The Most Accurate Sword Fight in Cinematic History?

If you think that Geralt vs Renfri is the best sword fight on film, you're wrong. THIS is the best sword fight in cinematic history.
See "Zrodzeni do Szabli / Born to the Sabre" here:
vimeo.com/ondemand/bornforthe...
The swordplay in this film is pretty fantastic. I could only spot one moment where choreography and cinematic timing truly deterred from the fighting - but that can be expected when the film is produced by a Fencing society - specifically the Art of Cross-Cutting Association (Stowarzyszenie Sztuka Krzyzowa) and two renowned fencers (the Sieniawski Brothers). Poland has a long history of excellent sabre fights, from Potop / The Deluge (1974) to more contemporary films such as these, and that lineage shows in the fencing displayed in Polish cinema.
The film itself is separated into two parts, with a cinematic narrative story based on the life of a young member of the Szlachta, or nobility, and his progress with the sabre, and the second part is a documentary format, detailing the historical sources and interpretations that went into making the film, and how the sword used in it was made (with swordmaker Zbigniew Juszkiewicz). It feels a lot like a directors cut, to be honest.
I kinda wish they had released a cinematic cut, and a directors cut. But I understand their reasoning behind the format.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. The narration (in Polish) was clear, and the acting was pleasant. The fencing, as noted, was brilliant (video on that topic soon). Some of the documentary commentary was... less great. I disagree with Juszkiewicz' assertion that aligning a blade with earths magnetic poles during a quench influnces the curvature.
Overall, a good watch for anyone into Polish Sabre, or the szlachta.
(Worth noting that I watch this in Polish, with no subtitles, but subtitles are available in english. If that's not your thing, you may struggle with this film).
#PolishSabre #PolskaSzabla #FightScene
00:00 Introducing Zrodzeni do Szabli
00:40 Analysis of the Sabre Fighting
3:00 Summary of Techniques
3:55 Cross Cutting, and Polish Sabre Durability
5:00 Review of cinematography and production
5:40 Where to watch it

[@bluehead_info]

Big respect for Polish pronunciation which is not the easiest.

[@IPostSwords]

I try my best. It's my second language but I don't use it often.

[@ivanpopov2788]

Remembered some movie with german trying to scribe the name of one polish soldier. And this man sayed his name is something like... Gzhegosh Gjesjeshchekevich... And i CAN say that. But then... He said something I can't even hear properly.

[@Ja-gv1mx]

@@ivanpopov2788 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5eui5aigryGZ7c

[@hopeq1592]

@@ivanpopov2788 Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz and he said that he lives in Chrząszczyrzewoszyce, powiat Łękołody

[@michagajdzica878]

@@ivanpopov2788 Old Polish comedy "How I Unleashed World War II". Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz, and then he said Chrząszczyżewoszyce powiat Łękołody when asked about where he was born. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5eui5aigryGZ7c ;)

[@Shchetchynianin]

Breaking the sabre is symbolic in Polish culture - that the fallen hero is unable to draw the sabre against the enemies. And it goes to the Polish classic literature - "Pan Wolodyjowski" by Sienkiewicz, where there is literally a scene of breaking the sabre.

[@NihonDream]

Yeah, assuming that Sienkiewicz's Trilogy was more scientific than "ku pokrzepieniu serc"/raising patriot emotions in partitioned and nonexistent on the maps of XIX Europe Poland.

[@bogdanbaudis4099]

@@NihonDream Sienkiewicz stated it explicitly: "ku pokrzepieniu serc", and at least in my case, I kept this in mind when reading "The Trilogy" which given I was a child was somewhat strange ... I guess when born in a communist state and smart enough, you never ever believe anything unconditionally. I think that good Mr. Henryk thought along the similar line as mine: the ultimate tragedy and failure of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was inability to accommodate Ukraine (Rus') on the same level as the Crown and the Duchy. However of course that still would live the question of the serfdom unanswered ...

[@randalldraco3822]

@@bogdanbaudis4099 it was propaganda, the stated events have either did not have a place, or were twisted (i.e the defence of Jasna Gora have never took place, there was a siege, basically an army pyut a camp, and few days later shown by Sienkiewicz, Kordecki have gae up the monastery. reality meets the fantasy. what matters is the spirit, culture, values.

[@bogdanbaudis4099]

@@randalldraco3822 It was written with a subtitle "ku pokrzepieniu serc" ("to gladden/salve our hearts") for the public of a country which at that moment did NOT EXIST. Yep, it WAS propaganda and Jasna Gora ("Potop"="Deluge") is quite a good point on the matter. I would not say H.S. was not aware about it and if you "read-between-the-lines" (as I always do, courtesy of the time and place of my upbringing), you should notice that Kimicic ended up commanding .. Tatars and that because (Wikipedia) "after an alliance with the Crimean Khanate, they repulsed the Swedes" (If I said that aloud in the soccer stadium in Poland now I would be very lucky to escape not seriously harmed!). H.S. wanted to write about and at the same time he did not to add to the anguish of the Polish people. Could he have done better? Maybe. There were a lot of others who tried to steer closer to the history. And they were read by many fewer ... I always say: do not confuse literature with history but on the other hand literature IS in the history ... I do not have a solution to the problem other than: "read between the lines". As for my statement about Poland vs. Ukraine, I stand by it. Obviously it is a conjecture and as it is with historical conjecture (barring the inventions of a time machine), it cannot be proven or dis-proven. There were many sources of the conflict but there WAS a framework in which Cossacks could be accommodated in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, not that much different what they thought they would be getting from Moscow, and who knows what would happen then ... In 17th century no major battle was lost when Commonwealth was able to field Polish-Lithuanian cavalry with Cossack infantry ...

[@Dagowit]

Isildur would like to disagree

[@ZodzillaPrime]

The villain is actually holding his elbow - - basically pushing on it with his palm horizontally, you can see the protagonist try to do the thing you suggest if you pay attention to the tension in his body language. He can't, and he's holding the villains arm, so he settles for yelling

[@sultanzod6720]

Yes I see that, that's what I was thinking for a second. He's literally preventing himself from being sliced in the chest

[@TangoNevada]

I don't know who is who, but the dude on the left could have easily twisted his wrist and sliced the other guys neck. game over.

[@ZodzillaPrime]

@@TangoNevada yeah if the guy on the right stood completely still while he did it I guess? Lol. Foh

[@TangoNevada]

@@ZodzillaPrime They were both standing still pressed up against each other. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f56ziYCpo8hlfJY

[@ZodzillaPrime]

@@TangoNevada we both watched the same video, if you think you could twist your wrist with enough speed and force from that position to slash a guy's neck without him standing still to let you you need help. He'd have to rotate his entire wrist position, levering the sword over, which would take time. He can't possibly bring it to the left side of the guy's neck from the current position. Your wrist doesn't do that. All the guy has to do is react to it. These are not fully double sided blades, they cut, iirc, only on like the upper third of the back side if at all. The guy's collar is in the way of a cut from that side at that power. Cut his face maybe but again he'd have to sit still for it.

[@kyniak117]

Both in this film and in "The Deluge" real sabers were used in the duel scene. Skills at the highest level!

[@orkako]

I saw this video on YT where it premiered and was available for several weeks, or months. The film is a fictionalized documentary describing the art of blacksmithing and the culture of the Polish nobility. It made a huge impression on me.

[@robertszmigielski9210]

Golden Liberty! Free Election! Glory of Polish - Lithuanian Commonwealth 1385-1795 !

[@jasonwalter2924]

One of my pet peeves in cinema swordfights is the "stand back and pause" after any landed cut; after he landed the brow cut he steps back to look at him rather than pushing the advantage...

[@IPostSwords]

Yeah, defintely gotta agree on that one. It's all too common and makes no sense. Unfortunately present in this film too

[@AK-fr5zv]

@@IPostSwords I know this might be late but, from what I'd learned duels between nobles weren't usually to death, at least if there was no significant feud or reason for one to kill the other. Polish nobility often considered themselves an... extended family, where the richest and poorest were equal. This can be seen in the idea of liberum veto where any single noble could stop the meeting of a senate meeting. So, it could be that in this movie, or in parts at least the stops in the fight were for that reason.

[@patdeen3960]

And not just sword fights. Relishing in victory before victorious is pretty played out in Hollywood.

[@IPostSwords]

@@AK-fr5zv This is not that sort of duel between nobles. This is an encounter in the woods between the two scouting Poles, and a small group of Muscovites - most of whom are streletsy / musketmen. If it was a duel between two nobles of the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth, your supposition would likely be correct. But this was more of a one on one fight during war, than it was a duel

[@AK-fr5zv]

@@IPostSwords Ah, I see, I haven't seen the movie (albeit I might when I have some more time on my hands), so I was just looking for a possible explanation. Thanks for clarifying!

[@dzikusdzikusdzikus]

Man, I'm from Poland, and I'm impressed how accurate you pronounce Polish words!

[@Vfr143]

Had exactly the same thought! Maybe he is Polish? 🤔

[@piotrwachowicz8233]

@@Vfr143 he's not, there are still flaws with his pronounce and you can clearly hear engish pronounciation included

[@dracul3220]

🇵🇱💪🏻

[@IPostSwords]

My parents are Polish. But I barely ever speak the language, it's basically only what I remember from early childhood

[@Vfr143]

@@IPostSwords Well, if your parents are Polish, that makes you… Polish) So I was somewhat right even being a bit wrong)

[@desertvik1ng]

Yes algorithm, this is exactly what I wanted.

[@jooot_6850]

Only took it a full year.. Better late than never though eh?

[@TheJBerg]

Same. Good algorithm

[@christopherhammond5142]

It feels like magic sometimes, right? I didn't even know I wanted, it but it did...somehow.

[@denhanced5278]

Anyone who has a brother knows the 'defensive slip'.

[@jockwhisky1]

Polish Husaria’s painting in the background.Well done.

[@guntherachterhof4876]

Interesting. I was wondering what that is, behind him. Thanks a thousand!

[@IPostSwords]

It's by Mariusz Kozik. He sells prints on canvas if you're interested

[@zhongtiandai7709]

@@IPostSwords He paints for the total war series. Most badass artist in this area.

[@IPostSwords]

He's very good. I have a book of his works

[@pedrinrj7251]

@@IPostSwords Can you link or refer where i can buy a canvas? Looked everywhere but can't find it.

[@leydofilm8373]

Thanks!!! Shooting ,,Born to the Saber'" was our best cinematic experience!

[@IPostSwords]

You did an excellent job. I cannot fault the cinematography

[@hamuArt]

2:39 nope - his arm was locked too - need high speed for cutting - from that position you never cut through leathered army cloth except with lightsaber

[@bloodlessvr2823]

Yeah i noticed that too, he would be unable to draw cut the antagonist because he was holding the protagonist’s arm from doing just that

[@hoymcrobinson2480]

"leathered army cloth" wut?

[@Fedorchik1536]

I'm sorry for being "that guy", but what about that fight from Potop (Deluge)?

[@IPostSwords]

That fight is both iconic and brilliant, but I think it suffered from being over-choreographed and static in footwork. It also had more telegraphing, and moulinets for drama.

[@lukaszjanusz4230]

Fun fact. Choreographer for the Deluge and one of creators of Zrodzeni do szabli are the same person :) Janusz Sieniawski has admited that the sword play in Deluge has little to do with the cross cutting.

[@grzegorzpiotrowski1464]

@@lukaszjanusz4230 nope. He is a choreographer of "With Sword and Fire" not "The Deluge"

[@lukaszjanusz4230]

@@grzegorzpiotrowski1464 I could've have swear I heard Deluge in one of the interviews but it was WF&S indeed

[@miloszlodowski7038]

@@lukaszjanusz4230 definitely not ;) He was the choreographer of With Fire and Sword ;) In Deluge the historical consultant was Adam Kersten, and the trainer was prof. Waldemar Wilhelm

[@socratrash]

The painting behind you has been my wallpaper at my pc at work for a whilr now 😄. Its a fantastic charge of the winged hussars.

[@teeheeteeheeish]

One thing I’ve always wanted to see depicted would be saber fighting on horseback. It’s hard to imagine that these duels would last long, but obviously saber cavalry were deadly as they were widely used for hundreds of years even well into the gunpowder age.

[@polymorphesquirrel]

First rule of cavalry is: never stop. So it is mostly charging infantry and slashing as you ride past, or a franctic hell if the situation went SNAFU.

[@OkurkaBinLadin]

Watch polish Fire and sword. Its there.

[@bartomiej9807]

First 2 rows were mainly deflecting attacks with enemy's weapon swinged back so that further rows could slash them. Technically it was not very difficult (mainly it was around 3 moves if I remember correctly), but a horseman with white weapon had enormous physical advantage with his speed and energy he could put in his swings.

[@bogdanbaudis4099]

@@bartomiej9807 BTW .. the most successful formation (hussars) used as the primary weapon ... lances. Sabres was likely the weapons of the last resort or used in pursuit, after all, what was the "koncerz" was for? (stabbing weapon!). 17th century comes, they were also expected to discharge their pistols after a charge with lances ... The thing which is mostly lost in these discussion is the MOST EXPENSIVE piece of the cavalry kit: the horse. These were special-bred and extensively trained horses and without them ... Chodkiewicz won the Kircholm battle but had to settle for the campaign draw .. and part of the reason were the losses among of the hussars' horses .. and idiot Sejm (the parliament) which did not want to extend funds ...

[@bartomiej9807]

@@bogdanbaudis4099 Lack of funding was a primary reason, because hussars' polish horses was extremely expensive one. Secondly - horseman are more than hussars, who were unique type of cavalry - medium type by the equipment (not as heavy armoured as similar western cavalry) but acted as heavy by task assigned (crushing formations). There is a great monography about them, forgot the author but worth reading. Lances were one time weapons - used in charge, broken on purpose (so that the energy was dissipated, not absorbed by wielder - another reason why hussars equipment was so expensive) and then they had to switch to other melee weapon. Koncerz was a required weapon for hussars (every hussar had to have one, info from monography mentioned above), long and not as universal as polish saber. It allowed only a few type of cuts and thrusts but that was more than enough.

[@caiaphasflagg673]

The final swordfight in Rob Roy was amazing!

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

Yes!!

[@Vulturefist]

Yup, love that one a lot.

[@ArtiomNeganov]

True. Just finished watching it (again) it and went on youtube to see has someone ever surpassed it

[@polymorphesquirrel]

Great from the cinematographic point of view, but 'just' good from the fencing perspective. But as in the Deluge, it is largely affected by the source material and the fact that Rob Roy wasn't supposed to be a particularly great fencer. Still much better than just about anything with the exception of 'the Duelists', obviously.

[@Holden1296]

I agree. I wonder if one can really hold a sword like that without getting severely cut?

[@gediminasmorkys3589]

About the gripe you had... The hero cannot merely execute a draw cut across the villains torso. The move actually began like that, just before the grapple, and was stopped there by the opponents hand. Now the villain has a pretty good hold of the hero's sleeve, stopping the cut in that direction. They are in a stable position with both arms locked. Other than the hero turning down-left and exiting backwards under the opponent's right arm (path of least resistance), the way they disengaged was pretty much the logical thing to do :)

[@davidjones8043]

Exactly plus there's no momentum, it wouldn't have even cut him if he'd tried from the grapple. This guy's trying to sound more informed and profound, stating his misperceptions mixed with the facepalm level of "the obvious"

[@IPostSwords]

Draw cuts don't require momentum. It doesn't be a deep cut but a draw cut with weight behind it, even if it is slow, can get through zupan like this.

[@gediminasmorkys3589]

@@IPostSwords and yet, not possible when your hand is controlled. You have no leverage in that situation... But I have a feeling we will agree to disagree, you have a channel to manage 🙂

[@IPostSwords]

@@gediminasmorkys3589 no, the restriction due to being held is valid, I missed it watching the fight. I've just already addressed it in multiple comments.

[@gediminasmorkys3589]

@@IPostSwords fair enough 🙂

[@ThatWorks]

Well said. An excellent representation in film of what is close to a real sword fight.

[@IPostSwords]

I'm honoured by a comment from your channel - I love your work and videos

[@ThatWorks]

@@IPostSwords Awesome and thank you!

[@jozefkozon4520]

Maybe do one of these sabers? It can be interesting as a challenge and as a jewel. Besides, Ilia doing a Polish project sounds funny to me.

[@tuberobotto]

@That Works Yes it is, but the accuracy only speaks for the fight and sword movements (and it's science) but not for the human reactions to getting wounded, cut or slashed. In real life, even the most battle scarred human would most likely writhe and cry in pain even at flesh wounds especially near the eyes or on the face. Given that both duelists were yelling and screaming out the pain away for the adrenaline rush, the way they hold out (their threshold) is not an accurate depiction of a real life death duel. A huge percentage of what is shown is still "cinematic license", where warriors are supermen impervious to pain and fear of death. Kinda like what Chinese Wu Xia Pian (period sword films) or the Japanese Chambara (samurai/sword films) apply to their productions. In the end, it's the cinematic narrative that wins.

[@kresypl337]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5y8m5eGeN6MoM0

[@Firebrand1967]

Ridley Scott's first film: The Duelists features intensely realistic swordplay that rivals with what you're presenting here....I believe.

[@jkr3008]

Totally agree. Both the movie itself and fight scene choreography are great.

[@konradschmidt3919]

It's based on novel by Polish nobleman Józef Korzeniowski, well knowed as Joseph Conrad.

[@MPedich]

@@konradschmidt3919 Oh, I didn't know that. Interesting

[@ottavioberbakow7556]

Initial duel on Duelists is much more realistic in my opinion, it is impeccable.

[@mrmoth26]

@@user-if1de8pt2j It's not more realistic

[@bvbxiong5791]

2:35 - nah mate, you're crazy. the protagonist can't simply "execute a draw cut" because the other guy has control of his arm and if he attempted one, the other guy would know what he was up to. secondly, a simple draw cut doesn't do jack if you have no power or leverage behind it, not to mention the other guy has on at least a padded jerkin and probably another 1 or 2 layers of clothing. a simple "draw cut" is not getting through that without a good amount of power and leverage behind it.

[@PoofyKittyPants]

It's also a weak move from the point of view of personal honor, almost cowardly. If your grappling with someone and he isn't trying to whip his sword around the back of your head you grapple. The first one to try to swing dirty in the clinch would have been dishonored and you don't want to dishonor yourself in a duel you could lose. It could be the difference between a clean death and cutting out your eyes and leaving you.

[@samuelzuleger5134]

Just commented the same thing. Glad to see I wasn't the only one.

[@Kelnx]

Absolutely. Glad someone pointed this out. It's just physics. No matter how sharp the sword is, if you can't put any meaningful force behind it, it's not going to do much.

[@ImYourOverlord]

But if you have a vorpal blade... ;)

[@terrancewalton5793]

All he has to do is fuss ra daaa

[@andreydragomirov8559]

The Spanish movie "Alatriste" (2006) with Viggo Mortensen has had probably the best fencing scenes with a rapier in cinematic history.

[@monsirto]

Yep.

[@geromelegnome5446]

I hope he reviews those as well!!!

[@lelikbolek1362]

“The Duel” 1977 with Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine-is very realistic too.

[@AdamPopowski]

Viggo is just a class act in general. His sword handling was superb in lord of the rings also.

[@andreydragomirov8559]

@@AdamPopowski , I agree - Viggo is fantastic in everything he does. But the swordfight scenes in The Lord Of The Rings are far from realistic... :)

[@ash8207]

Very interesting! When you bent that sabre, I was surprised at how flexible it really is. Learn something new every day! :)

[@IPostSwords]

I have an antique karabela blade now (no hilt) which I've done the same flex test on - confirming the data point

[@goodnamesareallgone1]

Great video thank you...and awesome hussar print behind you.

[@tomsmith5216]

A great scene, with an awesomr fight using swords..

[@JTheTeach]

I thought I was having acid flashbacks a few times before I realized it was your editing lol

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video.

[@slasherslashing6127]

I love the polish hussars in the background, I don't know but they're my favorite cavalry

[@M_K171]

Cool post. Never heard of this movie, I think I’ll go see it. Thx for not spoiling it too!

[@wotanodyn4014]

I suggest watching a saber duel from the Polish movie "Potop". Is the best cinematic duel ever.

[@SwordFighterPKN]

Those two brothers have mad skills!

[@constantinvasiliev2065]

Thanks. An amazing analysis!

[@Asperaetastra]

Thanks for the video. I haven't seen that movie - but I'm definitely intrigued now!

[@lsporter88]

Impressive knowledge of both history, and bladed combat.

[@lowbro7202]

Never heard of this film, gonna have to watch it.

[@IPostSwords]

Only came out in Poland in late October 2019, and it only came out internationally two days ago

[@lowbro7202]

@@IPostSwords I'm going to give it a watch on my next day off if I can.

[@Kamillo041285]

I'm Polish and never ever heard something about this movie till today....

[@marcinmarcin7831]

@@Kamillo041285 puszczają go u nas co jakiś czas na History, nie wiem czemu tylko na tym kanale

[@thomasgumersell9607]

Enjoyed your video recap. Looking forward to perusing this particular film. As I am a fan of Sword fighting. Especially the accurate fights that are sadly lacking in many films. 💪🏼🙏🏻✨

[@mikkey246]

Updates?

[@daviddoingstuff4725]

This film looks incredible! I'm definitely gonna check it out. Also, this channel looks neat! SUBSCRIBED.

[@IPostSwords]

"Best" is subjective, so I assessed this based on historical accuracy and fencing techniques. Your preferences may vary. Liked what you saw? Stream "Zrodzeni do Szabli" now via Vimeo On Demand: vimeo.com/ondemand/bornforthesaber/382477319 Regarding Potop: I've responded to probably 30 or 40 comments about potop. I watched potop with my dad for the first time when I was like, 5. It's an iconic film and it defined an era of Polish cinema, and theatrical Polish sabre fencing. But it has issues. The most obvious is the very static footwork, which is explained away by the narrative (it was muddy) - but leads to poor fencing. They just stand there and swing for half the fight without any movement. The other is also due to narrative, and it's the very large disparity in skill - which leads the more skilled to use extraneous moulinets in order to mock his opponent - which is a good way to get killed. P.S: Sorry about the transition animations. Used a smart transition in my editing software, and clearly that name was a lie. It's been fixed in more recent videos.

[@KirkWilliams300]

Oooh is there more fights to break down in the whole movie?

[@IPostSwords]

There are - though this is the longest. There is a fight with Palcaty (sticks) and a few training fights, nothing serious.

[@alexfage5067]

Best swordplay I ever seen is in Duelists from Ridley Scott.

[@maciejgadawski4678]

For you information, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpjKZqObm9uUnNE

[@mikdan8813]

An elegant weapon... for a more civilized age.

[@TVSuchty]

Before the dark times, before the empire...

[@knightatthecrossroads222]

But I still like my 11 century battle ready replica norman sword.....

[@coinfrog2566]

Mudda mudda

[@TVSuchty]

@Masemeno Nasaku Haha, yes. It is a star wars quote :-)

[@HavilandTuf]

truly civilized age does not have a need for any weapon, dude

[@chickenbiscuit4525]

The crooscut in the grapple was inhibited, held at the elbow with minimal mechanical leverage on offer. Thus might exemplify the stress and strain on the hero's expression. The idea that rage can intensify human spirit/strength the breaking of the sword was symbolic to the villains perpetual destruction and defeat. Many sports sword fighters in Poland attempt authentic direct engagement.

[@LionAstrology]

Thanks for the video, got to watch that movie now. Looks awesome.

[@sparrowhawk81]

Thanks for the good video. It does look like a really cool scene. I just have something to say about the suggestion of a draw cut during the bind at 2:40 or so in the video. I expect that both fighters during a bind like this are intensely focused on managing the other person's sword arm. that seems to be the case here. The antagonist has the protagonist's sword arm by the sleeve and seems to have reasonable control over it, leaving him with very little mobility in that arm. In order to do a draw cut the protagonist would have to be able to pull that arm through VERY quickly (which I doubt he could do in that bind). That leads to my next point....or edge....or something. The protagonist's weapon is very close to the intended target for any "draw cut". Yes, sharp swords are sharp and you wouldn't want one dragged across your skin, but the fighters appear to be wearing clothing that is padded and on par with a gambeson. In order to cut through that you would, in my opinion and experience, need an initial impact with good edge alignment to get through that clothing, then followed by a drawing motion as part of the cut. Pushing the sword into the opponent at that distance and attempting to saw through their padded jacket, based on my experience with sharps, would be very unlikely to do anything.

[@historomaniak]

Well perhaps I’ll bring some context into the saber breaking part. Since in Polish culture nobleman’s (later officers and uhlans or cavalry man) life/soul is represented by his saber it was a ceremonial practice at their funeral to break the saber and lay it to rest with them. It was practiced all the way to the WW2. From the interwar period I gathered officers’ personal, often ceremonial sabers were broken, but in case of an enlisted uhlan it was usually their own purchased standard issue combat saber (maybe not as flexible as the XVII century sabers), yet it was still broken by their comrades on the knee. So the scene is very symbolic, and I think only ads rather then take away from the movie and is not that unhistorical, although I might be wrong in terms of what kind of sabers were broken during the funerals, also I have no idea if it was done after the battle when burying the fallen ergo if it was done with combat sabers of the time.

[@MiaogisTeas]

Perhaps even a catastrophic bending of the sword, as they did with Norse chieftains' blades for burial, would have been considered broken? Unless it says it was specifically snapped into two pieces, it's hard to know.

[@szablotukpolski5201]

if anyone would like to hear about the great history polish saber . .. .. szablotłuk polski

[@peterswiecki7441]

You're partly right. Braking the sabre can be viewed as a symbol of end of life of the nobleman, but more so, if it happaned, had a practical meaning of destroying the arm that could be used by the enemy. Thus colonel Wołodyjowski breaks his own sabre in famous film (ceremonial part before impending death), however (more importantly) he makes it prior to exploding the strategic castle, soon to be taken over by Turks, by an ignition of the cannon ammunition. His companions have safely left beforehand.

[@billsmith912]

Loved this video. Thanks

[@truthtalker911]

i cannot believe i found this again, i forgot name of movie but i have never seen an iller showdown, only saw once and i was jumping up and down screaming cuz people have no idea how phenomenal this scene was cuz was so realistic i literally could not believe what i had just seen so OMG thank you

[@karolinakuc4783]

Title of the movie is Zrodzeni do szabli

[@taggartlawfirm]

Polish saber has been an accepted style since the winged Hussars. Very fast and very effective.

[@Tugela60]

Not against armor, lol.

[@IPostSwords]

@@Tugela60 which is why hussars carried a lance and a koncerz, in addition to their sabres. Different weapons for different tasks

[@lm157]

Koncerz was a piercing weapon, not the cutting one, the blade had square or triangular shape, similar to misericordiae, and the tip was made of very hard steel, it was designed to pierce through the opponent's armor. They also used nadziak, which is like a small hammer with one end sharp and other end blunt. Sharp end was used to go through armor and drag opponent down, dismounting him, blunt end's purpose is rather obvious.

[@otroflores91]

Would never have guessed moving back out the way of a sword swing is a proven technique.

[@jamescanjuggle]

Just don't get hit by the sword, tried and tested technique

[@devbob]

It was popularized after the less effective technique of leaning into the sword swing to interrupt, devised by Olaf "Deadmeat" Smenjii.

[@idkwhattoputhere.9891]

@@devbob Leaning into the sword is a very effective technique, but only if you have plate armour

[@bogdanbaudis4099]

@@idkwhattoputhere.9891 "Leaning into the sword is a very effective technique, but only if you have plate armour" .. and in 17th century that would make you just worthy of a pistol discharge! Jokes aside. this was a DUEL ... a little custom-regulated affair ... most of duels was understood to be fought "to the first blood", hence the stripping to the shirt ... the 17th century soldier's attire still might have involved if not a chain mail then still some heavy padding (I don't think moose skin is known for being fine ... 🙂) so these would be seen as "unseemly" in the context

[@idkwhattoputhere.9891]

@@bogdanbaudis4099 Ah yes, another one of my dumb comments from 1 year ago.

[@lebarosky]

I appreciate the referral to this brilliant film about 17th century Polish martial arts.

[@thewingedhussar4969]

Came for the title, stayed for the winged hussars in the background

[@IPostSwords]

Name checks out

[@marvinfok65]

Simply love the costumes during the times of the Polish winged hussars! The first movie that got me hooked is With fire and sword!

[@halnywiatr]

"The Deluge" ... just sayin'.

[@danieklerr]

The way your face morphs between edits had me thinking I'd eaten acid for breakfast, and had forgotten.

[@salinagrrrl69]

The greatest weapons 1on1 was a 1950s Italian film set in early renaissance Italy. It was a climax duel w/ both swinging rope to rope in a bell tower (BELLS BANGING) battlting with dbl blade broad axes. It was shot in one take.

[@ambulocetusnatans]

For being a trade that relies so heavily on science, sword-smithing seems to have an inordinate amount of superstitions.

[@IPostSwords]

you're not wrong

[@gratius1394]

Turning a pile of ore into deadly, shiny blade never was a common skill. No wonder swordsmiths were often treated as a particular kind of magicians.

[@lordhandsomeswag1854]

@@gratius1394 None of that is true.

[@rang123yea5]

I would argue than rather then superstition it has soul!

[@EnhancedNightmare]

Its easy to get superstitious if you work on something for weeks and smallest mistake can ruin it completely.

[@F3cast]

Nice detail talking about the hussar sabre while standing infront of a picture of the polish winged hussars.

[@IPostSwords]

Glad you liked it

[@jaimedeleon1194]

Whatever transition technique you use to adjust between takes that blends separate shots of your face is a great reason why I don't look at my phone when tripping on mushrooms.

[@ianmatthews137]

Wow, your editing is freaking me out...

[@IPostSwords]

Apologies, I had only just started to use DaVinci Resolve to edit my videos at this point. I used the built in "smart transitions". It was a mistake

[@brandonsmith3060]

About the sword being broken over the knee, I’d say it’s possible to crack a blade during combat and then snap it easily enough…I’ve had a few I could hear and feel it crack during tournaments and later I snapped them so not to hurt anyone on accident…Other then that, swords can bend quite far..at least the ones we compete with.

[@EndlessDream]

Imagine the creators of Soulcalibur wanting to make a polish swordsman and doing research on this beforehand

[@jonnyjohn2321]

Too notch analysis!!! 🍻

[@lm157]

Hey, that painting behind you is considered first ever selfie! 😂

[@janczumaczenko1590]

I still belive in "Deluge" Kmicic with Wołodyjowski fight is better. But still this Fight in Zrodzeni do Szabli is still realy realy good.

[@hariman7727]

I've seen videos on both, and I'm not choosing between them. This one is MUCH shorter, but only has one potential flaw, and is fantastic. Kmicic Vs Wolodyjowski is longer, and has a few more flaws, but is also fantastic. It's like choosing between chocolate chocolate chip ice cream and chocolate fudge swirl ice cream. The answer is not "Which one?", but instead the answer is "Yes". >.> Kmicic Vs Wolodyjowski does have the advantage of being an in depth story duel, with a lot of subtle and skilled storytelling in how the people fight.

[@niepowaznyczlowiek]

@@hariman7727 good answer

[@andrzejwitowiak1353]

Very fitting background painting for the subject: Mariusz Kozik - The Battle of Chocim

[@IPostSwords]

He's a fantastic artist

[@szablotukpolski5201]

if anyone would like to hear about the great history polish saber . .. szablotłuk polski

[@karolinakuc4783]

Thanks for this video

[@Scisca1a2a]

"Potop" ("The Deluge") is another classic Polish movie that has great sword fighting scenes. Well worth the watch

[@ravinnox2640]

Going to have to add this to the list of polish films to watch and review

[@supi9]

Cały film jest super i każdemu polecam. Dobrze jest pokazane wychowanie młodego szlachcica. Natomiast co do walki finałowej , to jest to prostu super. Bracia grają super i fantastycznie władają bronią. Polecam

Came here from Shadiversity, watching some of your videos, love your work, keep it up!

[@jkel16]

The swiping at the air thing is usually because a lot the fight director doesn't get to call the angles on set. And is even less likely to be invited into the editing suite for post production. So the designed angles are not always used in the final cut. Although I've seen plenty of bad sword work on set over the years, there are people who are pushing for change but it's a slow process.

[@iarroganti]

Nice video. I don't know if anyone mentioned it already, but to your point about how the protagonist could have won with a draw cut, it looks like his opponent has his left hand on his swordarm to keep that from happening.

[@baddonkey6876]

The redhead dude and the fighting style reminds of Olgierd von Everec from the hearts of stone expansion in the witcher 3, of course the witcher is a polish fantasy story so it makes sense he would have polish hairstyles and fighting styles

[@evangregory169]

I love the hussars in full calvary charge behind this guy. My favorite moment in history, the seige of Vienna.

[@IPostSwords]

This painting depicts the battle of Chocim, or Bitwa pod Chocimiem. Not the siege of vienna.

[@2adamast]

You mean the cavalry charge of feathers and shiny uniforms at 18:00h where the battle started for many at 4:00h in the morning,

[@alvaromneto]

Love the background picture. The mythical charge of the winged Hussars.

[@michaellacostales5585]

Damn, Olgierd von Everec can fight.

[@leobowskination1918]

I think cdpr might well have taken a lot from this movie, olgierd is in fact a Polish noble with a family sabre, and can damn well fight as quick and effeciently as this guy

[@FenrirFire18]

I've always wanted to watch this film! 🍿😎👍

[@IPostSwords]

As of a few days ago, it can be streamed via Vimeo worldwide. 8USD to buy, 6USD to stream.

[@FenrirFire18]

@@IPostSwords Thanks, my man! 🤺

[@samrodriguez9653]

Nice video 👍

[@sirmarek78]

I like your picture behind you :)

[@szablotukpolski5201]

On the topic of Polish saber I have more on my channel. And as for the film, it's just an attempt at reconstruction. I respect these men, but I don't know how their vision of fencing works in a real fight. They always fight as if it were a movie arrangement not a real fight. Regards

[@IPostSwords]

Well, given that the context here *is* a movie, I can see why they're using a system better suited to a movie. It's an interpretation, sure, and it's based on relatively recent sources and theres some (fair) controversy around them, but it is still a fair sight better than most movie fight scenes

[@szablotukpolski5201]

@@IPostSwords Yes, this group also claims that it is a historical reconstruction of historical Polish fencing, and this is not entirely true.

[@ZBYSLAW1000]

@@szablotukpolski5201 Czołem Szablotłuku.

[@szablotukpolski5201]

@@ZBYSLAW1000 Czołem😀

[@ZBYSLAW1000]

@@szablotukpolski5201 :-)

[@MichalBreslau]

Those dudes are skilled sabre fencers in real life, also brothers Sieniawski. That movie is documentary about Polish sabre and fencing in XVII c.

[@karolborkowski8231]

Nice painting in the background, Polish Hussars rox!

[@martiniden8282]

Use the dirty technic and then stop motionless, while your opponent is disabled for a sec? Smart move, lol.

[@ToloGF]

Exactly, the always wait for the opponent to recompose.

[@TheSmashua]

Yup, same with the push cut. He just watches him clutch his brow in pain.

[@MrMoros1]

Considering Polish cinema is also responsible for bringing us the famous duel in 'The Deluge', it isn't surprising this one is great quality too. The szabla and art of cross-cutting has a lot of historical and cultural prominence, so it's not too surprising that it's taken seriously there.

[@leepek3575]

Hello - polish guy watching it, thanks for video :D

[@tomrobinson4935]

I feel like he had time to land a killing blow after that first cut to the face

[@AHealthyDoseofFran]

And this is where Mulan 2020 enters, LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE !!

[@MRKapcer13]

I've stopped following Polish media years ago but I'm really surprised I've not heard of this movie! The Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth is probably my favourite subject in history and both the Deluge and Pan Wolodyjowski (and to a much lesser extent the newer With Fire and Sword) are some of my favourite movies. I'll have to give it a watch. There is not nearly enough media on the Commonwealth honestly. I think the sabre snapping is entirely possible. Metallurgy science wasn't really a thing until Victorian era, and even then there are accounts of weapons snapping. It's a fluke, but possible.

[@IPostSwords]

Possible under a ton of stress, sure. But that sabre just went through heated battles against multiple opponents without taking any damage, then was broken in one smooth motion. I find that unlikely. But either way, it was a minor issue

[@ty-gb8zn]

not Polish Lithuania only RZECZYPOSPOLITA POLSKA .if you don't know history, please learn

[@michagajdzica878]

@@ty-gb8zn Now, now, calm down. First- if you want to correct someone at least be right yourself ;) It was RZECZPOSPOLITA OBOJGA NARODÓW. Second- @MRPolo is correct to begin with as to the rest of Europe it has been known as Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth, with an exception of France where it was called The Republic of Poland-Lithuania (if memory serves) ;)

[@miwoj]

just watched it thanks to you. good stuff.

[@IPostSwords]

Happy to hear I was able to help them get a view. It's a small indie film, so knowing I helped it even a little is nice

[@szablotukpolski5201]

if anyone would like to hear about the great history polish saber . .. . szablotłuk polski

[@miwoj]

@@szablotukpolski5201 zdajesz sobie sprawe że youtube podpisuje twoje posty i nie musisz sie pod wszystkim podpisywać drugi raz ? :P

[@szablotukpolski5201]

@@miwoj :) dziękuje ... za tą cenną informację :))

[@mikkey246]

Love the details

[@piotrviatorus5109]

Polska vs Hollywood czyli jak stworzyliśmy sceny walk w filmie “Zrodzeni do Szabli” kzbin.info/www/bejne/amLLgIyhe7yeZ5I

[@pc4mlc451]

I think the fact that the blade was so easily snapped wasn't a representation of the frailty of the blade, but the strength of the man that broke it.

[@lukelblitz3627]

Then that would imply the movie is set in a fantasy world,because that is superhuman strength

[@pc4mlc451]

@@lukelblitz3627 A slight suspension of reality for the sake of drama isn't necessarily a bad thing, unless you're a die-hard purist. In which case.... what's the fun in that?

[@lm157]

The point is, it's physically impossible to break sabre like this. You can put it between two stones and using leverage break it, but not like this. Sabre blades are super strong.

[@digiacomtech5589]

A minor flaw ... @2:34 they are in a grapel and their sword arms are restrained. This restraint would make it difficult or impossible for the sword to be drawn against/across the opponents chest (as it is being held in place by his opponent). And even if he could have performed this draw it is questionable as to amount of force he could have been brought to bare (pressing the sword's cutting edge into the opponents chest), the sharpness/cutting ability of his blade, and the resulting damage that might have been inflicted. Speculation at best as to this one small part of a very well choreographed sword fight.

[@IPostSwords]

Yeah, one of the fight choreographers chimed in and apparently the elbow of the protagonist is being held be the antagonist in this grapple, which would limit a draw cut. It's hard to see in full speed given the camera angle, so I missed it.

[@invisiblehandofadamsmith]

Went to krakow last month from London. poland is absolutely amazing

[@danbaba4884]

The way this is edited makes my man look like some kinda shapeshifter. Very unsettling.

[@IPostSwords]

I have essentially no idea what I'm doing when it comes to making videos. This was even truer ~3 years ago when I made this video.

[@danbaba4884]

@@IPostSwords Please dont take it like Im shitting on you. Not my intentions loved the vid. Ive just never seen something like that. Made ne think of some reptilian alien that had their cloaking device malfuntion.

[@sacr3]

I'm not so sure about that, maybe the tactics are realistic but if you slash your opponent's face and cause them to go into a State of Shock where they are not paying attention anymore , that's the perfect time to just go in for the kill. But it seems that the guy just simply stands there and waits for the other guy to get his footing back. If it's a life-or-death scenario you are more than likely going to just simply go in for the kill as soon as you have an opportunity so the threat is no longer there

[@IPostSwords]

A valid criticism. I think given that the antagonist had dirt and blood in his eyes, the protagonist should have pushed his advantage further and attacked more aggressively.

[@grupa2119]

Not necessarily, consider that it actually requires conditioning to kill your opponent. Soldiers have to be taught to shoot to kill, and it was even during world war II that soldiers did not always shot enemies just on occassion. In a brawl it makes sense, that after you have beaten your opponent, they yield or flee, you do not continue to attack, because they may push themselves and lash out possibly injuring you in their desperate attempt. People normally are not very willing to kill each other

[@Bakalakalajihad]

I think you underestimate a sword fight to the death. I don't think a seasoned fighter would experience shock, specially when time moves super slow in a situation as such. Also wounding an opponent is dangerous. When you wound any animal it will go into last stand mode. When soldiers lose their fingers or break bones, they go into overdrive. If I slashed my opponent in the face and he looked like he was in shock, I wouldn't chance attacking him, and maybe opening myself up. I would rather patiently "wait" as the situation develops more in my favor. Than again wtf do I know.

[@blanktrigger8863]

@@Bakalakalajihad Ironically, this also matches a famous sentiment from the Art of War. The author said to never completely surround the enemy army because if enemy soldiers have a way out they'll most often choose to run as opposed to fighting. However, if you give them no way out they'll fight like mad to the death and your army will suffer more losses than they would have if you let the enemy route. You also see this with animals when they fight. They seem much more willing to allow their competitors to flee than fighting them to the death. I think it has to do with the lack of medical attention increasing the threat level of any injury received. That could very well have been the case in ancient duels as well.

[@mungo7136]

@@grupa2119 My guess: When you are high on adrenaline, you are fighting for your life, there is big blade flying around ready to literally cut big junk of you away - in that one moment when there is opening for your cut you would go for it either intentionally or by pure survival instinct. Once your opponent is cut down and at your mercy, no threat anymore, and you are down and exhausted than maybe some humanity takes place and it becomes questionable whether you can kill him in cold blood. Btw. - in battles major killings took place when opposing army was fleeing. Thus winning soldier were not just willing to kill, they were slaughtering en masse people that were already no harm to them. Also close quarter battles in trenches and houses were usually described as the most brutal ones where often no mercy was given - turning them into even more brutal ones

[@d4mdcykey]

Much appreciation for bringing this to our attention; while I enjoy a great many foreign films I'm not sure if this one would have ever passed my radar given its small budget and obscurity. I think my favorite cinematic sword fighting would have to be the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy. I lack any expertise or knowledge as to whether the techniques are accurate in any way, but as far as stylish choreography, blinding speed, and sheer volume of sword fights, those films are amazing.

[@grennbalze]

Totally agreed about the Rurouni Kenshin Trilogy. Those fight scenes are wicked fast, entertaining, and look real enough to be accurate, yet keeps the style of an anime

[@bogdanbaudis4099]

The "amazing" started when Mongols brought the sabre into Europe ... this may not be the ideal weapon to fight on foot on the horseback .. but .. it is good enough on both ... The curved swords existed before but after the Mongol invasion Hungarian and then Polish could either adapt or ... well .. they adapted. As for the Japanese sword fighting ... at the same time as the movie period in Japan: the battles were increasingly solved by firepower or infantry (mhm .. similar to many battles in Poland/Ukraine at the time). The comparison of epochs is somewhat tricky here, there are substantial reports that in practice of the battle wakizashi was as important (or more) as katana, but of course a mounted cavalry was much more of importance in the vast steppes of Ukraine; where most of the Russian(Muscovy)/Polish conflict of the movie takes place (conveniently avoiding the Polish/Ukrainian conflict issue BTW :--) )

[@deezee1570]

I'm a bit late to the party, but if you're reading this, check this one out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIOcaGmGnbKVeq8

[@MasterSean-ql9xi]

KZbin recommended this to me 2 years too late, but the only thing I noticed that seemed unrealistic was the wait time in the fight scene. I haven’t watched it myself, but from the clips, it looks like the opponents give each other time, especially after they manage to cut each other, when I feel like that would be the perfect opportunity to strike

[@MarkoTulio]

awesome video

[@danielfronc4304]

An excellent presentation, from a second generation Polish-American. Long live Poland!

[@navigatorofnone]

What a cool movie, the sword fight scen alone was first rate 👍👍?

[@grimloki3107]

A very beautiful stylized fight scene. Most expert swordsman of any discipline know that most fights are: violent, razor quick, and over in an instant. Against any skilled sword fighter, one mistake is defeat and death and over in seconds.

[@TangoNevada]

Unless you slash them in the face and then stand back to admire what you did and let them recover. What's up with that?

[@fredriddles1763]

This sounds less like a matter of historical accuracy than it does a matter of common sense fighting. Cool video! Never heard about this movie until now, but it looks interesting!

[@jeremieherard2166]

3:50 Guy proceeds to pronounce something in polish everyone: Impossible !

[@IPostSwords]

It helps to have been taught the language as a kid

[@jeremieherard2166]

@@IPostSwords Oh nice ! Try out "Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz" kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6C1m4Wijqhrpbs

[@IPostSwords]

@@jeremieherard2166 if I can do "W Szczebrzeszynie chrząszcz brzmi w trzcinie" I am sure I can say "Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz"

[@maikleu5448]

@@IPostSwords try to say szedł sasza suchą szosą

[@timothydavidcurp]

Polish actually is quite phonetic....