Shadow of the Sword

"The movie is also titled "The Headsman." This is a powerful period drama. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau stars as a man who becomes the town executioner. His unlikely friend, the town prior to the local church, is played by Peter McDonald. Their friendship is strained to the ragged and frayed edges under the backdrop of religious fanaticism and persecution. The story can be raw and British at times, as the story unfolds showing the worst of human nature. Anastasia Griffith plays the role of Martin's love and wife. The viewer has to be emotionally ready to see a movie like this one. The acting from the ensemble cast is excellent, and the storyline picks up to a furious pace by the final few scenes. "