4/5 The Sword has experienced a Renaissance
  by Will Kalif
There was a time when the sword was an important military object. In today's world the sword has no military use whatsoever. Yet it has a enjoyed a revival of symbolic and meaningful power and strength. Nobody can deny the allure the sword has on the modern world. This documentary style work takes a look at that very concept.

It is a documentary of sorts that describes the history of the sword and also delves deeply into the lasting impression that the sword has on us even to this day when swords are pretty much not of any military use. It is undeniable that the sword holds a place of symbolic power, strength and reverance in today's world. And this film explores this theme.

There are lots of great tie ins to modern film, and how the sword is still very much used in film, from star wars to period movies like Kingdom of Heaven. There is also lots of footage from these movies and an explanation of how the sword is portrayed and used in these movies. There are also a lot of great interviews with archaeologists, film makers, sword makers and even actors including Viggo Mortensen from Lord of the Rings.

Another interesting aspect that is covered in the documentary is the difference between European swords/martial arts and the Eastern swords and martial arts.

Here are a few tasty snippets from the film:

1. Want to know what brought the sword into its modern day prominence? It has got to be Oakshotts classification of Swords. you can see it here: Oakshotts classification of Swords

2. Here are some great modern movies that stay true to having the sword fighting be authentic to the period the movie was made for:
Rob Roy
Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]
Alatriste [NTSC/REGION 1 & 4 DVD. Import-Latin America]
Gladiator (Widescreen Edition)
Troy (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)

And, there is lots of stuff about the modern practice and art of sword fighting through sub cultures like the Society of Creative Anachronism, and the HACA (The Historical Armed Combat Association). All in all, if you are a fan of swords then this is a must watch. You are going to be pleased and amazed.

4/5 Excellent introduction to WMA
  by Douglas Sunlin
For those who have never heard of the new studies in medieval martial arts, called by some WMA or Western Martial Arts, this video is a excellent and vivid intrduction.

If you can, get the two-disk set, since in the second disk you may find samples of instruction in some of the resurrected western martial arts.

In bringing back the study of this part of our heritage and giving it the respect that it deserves, we also enrich our own culture today.

3/5 Reclaiming the Blade - good but not great
  by Rufus (Australia)
Kinda cool, kinda interesting, kinda disappointing, but with some very cool moments, Reclaiming the Blade is a mixed bag. I don't regret buying it but it's not a favourite. being a historical re-enactor for fun, just getting into historical manual combat, the highlights were some very cool snippets of show combat, and manual combat, by various groups. If you sift through the fluff there are some good moments, and it's not rubbish by any means, but it's the frustrating sort of project where someone has a great idea, but doesn't do the sort of in-depth job you wished they could have done.

5/5 great film and exposure for martial arts of europe!
  by George F.
loved the music... it seems like a work of art to me. it covers alot of ground in a short period of time. great film!

4/5 Very Good But . . .
  by S. Sharp (Intermountain West, Utah)
This was a very good documentary. I have no real complaints except they could have gone even deeper into the subject matter. Worth purchasing - just be sure to purchase Spec Ed.