In the movies, you usualy see the rapier being used when fencing swords are seen. There are other kinds of swords used in fencing, such as the foil and the epee (I hope I spelled that right) but the rapier is the one that is most versatile for movie sort of sword fighting because it isnot just a slashing weapin and nit just a stabbing weapon either, but can be used during sword play to do both. You can use it in a manner designed to cut, stab or slash. You can also parry and block with it. This allows for some rather spectacular sword fighting scenes.