Star Trek and Fencing (With YouTube Providing Visual Aids)

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 While I loved the movie, a few things about Star Trek bothered more. One thing in particular: Sulu's fencing.

Yes, I know the writers just did that because no one takes fencing seriously as a sport, but really? Come on guys, don't call it fencing if it's not. I'll relent a little and admit that the style Sulu used was close to saber, but not that

Comments

Long comment is far longer than planned.

[ricondescence]

Seeing somebody write this made me feel SO much better. I agree, it bugged the hell out of me when Sulu said Fencing. I kind of did a double take and damn near shouted "SULU YOU'RE ASIAN!" at the screen, but then I thought about it and said no, he does Fence doesn't he. Ok, so how are they going to get it wrong? It's not that difficult to write an Epee scene. Then he pulls out a Katana, and I just about hit someone

Re: Long comment is far longer than planned.

[ricondescence]

woah... i just realized i left you a REALLY long comment there... sorry! lol

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No problem at all ^^

Yeah, I see your point. It’s just…arg. I’d love to see a realistic depiction of fencing in the movies, but I’ve mostly given up on that.

[gun_smoke_blue]

Ahahaha! That's so funny! I thought that Sulu "fencing" was cool, like, "Oh look they didn't Asianize the Asian!" But then I read your entry and was like, "Damn it."

I haven't watched the Star Trek movie yet, but I plan on doing so just because Uhura looks really really cool and Sulu is the hottest person in the Starfleet uniform EVER. :D

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Also, I found this really hot picture of Kimbley. Kimblee? Kimberly?

Yeah. Whatever people call that dude..

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It always bothers me when people don't fence realistically in movies. Pirates of the Caribbean much?

I'd recommend seeing the movie, it's a really cool story.

Ooh, shiny! Thanks for the link!

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ahaha, oh yeah. let's not even get started on the kung-fu movies where the people can suddenly fly like little pink fairies. the Bourne Identity series, though, is pretty realistic that way.

[drelfina]

I was vaguely bothered by it, but also, I read somewhere that someone does kendo. and when they're asked what IS Kendo, the closest they can explain it is 'Japanese fencing'.

Which... assuming that fencing is a catch all term for EVERY SWORD FIGHTING under the sun... then yes, Sulu does fencing.

(if that is the case, though, I damn well expect him to do all sorts of sword play.)

(on the other hand why so western centric and calling it fencing? Why not call it 'sword play' or something?)

I dunno. I just... tried not to think too hard.

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I'd disagree with that. "Sword fighting" is the catch-all term. In my experience, fencing just refers to epee, foil, and saber.

Honestly, I'm assuming the writers did it because next to no one takes fencing seriously as a sport. It wouldn't have been as funny if Sulu said, "I can kick Romulan ass with my shiny katana."

....well, maybe it could've. But still.

[drelfina]

They could have called it sword play. That'd TOTALLY bring to mind fancy qigong and possibly russian knife-dancing.

... which is hilarious. Though the fencing is meantt to be a callout to the previous series.

Also, my comment lacks a critical word. I meant to say "Which... assuming that fencing is a catch all term for EVERY SWORD FIGHTING under the sun IN THE FUTURE... then yes, Sulu does fencing."

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That right there? That would've been epic.

Yeah, but if it's a tribute, they should do it RIGHT.

Sorry, I'm a bit of a nazi about this ><

You know, that makes a whole lot more sense. I'd agree with that.