The Edge of the Blade

The supposedly outlawed practice of men fighting duels to preserve and restore honour still thrives, while women are not permitted to vote, let alone pick up a fencing foil themselves.

The impressive cast includes Roschdy Zem as the legendary swordsman Clément Lacaze who becomes entangled in an illegal fencing bout between his nephew and a far more experienced army colonel. Doria Tillier plays women’s rights activist Marie-Rose Astié de Valsayre, who is attempting to manipulate the conventions of duelling to draw attention to her own cause. Perez deftly weaves drama, romance and duels with every sword clash heralding change.