By the Sword

By the Sword is a 1991 film directed by Jeremy Kagan featuring prominent stars such as F. Murray Abraham, Eric Roberts, and Mia Sara. Esteemed for its authenticity and dynamic approach, the film takes the audience through a captivating journey of rivalry, redemption, and the true essence of swordsmanship. The film skilfully combines action sequences with profound drama, underscoring the hard lessons of valour, loss, and the intricate dance of human ambitions tellingly played on the fencing piste.

The movie unwinds in the captivating world of fencing, focusing on two very diverse characters, masterfully played by F. Murray Abraham and Eric Roberts. Both are acclaimed fencers; however, their approaches and reasons for wielding the sword starkly contrast each other, offering a testimony to the fact that the same sport can mean different things to different people.

F. Murray Abraham portrays Max Suba, an older, world-weary man who carries both the weight of a regretful past and the wisdom that comes with age. His character starts as a janitor at a fencing academy. The fact that this simple janitor is actually an accomplished fencer slowly unfolds throughout the film in a manner that leaves the audience intrigued. Suba's life revolves around repentance and seeking redemption, with the fencing sword lending an opportunity to revisit his turbulent past.

Contrarily, Suba's nemesis, played by Eric Roberts, is an opposing figure who is as flashy as he is ruthless. Roberts plays Villard, the esteemed but arrogant fencing master of the academy who basks in his success and the admiration it brings. Villard is a celebrated name in the fencing world, his life centred around the thrill of competition and the pride of victory.

The film hints at a shared history between Suba and Villard, a history that’s loaded, intricate and is the essence of their rivalry. Although their past encounters remain undisclosed, the atmosphere between the two is palpable with tension and grudges, enhancing the drama.

Mia Sara steps in as Erin, a budding fencer eager to train under Villard, her role adding another layer of complexity to the storyline. Her character becomes a medium through which the audience gets a deeper understanding of the values, lessons, and philosophies that fencing cultivates. As Erin becomes more entrenched in this world, her character brings a refreshing perspective and adds a touch of innocence and ambition in an otherwise high-tension narrative.

By the Sword compellingly shows the polarised world of competition and honour. Despite disappointingly accurate displays of ego and flashiness predominant in competitive sports, it also illustrates the sanctity of sport and the nobility in accepting defeat gracefully. The film uses fencing as a metaphor for life, highlighting how sportsmanship can be extended beyond the arena and can reflect in our choices, actions, relationships, and ultimately, our character.

The film's power lies in its strong character development and the performances of the main leads. F. Murray Abraham intricately portrays the struggles and redemption of his character, while Eric Roberts excellently captures the brashness and hubris of his role. Mia Sara, with her innocence and determination, provides a perfect balance in the narrative.

Roberts and Abraham's fencing sequences are exceptionally well-choreographed, lending to the realness of the film and not deviating into the realm of unrealistic, overblown action. The movie maintains a sense of authenticity in its depiction of fencing, capturing the precision, discipline, and elegance integral to the sport, appealing to both fencing enthusiasts and novices alike.

In conclusion, By the Sword is a skilfully crafted sports drama that transcends the fencing piste and delves into the complexities of human nature and the power of redemption. Wealthy with compelling performances, the film stands tall as a masterstroke in its domain, successfully engaging the audience till the very end. Its quiet determination, intertwined with moments of high-strung tension, showcases not just the victories that we cheer for but also the human condition that so often underlies our yearning for triumph.