Miekkailija

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During the Second World War

Estonia was in turns occupied

by Germany and the Soviet Union.

At the end of the war,

the Soviet Union invaded Estonia,

starting an occupation

under the rule of Joseph Stalin.

Estonian men, drafted by the Nazis,

became Enemies of the People,

hunted by Stalin's Secret Police.

Haapsalu, comrades!

We're arriving!

Many young people would do

anything to live in a big city.

Like Leningrad.

- You didn't like it there?

- No, I didn't.

Why is that?

I've... always preferred smaller places.

Charming.

You should enjoy working here then.

Political Economy...

Fencing?

- You're still training?

- No. Not anymore.

Not really an activity for the

working man, wouldn't you agree?

THE FENCER:

- Next, please.

- To Leningrad.

- Where?

- Leningrad.

Booth number three.

- How many minutes?

- Three.

- Hello?

- Endel?

- Endel? Is that you?

- Yes.

How've you been?

It's not exactly what we trained for.

They came looking for you again.

- What did you tell them?

- That you're training in Saratov.

Listen. Whatever you do,

don't stick out.

Do everything as you're told.

You hear me?

I hear you.

So how's the job?

School. Kids. What do you think?

You need to focus on something,

otherwise...

- On what? There's nothing here!

- One minute left.

Endel, listen...

Time's up.

I'll call you later.

Take off with both legs.

Like him.

What was that?

You need to jump!

Comrade Nelis!

I have to remind you

of your additional duties.

- You have not started yet?

- I'm sorry, I...

I'd hate to report

that you are coming short.

We don't want that, do we?

I wish you a pleasant weekend,

Comrade Nelis.

Goodbye, teacher!

- Good morning, teacher!

- Hello!

Sports Club.

Skiing on Saturdays

I hope there'll be some snow, too.

Yeah...

Me too.

I just wanted to say that...

I'm really glad you're taking them skiing.

It's a small place,

not that much going on here.

Yeah, of course...

I have to go now.

I'm Kadri, by the way...

Endel.

- Good morning!

- Morning, teacher!

Excuse me, could you tell...

Good morning, Comrade Nelis.

What can I do for you?

We are missing some equipment.

Our skis. I can't find them.

Oh yes! We share our sports equipment

with the Military Airbase.

Didn't I mention that?

No, you didn't...

Well, I do now.

Was that everything?

- Yes.

- Good!

With all due respect,

how can I run a sports club

without any equipment?

I really don't know.

I couldn't say.

You have the degree from Leningrad,

not me.

Goodbye!

What are you doing?

- Practicing.

- What are you practicing?

Fencing.

- Is it difficult?

- Yes, it is quite difficult.

Could you teach me, maybe?

I wanted to go to ballet school,

but we don't have one here.

- What's your name?

- Marta.

- I can't teach you, Marta.

- Why not?

Because there's no point

in fencing alone!

Wait, little girl... Marta?

Come here for a second.

Take it. It's yours.

Thank you, teacher.

Hello.

All right, let's break it up!

No hanging around in the corridor!

Sports Club.

Fencing on Saturdays

I want you all to come over here.

Form three... four lines.

Make sure you have space around you.

Just form four lines.

One behind the other.

My name is Endel Nelis.

Some of you know me already.

Be quiet when I'm talking.

Hands out of your pockets.

I will try to teach you

how to fence.

People usually think it's all about

thrusting and getting hits.

It's not.

The most important thing in fencing

is a precise sense of distance.

This is a foil.

In the old days it was

a deadly weapon used in duels.

One hit and you were dead.

So unless you want to get killed,

you need to know exactly

where your opponent is.

And you need to move fast.

When I'm talking, you look at me!

I want you to do exactly as I do.

When I move towards you,

you step away.

When I step away,

you move toward me. Understood?

On guard!

Right foot forward, left foot back.

And keep your knees bent.

Like this. As if you were sitting.

Not like this.

And no giggling!

Your right hand in front of you,

your weapon hand.

And your left hand like this.

And not like this.

Don't scratch your ear!

Attention! All your attention is

focused on me.

You're lagging.

You don't need to rattle.

You move easily and quietly.

Quicker! Move it!

Teacher! Will these do?

Can't make them any longer, can we?

- Do you need any help?

- No.

Keep your distance! Shoulders down!

Halt!

I don't want to hear any noise

when you move. Look.

Like this.

I'm lifting my feet,

but I'm not stamping.

Got it? On guard! Go!

Keep your distance!

And where's your hand?

Distance!

Easy! There's no hurry!

hoping to hear from you soon.

Leningrad

Come, young man!

Good sour cream! Pickles!

- No, thanks.

- Good sauerkraut! Made it myself!

Try it! It's vitamins.

- And how is it?

- Delicious.

- So, will you take some?

- No, thanks.

- Take some for your girl.

- No need. Thank you.

What do you mean?

Hello.

Do you come here often?

- Well, it is the way to...

- School. Yes, of course.

Can I buy you a cup of hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate?

Sorry, they didn't have

any hot chocolate.

That's all right. Tea is fine.

- How do you like the school?

- Fine. Just fine.

I don't like it.

Quite frankly, I'm not good with children.

I can't get things explained to them.

You just have to be really patient.

And repeat things over and over again.

They really try, you know.

They're so proud of the fencing.

It's good to have them

focus on something,

keep them occupied.

It takes their mind off things...

If you want to become a fencer...

If you at least want to fence,

you have to try harder.

You have to want it more.

We need to go over

some basics one more time,

because quite a few of you

are not really getting this yet.

This branch is your weapon.

You need to hold it

as if you were holding a real foil.

You take a firm grip.

But don't squeeze.

Your elbow has to be in line

with the tip of your weapon.

- What's your name again?

- Jaan.

Come here, Jaan.

On guard!

Now point at me. I'm here!

Think of your weapon as an extension

of your arm. Turn your elbow in.

Turn your elbow in!

Why aren't you getting it?

Is it really too complicated or what?

Again! On guard!

Bend your knees! More!

Look where your back foot is!

It has to be in line

with your front foot!

Where's your left hand?

You're standing there like a stick!

You'll never learn if you don't

pay attention! On guard!

Back foot

has to be in line with front foot!

Teacher...

What's an extension?

Jaan! Where are you going?

Come back.

- Come on. Let's go back.

- I'm not going!

- It's no use, I'll never learn!

- Calm down. I'll teach you.

How could you! You're no good yourself!

- What?

- You wouldn't be here with us,

if you were any good.

Look at me!

I give you my word I'll make

a fencer out of you.

Right?

Comrade Nelis, someone's here to see you!

Are you the school's new sports instructor?

- I am.

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