Flesh & Blood

Flesh & Blood, directed by the legendary Paul Verhoeven, is an explicit and raw historical drama set in 1501 Western Europe, a timeframe known as the Renaissance period. Released in 1985, the film features a stellar ensemble cast, including the likes of Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, acclaimed actress Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Australian actor Tom Burlinson. Known for its gritty realism and audacious portrayal of middle-age brutality and lasciviousness, Flesh & Blood effectively combines elements of drama, adventure, and romance. The film presents an unvarnished view of the European middle ages, absent the romanticism that often glosses over the time period in historical fiction.

The movie opens to the struggles of the mercenaries under the direct influence of war during the Renaissance period. Rutger Hauer joyously portrays Martin, a charismatic but ruthless leader of a group of ragtag mercenaries who are entirely focused on survival and gain. Martin, with his group of mercenaries, are initially hired by Arnolfini, played by Fernando Hilbeck, a cunning nobleman, to assist in reclaiming his city from the ruling party. However, the evolving storyline sees a shift in loyalty, betrayal, and consequent rifts amongst the nobility and the mercenaries.

While Hauer delivers an outstanding performance as the cruel yet charming leader, Jennifer Jason Leigh, who is introduced as Agnes, the beautiful and spunky damsel, matches him emotion for emotion. Agnes, engaged to the nobleman's son Steven (Tom Burlinson), becomes an essential pivot around which the plotline swirls. She is a far cry from the stereotypical feeble women usually portrayed in medieval settings. Jennifer impeccably embodies a mingling of innocence and shrewdness, making her character intriguingly multidimensional.

On the other hand, Tom Burlinson, as Steven, the idealistic young nobleman, presents a stark contrast to the world-weary cynicism of Martin. Inspired by the romantic notions of courtly love, he goes from a naive and sheltered nobleman to someone who is ready to challenge the prevailing order to win his love. This subplot of evolving rivalry between Martin and Steven over Agnes adds a further layer to the film, transforming it into a pulsating romantic drama amidst the raw brutality of the middle ages.

Despite the brutal and graphic nature of the storyline, Flesh & Blood is not without moments of humanity and camaraderie. The interactions amongst the group of mercenaries at various points in the film beautifully capture the essence of human relationships that survive and flourish even in the direst of situations.

The movie's triumph resides in how it realistically represents life in a turbulent era while flirting with universal themes of love, betrayal, and human survival. Not only does it present historically accurate portrayals of architecture, clothing, and warfare, it also stays true to the zeitgeist of the turbulent middle age in European history.

Throughout the film, Paul Verhoeven's meticulous and authentic portrayal of the insidious world of Flesh & Blood invites both awe and revulsion, making it a defining work in his oeuvre. While some might perceive the movie's explicit violence and sexual themes as excesses, Verhoeven uses them to effectively dismantle the romanticized gloss often associated with period dramas, replacing it with an unfiltered and stark rendition of harsh realities.

Flesh & Blood is a potent brew that stirs a visceral hook into its viewers. Sometimes uncomfortable, often intense, it is hard to look away from this masterpiece which combines meticulous historical detail and complex character dynamics. This unique feature, coupled with unforgettable performances by Rutger Hauer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tom Burlinson, make Flesh & Blood a compelling cinematic experience. If you have a penchant for history, raw human emotions, and dramas that bypass sugar-coating reality, Flesh & Blood is an exceptional cinematic choice.