If you love the classic sport of fencing and have already exhausted the list of films that feature it, then you’re in for a treat.
Fencing is one of the oldest sports in history, having its origin in Europe in the 16th century. The practice of this skill can be seen not just at competitions, but also on movies. There are many movies that feature fencing, from drama to action to comedy. It's amazing how quickly swordplay can evoke a range of emotions from audiences.
Whether you're a fencing enthusiast looking for a great movie to watch or you want to learn more about fencing, let’s take a look at some of the best movies involving fencing that you may have missed out on.
1. The Princess Bride (1987)
This fairy-tale classic tells the story of a young Westley, who must prove his love for Princess Buttercup by fencing with the Dread Pirate Roberts. Despite not having a sword of his own, Westley manages to put up an impressive fight before ending up in an epic duel with Dread Pirate Roberts. Fencing is featured heavily throughout this movie and is done simply yet gracefully – there's even a fencing montage!
2. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
This movie is filled with sword fighting scenes featuring the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his merry band of robbers as they fight against the Sheriff of Nottingham. The sword fights are choreographed magnificently and feature some intense clashes between Robin and various sheriffs, making it one of the best features that uses fencing to tell its story.
3. Zorro (1975)
This swashbuckling classic showcases the smooth moves of Zorro as he clashes blades with Spanish conquerors all while trying to free California from their rule. Most of the character’s action sequences involve fencing and there's plenty to marvel at in this otherwise standard entry into a busy market for American westerns about that Spanish Conquistador character – D'Leão Y Cortés.
4. Iron Mask (1929) & The Crimson Pirate (1952)
The Iron Mask and The Crimson Pirate are two great silent films that feature fencing in some very exciting ways - both movies have a great score too which helps bring out some fantastic moments when our protagonists get stuck duelling swords! In The Iron Mask, Douglas Fairbanks Sr plays dual roles as King Louis XIV's twin brother François de Valois, while Robert Newton takes on villainous pirate Captain Vallo in Edwin S Porter’s adventure classic The Crimson Pirate
5. Cyrano De Bergerac (1990)
Cyrano De Bergerac stars Jean Gabin playing the gallant poet hunch-backed nobleman Cyrano de Bergerac competing through verbal combat before releasing swords and clashing swords with adversaries throughout this romantic drama set in 1600’s Paris France.. This movie has tons to offer but one of its highlights is definitely its intense sword fighting scenes between Cyrano and Valvert / Montfleury – something that surely left people captivated when first released back then!
6. Ladyhawke (1985)
Ladyhawke is another retro masterpiece from director Richard Donner starring Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfeiffer who navigate treacherous terrain including battles between knights where our protagonists offer solid displays of quick agility coupled with accurate aim during their dueling matches . All these elements come together in one dazzling sequence as Rutger Hauer brilliantly gives us an unforgettable scene filled with pure artistry when it comes down to displays involving fencing mastery!
7. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Director Tim Burton brought us this spooky interpretation– It follows Ichabod Crane — played by Johnny Depp — engaging scarecrows, rolling logs, burning catapults under ramparts…and fencing scenes in his attempt to vanquish headless horseman while uncovering mysteries surrounding him - all concluded through fantastically choreographed duels!
8. The Fencer (2015)
The Fencer is a Finnish-Estonian drama film directed by Klaus Härö. The movie follows the story of Endel Nelis, a young Estonian fencer who is forced to return to his homeland after fleeing from the Soviet Union in the 1950s. He finds work as a teacher and coach at a local sports school and starts to teach fencing to some of his students. As he begins to build relationships with them, he discovers that they have an incredible talent for fencing and decides to form a team that will compete in the national championships. Along the way, Endel must confront his past and come to terms with his own identity as an Estonian living under Soviet rule.
9. Captain Blood (1935)
A swashbuckling adventure film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Errol Flynn as the eponymous pirate. The movie follows the story of Dr. Peter Blood, an Irish physician who is wrongfully convicted of treason and sold into slavery in the Caribbean. After escaping from his captors, he becomes a feared pirate captain known as Captain Blood. Along with his loyal crew, he embarks on a series of daring adventures that involve sword fights, sea battles, and thrilling escapes. The movie features some exciting fencing scenes between Captain Blood and his adversaries as they battle it out for control of the high seas.
10. The Deluge (1974)
A Polish historical drama film directed by Jerzy Hoffman. The movie follows the story of Andrzej Kmicic, a Polish nobleman who joins forces with the Swedish army to fight against the invading Russians during the Swedish-Polish War of 1655–1660. Along his journey, he faces many obstacles and battles, including a thrilling fencing duel between himself and his rival, Michał Wołodyjowski. The movie features some intense action sequences as well as some beautiful cinematography that captures the beauty of 17th century Poland. The Deluge is an exciting adventure that showcases the courage and skill of its characters in their fight for freedom.
11. The Duelists (1977)
British historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott. The movie follows the story of two French officers, Armand d'Hubert and Gabriel Feraud, who become embroiled in a bitter rivalry that spans several years and culminates in a series of duels. As their feud intensifies, they must confront their own personal demons as well as the social conventions of 19th century France. The Duelists features some intense fencing scenes between the two men as they battle it out for honor and glory. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, The Duelists is an exciting exploration of loyalty, friendship, and revenge.
12. Die Another Day (2002)
James Bond film directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Pierce Brosnan as the eponymous secret agent. The movie follows Bond as he embarks on a mission to North Korea to investigate the activities of a mysterious criminal organization. Along his journey, he faces many obstacles, including an intense fencing duel with his nemesis, Gustav Graves. The scene features some thrilling action sequences as well as some impressive special effects that bring the fight to life. Die Another Day is an exciting adventure that showcases Bond's courage and skill in the face of danger.
13. The Three Musketeers (1973)
Film adaptation of the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. Directed by Richard Lester, the movie follows the adventures of d'Artagnan and his three musketeer friends as they battle against the forces of Cardinal Richelieu. Along their journey, they face many obstacles and thrilling sword fights, including a memorable fencing duel between d'Artagnan and Rochefort. The movie features some exciting action sequences as well as some beautiful cinematography that captures the beauty of 17th century France. With its thrilling story and iconic characters, The Three Musketeers is an exciting adventure that showcases courage and skill in the face of danger.
Fencing has been a part of cinema for many years, and these movies are just a few examples of how it can be used to tell an exciting story. From the swashbuckling adventures of Zorro to the romantic drama of Cyrano de Bergerac, fencing has been used to create some truly memorable moments in film. Whether you're looking for intense sword fights or thrilling duels, these films have something for everyone.