With over-stylish flashback sequences, a typical revenge twist, a pointless romance between pointless supporting characters, and yet another thin romance, this is not at all a good film. However, neither it is really a bad film. Although perhaps inserted just for show, the fencing fight sequences are quite interesting, as is the limited insight provided into the sport. F. Murray Abraham is able to provide a reasonably earnest performance too, and together with some notable camera-work, there is enough in the film to bring it up to scratch. It is a rather flawed film, yet it is a bit difficult to label this as a "bad" film.
Review of By the Sword
