Movie Fight Review: The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

[@Fragtastik]

"I can move my tip around very nimbly." -Matt Easton, Scholagladiatoria

[@Josh_2976]

+Fragtastic ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@beegum1]

+Fragtastic lol.

[@jackdonith]

+Fragtastic You took it out of CONTEXT! :P

[@chrisforsyth8323]

+Fragtastic Well, he has to lift it up to give it an almighty great blow, you see...

[@sparrowhawk81]

+Fragtastic He should put that on his tinder profile. Unless he's married.

[@RealLuckless]

The difference in whether they killed or tried to avoid killing their former comrades could also boil down to which way gambling debts went... "Nope, can't kill him, he still owes me for that last game... Oh shit, I own him a ton of money... *Stab, stab, stab*"

[@manfallsoffchair]

I always assumed the guy D'Artagnan stabbed was that one dickhead Musketeer no one liked.

[@Fistwagon]

Sometimes when people are cut by swords they lay down flat on the ground, give off a groan, blink three times and then vanish from existence. This was particularly common in the 1980's and 90's.

[@andrewhorton6120]

They should have Rodney Dangerfield shrugging in the background for the finishing touch.

[@chrisofnottingham]

I've been watching too much Lindybeige because the first thing I noticed were the numerous torches.

[@germanvisitor2]

+chrisofnottingham Vikings must have passed by because they recently *burst into flames*.

[@Altrantis]

+chrisofnottingham Didn't they have oil lamps at that period? Specially in goverment buildings >.

[@chrisofnottingham]

+Altrantis 8:00 - those are not oil lamps, they are raging fires!

[@Altrantis]

chrisofnottingham I'm not saying in the movie, I'm saying historically in the 1600s.

[@chrisofnottingham]

Altrantis Oil lamps would be OK, and candles and lanterns (candle behind glass). But most likely you would carry your own with you or light the ones in a room when you entered. They wouldn't be left burning just in case.

[@MichaelJenkins910]

Matt raises a good point re: grappling/pushing/punching/dagger use. Rapier work at the time was full-body combat, and it's nice to see a movie reflect that, albeit perhaps inadvertently.

[@revolcane]

At least they're not wearing leather biker gear :P

[@DwarfElvishDiplomacy]

There is a German slang word for some old firearms "Schießprügel" , which basically means : shooting club

[@Markenjiru]

+Dwarf-Elvish Diplomacy prügel*

[@Amaritudine]

There was a time in the Renaissance when smaller guns were still interesting and new, and smiths were making all kinds of weapons with guns build into them. I think I've seen swords, maces and daggers made like that. They didn't catch on, though.

[@DwarfElvishDiplomacy]

Amaritudine Forgotten weapons has some good videos about those. Scießprügel refers more tothe ability to fire one shot and then use the gun as a club becuse it got worthless as a firearm

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

@Patriotic Realist Well, yes - on the firearms forums because it was easier to talk pop into buying a mosin because they used to be 100 dollars at the local gun show so everyone and their cousin owned one, but not historically no. There wasn't much that separated Mosins with other rifles of that early 20th century to WWI time period.

[@bolsman]

The "King's Musketeers" were used on the battlefield both as front-line infantry and as Dragoons. Wouldn't it be just as likely that they would be using side-swords instead of rapiers? That could explain all the cutting. After all, the two sword-types can look very similar.

[@BenyNukem]

"The Three Musketeers" from the 1973 with a sequel "The Four Musketeers" (1974) is the most accurate adaptation of the book. All the fights seem also be more realistic than in many later productions, made with some humor or dramatic while needed. I always recommend this movie to the every HEMA or musketeers enthusiast. Worth seeing!

[@asiansensation622]

Could you do a review of Alatriste? There are multiple duels that you could do, or even a look at pike and shot warfare with the Battle of Rocroi at the end. There's even some cool scenes of siege warfare

[@EhAmes94]

You've probably been asked to already and many times, but I would love to see you do fight review of Alatriste (2006).

[@AVIMD8]

indeed! would love to see that review!

[@MickeyBlueEyes34]

i was just about to ask the same

[@JanPospisilArt]

Now, this kind of makes me want to see a commentary on the Alatriste fights.

[@vientoligero]

+JanPospisil42 Me too

[@jaspervanheycop9722]

+JanPospisil42 Was about to suggest that one! Also an excellent representation of the 80 years war period battlefield tactics.

[@exploatores]

A Wheellock pistol thrown to the stonefloor, that sounds like a expensive visit to the gunsmith. Wheellocks are fragile and expensive.

[@scholagladiatoria]

+Exploatores I don't think soldiers worry about such things when facing death.

[@exploatores]

Inanc Arslaner Yes, and the fragile parts is good reson to go for a left hand dagger insted of using the pistol as a expensive club.

[@exploatores]

***** Then the script writer has finaly learnd the diffrens between a gun and a bic lighter.

[@EhAmes94]

+Exploatores Well in most circumstances, assuming they survived a particular engagement, these musketeers were the personal guard of the King himself. So they wouldn't really give a toss if they damaged the mechanism inside their pistol, because it be easily replaceable for them. I'm not taking this particular movie or scene into consideration, but I doubt that matters much. It takes so long to reload why care if you damage it in such a situation? As for why use the pistol as a club instead of going for their daggers well.. Heat of the moment decision? Director and others thought it was cooler? Meh

[@breaden4381]

You throw them off set onto a soft surface of course :)

[@starwolf2125]

you can barely hold in that sarcastic smile right before each of the comment during the video pauses :P

[@iacopoiacoponi1983]

About the two handed use of the rapier, there is indeed in a fencing treatise from the late 1600 a mention of 'people using the sword with both hands' - when talking about the wrong way to use a rapier! The author was Giovanni Pietro Gorio from Milan, Italy.

[@VompoVompatti]

Nice to see one of these fight reviews again. Few questions for Matt: Have you seen Alatriste and what did you think of it? Also are you planning on doing one of these movie fight reviews from that movie? It has quite a few decent ones to choose from.

[@ktoth29]

I like how you are aware that the audience for your fight reviews might not be the same as the audience for your regular videos and so you give them a brief introduction to historical swordsmanship.

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

I enjoy this film, and this is a fight that draws an emotional response from me. The last part, not shown in this review, in which the elder musketeers making a final charge, is done in such a way that I have to blink back tears at the display of "magnificent valor." Perhapse I'm growing soft in my old age, but courage and swashbucklery.... That said, I am disappointed that they simply didn't whirl their pistols about and use them like spears. Like Cossacks always used to.

[@elijahtalmud8281]

Hey Matt, do you think Spanish rapier's tendency to hold the sword out further away came from the advent of the cup hilt, or vice versa?

[@kaizen5023]

RE: Extension of the sword arm in a straight line from the shoulder to obtain maximum reach, Destreza Spanish rapier fencing style: The weapon and the complete hand protection offered by the cup hilt rapier make the single, extended horizontal guard possible, which is primarily a defensive position as in the "Destreza" treatise. By contrast, with a simple cross-hilted longsword for example, when extending you must assume guards with extreme angles in order to protect your hands. It is very difficult to score against a good Spanish rapier fencer using "Destreza" style stance because their 90-degree extended guard easily shuts most everything down when combined with proper footwork, and they are looking to counter your assault, so it is easy to get frustrated and make a mistake they can capitalize on. Read what Maestro Martinez has to say about Destreza here: www.classicalfencing.com/articles/Spanish.php see also: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destreza

[@RighteousBeardArts]

Always love your perspective on film and tv fights. Despite its criticisms, Man in the Iron Mask was one of my favourite growing up. Could you comment on 1998's "The Mask of Zorro"?

[@dilen754]

Speaking of rapier fencing in films - do you plan to review film Alatriste (Spain, 2006)?

[@nealsterling8151]

Very enlighting! I love your Movie fight reviews, please do many more!

[@Foksuh]

You should review Captain Alatriste! Mainly because it also features some rapier fighting that seems to get it more right.. plus some other warfare scenes.

[@blaf55]

+Foksuh hi brother o/

[@gungriffen]

Anyone ever realize that Wing Chun's arm movements are exactly the same as Rapier movements just unarmed and vice versa? Both have strong emphasis on clearing the line and straight (thrusting) strikes. Almost all the parry and blocks are identical. It's almost unarmed fencing.

[@GumaroRVillamil]

Hi Matt, have you seen the spanish film Alatriste? It's based on a book series by spanish author Arturo Perez Reverte. I wanted to hear your opinions on the fight scenes in the movie. Cheers

[@RelativelyBest]

I think one of my favorite movies when it comes to pure fencing choreography is actually the 2011 Three Musketeers movie. I mean, yes, it's a pretty silly movie, but just talking about the fights, I think they found a good balance between dramatic choreography and realism for the most part. (By realism I don't necessarily mean real fencing techniques, but rather making it seem like the fighters are actually trying to harm each other. There is a lot of intent and strategy in their moves, and surprisingly little clanging sword together just for effect.)

[@davidurquieta9838]

could you review une of the fights from alatriste? i think it could be a good example of rapier fighting. I particularly like the fight between alatriste and the mercenary against the travelers...

[@sitrilko]

Hi Matt! I just rewatched Revenge of the Sith recently and the confrontation between Yoda and Palpatine got me thinking: How important is height in HEMA (and by expention all martials arts), exactly? Is a 1.5m person at a particullar (dis)advantage compared to a 2m tall fellow?

[@eagames456]

+sitrilko Yes, the 2m tall fellow has longer arms, thus more reach. He would logically have a larger weapon, both because he would be able to wield it for even more range, and also to adequately protect his legs and feet.

[@stefanfilipovits9221]

Any chance we'll get a full review of one of the fights from The Mask Of Zorro? Preferably the Zorro vs. Captain Love & Don Raphael in the mansion? I always wanted to know how practical & accurate it is.

[@remembertostayhydrated]

Captain Alatriste, please)

[@colterjohnson1525]

Matt I liked the review overall but especially liked your edits during the video, good job :)

[@Fellfire]

Have you seen Alatriste? There's some fairly non-hollywood fight scenes in it from the same period.

[@BenHyle]

Once again, I would like a review of the fight scene(s) in The Court Jester (1956) with Basil Rathbone and Danny Kaye. Both, I think, are worthwhile, but the duel between Danny Kaye and Basil Rathbone at the end is much better than the armored duel in the middle of the movie.

[@alanmackinnon3516]

Could you please review the Michael York's The Three Musketeers.

[@michalach5219]

You should review Black Sails.

[@scholagladiatoria]

+Michał Lach I really enjoy Black Sails, but I'm not up to date with the latest season.

[@michalach5219]

+scholagladiatoria I really like that series, how do you find fights?

[@dattebenforcer]

+scholagladiatoria Why not review the fights and tactics up to where you are now? And you need to watch the latest season.

[@Markenjiru]

+scholagladiatoria Season 3 is the best yet in my opinion. I would love a review of that show.

[@HellSpawnGR]

+scholagladiatoria You should really watch Season 6, it's the best one yet! And then review the duel in the 6th episode...

[@atticusoz1651]

I have to admit I like the psychology of the final charge (after this scene) into a hail of gunfire. It was well established that these me were in the psychologically difficult position of being ordered to fight their teachers and heroes - a combination of fear and awe and a deep desire *not* to kill these men.

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

Talking about Gerard Depardieu, how "good" or accurate or according to fighting manuals are his fights in Cyrano de Bergerac? I know it is more of a direct play interpretation but I would like to know your opinion.

[@kyletimmons421]

Captain Alatriste next plz!

[@robinschlyter309]

Seconding this!

[@Lono5885]

It's a rapier movie where they thrust with the rapiers! And use the main gauche! And cloaks! And pistols! Viggo Mortensen! Subtitles!

[@McFasty3924]

+Kyle Timmons Good call, amazing film that, was beginning to think nobody else had seen it. The duellists with Harvey Keitel was interesting too. Both quite slow films but nice appreciation of the danger the rapier possesses.

[@KristoffDoe]

Since you are interested in sabers and talked about Polish sabre (szabla), may I interest you in two movies - "The Deluge" (1974) and "With Fire and Sword" (1999). They both contain sabre duel scenes.

[@MisterKisk]

+Kristoff B There's actually one more in this series. The first one from 1969, "Colonel Wolodyjowski".

[@KristoffDoe]

Kisk79 I know, but I watched it so long time ago I don't remember any details or duels from it.

[@iterenzi]

You should review Alatriste Matt!

[@Markenjiru]

Why drop the pistols when you can throw them at your enemy like sword pommels?

[@ebonyaxe]

Do you honestly think a gun is any match for the unstoppable force known as the pommel? Think before you write.

[@jonas5689]

+Edward Kenway It's not rightly to end someone with a pistol

[@Toadcop98]

End them righty!

[@animefury22]

I just want to say that I love your videos Matt. I use to be a fan of katana and Japanese swordsmanship (I am half Japanese too) but after discovering your channel and Skallagrim's I came to like European swords as well. In fact the rapier overtook the katana as my favorite sword. Their hilts (the kind that the one you show) are so sexy :).

[@althaz]

I watched this movie as a kid and immediately wanted to learn how to use a rapier. I really enjoyed it. Pretty sure I've got it on DVD, going to go hunt in my garage for it so I can watch it again!

[@Xanatos712]

Also interesting to note that the guy at the end says "No one has the stamina to fight the captain!" Not sure if he was using that in the literal sense of not getting tired out so easily or if it's an old usage to mean 'fighting spirit' or something, but curious of the directors to make note of the importance of stamina in a fight.

[@SOTT_DJ]

id love to see you do a review on the duelists or Alatriste :)

[@quidestveritas659]

+Daniel Jimenez He's done a review of the '2nd duel' in the Duellists.

[@SOTT_DJ]

+Quid Est Veritas ok Alatriste and Rob Roy final duel :)

[@quidestveritas659]

Daniel Jimenez He's done the Rob Roy one too ;)

[@rediius]

"I can move my tip around very nimbly" Your wife is a lucky woman, Matt.

[@jannepalmroos3501]

excellent video Matt as always. I know people have mentioned this before but any chance you would be interested reviewing the movie "Three Musketeers" (1973)? The one with Charton Heston, Christopher Lee, etc. It has always been my favorite musketeer movie (with its sequel). I know it's bit of a comedy however I really like the "realistic" portrayal of life and living in those times.

[@farrex0]

Wait a minute, you said that there were pistols with pommels? The ultimate ranged weapon.

[@SchlangeVonEden]

Please do review "The Duellists" (1977). I'd love to see the score you'd give the fights in that one. They do seem much more realistic; short and vicious for the most part.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

"I can move my tip around very nimble" - Matt "Nimble-Tip" Easton.

[@botulum]

can you make review of a sabre duel between Andrzej Kmicic and Michał Wołodyjowski from Polish movie Potop (the Deluge)? I am not sure if there is clip on youtube with English subtitles but text is not very important if you are not familiar with the whole film or book.

[@witeshade]

Great video! Next time I suggest adjusting the white balance on the TV so the camera doesn't have to turn you orange to make it look right. I suspect the TV is set too blue right now. Otherwise, killer vid as always!

[@TheMan-je5xq]

Something I just noticed is there’s a moment in this fight when Philippe is blocking with a wheel lock pistol

[@blogbalkanstories4805]

One thing that is historically accurate about the movie: D'Artagnan actually was Commander of the musketeers. No idea whether he bore the rank of captain. But yes, D'Artagnan was a historical person, commanded an elite unit and had Louis XIV's trust, something which Alexandra Dumas jr's novel and the movie try to explain.

[@demomanchaos]

One thing I've pondered is why it took so long for the flintlock mechanism to be invented.

[@XCritonX]

I would love to see movie reviews with you and Lindybeige together. I think you guys could have some really great back and fourths.

[@JohnRineAlaska]

Could you make a video discussing hunting swords? I see them around from time to time and the information on them on the internet is very slim.

[@henrymach]

Matt, have you already reviewed the 70s musketeers movies? Those with Michael York and Oliver Reed?

[@fabiovarra3698]

hi, did you ever see "Alatriste" i think the fight with rapier and dagger were quite good, i would love to ear your opinio abouth it thanks for the fun

[@OmegaPaladin144]

One of the things I liked in this movie was that they gave each protagonist a distinct fighting style or flavor.

[@GrimBrotherIV]

Loved it! These are my favorite videos of yours, keep it up!

[@JNC5297]

Matt I was wondering what are your thoughts in Spanish rapier fencing ( "Verdadera Destreza" treaty).

[@lolply54]

Regarding their ability to kill, is a trust from something like an arming sword more effective than one from a rapier (the wider balde should do more "damage") Is this any degree of correct?

[@fredo1070]

Do Oliver Reed in the Three Musketeers.

[@scholagladiatoria]

+fredo1070 Do him?

[@CorvinTheSwasian]

+scholagladiatoria you can move your tip around very nimbly, so yeah. do him

[@verysurvival]

+scholagladiatoria do him with a pommel

[@ladymelisandre975]

+fredo1070 ?! 48 pints, 7 of which are gin and still get the job done. Nobody can do Oliver Reed, nobody.

[@extrasmack]

+scholagladiatoria Matt, I've requested it before in another of your videos so I'll second it here. Please do review the Musketeer films from the 70's. It would be awesome to have your take on them. Thanks

[@schizoidboy]

I'm reminded of the one scene in The Last of the Mohicans where Major Duncan during the ambush scene in the forest fires his pistol then turns it around and uses it like a club during the fight. This sort of action was stated here in this video.

[@juliahenriques210]

Maybe one day you'll review Scaramouche? A girl can dream, right? The short fights there are the most interesting, from what I remember..

[@thatchannel195]

Hi

[@beachmaster3486]

What was the point of the musketeer's tabards aside from potentially using it to wrap around the arm? seems like it could either get in the way or be easily grabbed and pulled.

[@Mr032506]

What are the "exact" rapier that the primary 4 Musketeers use in the film

[@bgbg418]

I recently saw you sparring. it's unbelievable. can you talk about the movements used with different swords more. and the likely training of the people who used them. I had no idea people could get that good in real life haha.

[@EarlyCrowd]

Can you take the pommel from the pistol and throw it at people?

[@breaden4381]

Throw the pistol like a knife and hit them with the pommel

[@JakubWojtowitz]

Matt You should review Alatriste with Viggo Mortensen.

[@Dhomazhir]

The film "Eastern Promises". Have you seen the Bath House fight?

[@lewis45acp]

How about the scene in Athos' house where a percussion lock firearm is hanging on the wall behind him?

[@DireKobold13]

Have you considered some of the fights in The Princess Bride?

[@Paranomasia12]

Review the Matrix Reloaded chateau fight? =P Plenty of thrusting with spears in that, so there may be more to the fight than what appears to a dilettante.

[@lavenderdusk4537]

I'd love to hear your thought on the Duellists (1977)

[@JohnMarkWorthem]

Have you done any videos on the fighting in Kingdom Come: Deliverance? It seems to have some really intense stuff, motion capture, and it is all set in their attempt at the most faithful recreation of a part of Bohemia in the middle ages.

[@DoctyrEvil]

Have you taken a look at the flights in the Mark of Zorro. Tyrone Power vs. Basil Rathbone? A review by you would be really interesting.

[@Agorante]

Excellent video. I'm wondering how important age is in rapier dueling? D'artagian in "The Three Musketeers" is probably only eighteen. But here he is over fifty. Would that matter? In some sports you are washed up when you get older. Is that true too in sword fighting?

[@JaceCz]

Great video as always:) Have you ever seen the film "Alatriste" ? In my humble opinion you can find there some of the best rapier fighting scenes. Maybe you could review one of them? Cheers!

[@joshanderson586]

This is a fun movie overall. I did like how you said "context" without actually saying it in reference to the story.

[@ssmedja]

Hey! On this topic, can you review the musketeers series?

[@Gunfreak19]

Can you do one of these for the fights in the 3/4 musketeers from the 70s.

[@Wingzero90939]

Was there a historical distinction between a rapier and a side-sword?

[@mrscary3105]

So far I have only seen people come close to real combat in the movie "The Duellists" But close being only relative. Good video. I am a subscriber.

[@lukutiss1324]

Wouldn't Musketeers of this time have steel breastplates? If so, a rapier directly into the stomach shouldn't be a killing blow or even a wounding blow.

[@pilgrim33]

Can you say who made the blade of the rapier you are showing please?

[@paulpeterson4216]

I love Hollywood choreographed sword fighting. It's not accurate, but it is showy, and you're watching a show, and it's fun. I loved Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone.

[@joek600]

I would like to see your opinion on Alatriste and The Duellists

[@Marveryn]

have you done any films from the 40's and 30 .. like robin hood with flyn? cause i recall they have more of a thrusting sword fight

[@jang3975]

would you say that the rapier is the best sword ever designed, in the context of a 1vs1 unarmored fight? (possibly paired with a dagger)

[@pe003]

Can you do a review of some of the fights of the 1973 Three Musketeers?

[@fisadev]

I wouldn't call "inconsistent" to do less dangerous cuts to some, and completely lethal thrusts or cuts to others. They could simply had serious issues with some of their former companions, and this was a good chance for getting rid of them, while trying to avoid serious injuries to the rest.

[@Distracted]

Have you ever mistakenly damaged objects, walls, ceilings, etc., with any of your weapons? If so, would you give detail about it?

[@michaelmoore9930]

Can you review the fencing match in James Bond?

[@ArnimSommer]

Can you remember (off the top of your head) a film with Rapier fighting done right?

[@macmurfy2jka]

Tell me more about the Bowie knife please.

[@morallyambiguousnet]

Like most Hollywood fight scenes it looked more like a bunch of tavern brawlers, rather than trained elite soldiers. I'd argue that starting off with a pistol volley means that they weren't really all that worried about their fellow Musketeers. I did a photoshoot with a friend, using costume grade chainmail of my making and weapons from my meager collection, and couldn't manage to get the hundred pound models to hold the rapiers in any way other than how they held the bastard sword.

[@discopete117]

Have you had a chance to watch Alatriste? If so do you think you'll do a video on it or at least offer your opinion on it?