Well-meant, poorly-executed
What a great idea--the world of Olympic fencing is chock-full of drama and political wrangling. And with swords, no less!
It seems to me that, much as I love fencing, ANY sport-centered movie has about the same plot. The US cinema scene continues to churn out these formulaic box-office muffins, despite any real story being present.
"By the Sword" is rife with inconsistencies, bad scriptwriting and simply ludicrous scenes--the post-Sheena E dancing scene foremost among them. Folks, fencers simply do NOT do this...not even as a motivational exercise. Fencers do not WANT a regular rhythm, it's more of a weakness than a strength.
Blades breaking, blood drawn, sure that happens...but on purpose? At the *encouragement* of the Maestro? I don't think so.
If you want to see Mia Sara in a tight fencing outfit, this is your film; but for heaven's sake, don't expect to see fencing.
(And yes, I fence.)
It seems to me that, much as I love fencing, ANY sport-centered movie has about the same plot. The US cinema scene continues to churn out these formulaic box-office muffins, despite any real story being present.
"By the Sword" is rife with inconsistencies, bad scriptwriting and simply ludicrous scenes--the post-Sheena E dancing scene foremost among them. Folks, fencers simply do NOT do this...not even as a motivational exercise. Fencers do not WANT a regular rhythm, it's more of a weakness than a strength.
Blades breaking, blood drawn, sure that happens...but on purpose? At the *encouragement* of the Maestro? I don't think so.
If you want to see Mia Sara in a tight fencing outfit, this is your film; but for heaven's sake, don't expect to see fencing.
(And yes, I fence.)
- Torch-6
- Oct 31, 2000