Flesh + Blood

Moral ambiguities and barbaric reality in post-Medieval Europe

At the beginning of the 16th century in plague-ridden Western Europe an uncouth band of lawless mercenaries led by the charismatic Martin (Rutger Hauer) kidnap a virgin noblewoman (Jennifer Jason Leigh) as revenge against a double-dealing Lord (Fernando Hilbeck). The tough commoners hole up in a small castle while the Lords son, Steven (Tom Burlinson), tries to save his betrothed (Leigh) with his militia.

While the events in "Flesh+Blood" (1985) take place just after the medieval period, it could be categorized as a medieval flick. It takes the general setting & color of The Last Valley (1971) and mixes-in the music & tone of Conan the Barbarian (1982) with genius Ba...

The supporting characters make this a classic. Most classic films are that way. This tale of Middle Ages blood and gore and survival is quite epic. Paul Verhoeven directs, so we can expect the "in your face" style that he's best at doing. There isn't the comic relief that you get in a lot of his movies. This is hard nosed action and blood. I guess that's why it's "Flesh+Blood". The romantic triangle are aging warrior Martin (Rutger Hauer), the plain blueblood virgin Agnes (Jennifer Leigh, who usually isn't this plain), and the nobleman's son, Steven (Tom Burlinson). We get hints that Steven is heroic at first, compared to his wicked father who cheats his soldiers and does what he can for money. Steven is a scholar who we are suppose...

The Lord "Arnolfini" (Fernando Hilbeck) makes quite a misjudgement when he promises a fortune to mercenary leader "Martin" (Rutger Hauer) if he agrees to help him retake his castle, only to renege on the deal. "Martin" and his merry band duly attack a caravan that is carrying his son "Steven" (Tom Burlinson) and fiancée "Agnes" (Jennifer Jason Leigh). She is brutally raped by the men, with the complicity of their leader who quickly claims her as his own. Their travels take them to a castle which they decide to capture, but what they don't realise is that the army of their former employer is giving chase. If he succeeds in catching up with them, then we might be in for quite a lively siege. This is quite a fun drama with plenty of earthy, ev...