Seeking refuge while pursued by a past trauma, the film—a 2016 Golden Globe nominee and Finland’s submission for the Academy Awards that didn't make the final cut—is set in Estonia during the early 1950s, when it was still part of the USSR. It tells the story of Endel Nelis, a man fleeing danger who arrives in the small town of Haapsalu to teach schoolchildren sports. He intends to remain inconspicuous while his life is threatened, but circumstances conspire against him when he introduces fencing as part of his curriculum, drawing unwanted attention. Eventually, he must face what he’s been hiding, leading to a conclusion with a brief epilogue that offers more information about subsequent events. > "It's good to have them focus on something, keep them occupied. It takes their mind off things." Despite being a concise narrative, the movie runs for ninety minutes at a steady rhythm. The film doesn’t depict Endel Nelis’ entire life but rather a specific episode in it. This leaves you wanting to know more about his history, though the filmmakers don't provide those answers. It features an excellent musical score and is generally quite uplifting. The performances are understated yet effective; besides Endel, the child actors playing Marta and Jaan also deliver notable portrayals. Romance serves as a secondary element, with the primary focus remaining on sports and fencing. Certain moments feel predictable, but given that the story is based on true events, there’s little to be done about it other than accepting those familiar tropes. Fencing isn't a widely popular sport, so it's refreshing to see a film centered around it; however, its lack of international recognition is disappointing. As mentioned earlier, the storyline is quite limited in scope, preventing a broader exploration. I believe I’ve covered everything I wanted to say about it. Within its constraints, the movie proves remarkably impressive. Not everyone who views it will necessarily recommend it, but it's certainly worth experiencing. 7½/10

Source on TMDB