" is "begin" while "salle" is a "fencing club." "En garde" means "get in position to fight." "Prime," "seconde," "tierce," "quarte," "quinte," "sixte," "septième," and "octave" are how the fencer deflects (parries) an attack in terms of direction.

Sure, subplots aren't followed up such as Erin's relationship with Trebor, Suba hooking up with Rachel (played by Elaine Kagan who can be recognized as Henry Hill's mother in Goodfellas), and the tournament to become a representative for the Nationals. Oddly, why do the females have to compete with the males through this way? And how does Danny have the time to teach everybody, including nights, while he has a family at home?

All in all, By the Sword makes for a satisfying viewing.