The Headsman

The Headsman (aka Shadow of the Sword, Au. Henker) is a 2005 film directed by Simon Aeby. Set in early 16th century Tyrol, it is set before the background of the turmoils of the Lutheran Reformation. It was filmed in Austria and Hungary.

Plot
The Headsman tells a story of loyalty tested by two friends during Europe's 16th-century Inquisition. Orphans Martin (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Georg (Peter McDonald) bond as children, but walk very different paths as adults. Georg follows his calling to join the church, while Martin becomes an army captain. When fate places Martin in the role of executioner, he must choose between friendship and fundamentalist doctrine.

Cast

 * Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Martin
 * Peter McDonald as Georg
 * Anastasia Griffith as Anna
 * Steven Berkoff as Inquisitor
 * Eddie Marsan as Fabio
 * Julie Cox as Margaretha
 * John Shrapnel as Archbishop
 * Lee Ingleby as Bernhard
 * Patrick Godfrey as Bertram
 * Joe Mason as Jakob

Awards
Montréal World Film Festival - 2005
 * Nominated for the Grand Prix des Amériques award.