The Fencer
California Film Institute, The | Release Date: July 21, 2017 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
60
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
6
Mixed:
6
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
The GuardianLeslie FelperinJul 19, 2017
The set-up is a bit schmaltzy and the only guesswork is how bitter the bittersweet ending will be, but Haro coaxes strong performances from the cast. Read full review
60
Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganDec 21, 2015
The Fencer plays an entirely predictable match right down to its final bout, but the period Soviet Block setting gives the game an interesting hook, and DoP Thomo Hutri’s muted location shots prove atmospheric. Read full review
50
RogerEbert.comGlenn KennyJul 21, 2017
None of this is particularly difficult to watch; the cinematic competence, the sincerity with which the clichés get served up, and so on, make a relatively smooth viewing experience. But they also render what would have been an at times harrowing real-life story into something safe and bland. Read full review
50
The New York TimesBen KenigsbergJul 20, 2017
The director, Klaus Haro, films the proceedings involvingly enough.... But the movie is almost relentlessly predictable and formulaic — a story of one man’s refusal to conform that dutifully hits all its marks. Read full review
50
Village VoiceAbbey BenderJul 20, 2017
The Fencer is ultimately too staid: It’s at its best when Nelis shows the art of fencing to his students and the elegant yet dangerous swords are wielded. Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterStephen DaltonDec 10, 2015
[A] blankly heroic, clunkingly predictable portrait. Read full review
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