Customer Reviews

Flesh and Blood [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I only watched this film because I am a fan of Paul Verhoeven's films. More than 10 years in the making, and yet it seems that this is his least known film. The reason is, I am thinking, that this film gives us a more accurate picture of what life may have been like 500 years ago than most. Most medieval films seem to romanticize, americanize, or glorify their heroes and villains, turning them more than anything else into glorified if publicly accessible fantasies. In Flesh + Blood, there are no true "good guys." Everyone is betrayed, everyone commits despicable and gruesome acts -- betrayals, killings, you name it. This film also presents an interesting dichotomy, between the old ways, the gruesome "dark ages," and the beginnings of the more scientific Rennaissance. Unfortunately, as I have pointed out, this film does not cater to the masses. My roommate, who happens not to be a history buff, seemed often confused and disgusted by elements of this film. The other problem is that in the third act, the movie exaggerates the incubation period of the plague and takes a few other liberties with science. But still - a family film this is not, but if you want a look at the late medieval period in western europe, if you want a well-acted and thought-provoking period piece, this is the movie for you. Admittedly, I cannot truthfully say that I "liked" this film, but I was entranced by it. Oh, yes, and it features a wonderful Basil Poledouris score. Recommended.

Non-stop action, real life situations for the time period. The whole cast did a wonderful rendition of life on the day by day existance of Middle Ages. Costumes are accurate. I want a new copy, so let's get off the out of print list, guys! PLEASE!

I saw this film on cable from the advice of a film comment book, and I was shocked at how I was taken in by the characters and story despite its questionable tone on violence and sex. Jennifer Jason Leigh bares it all- both body and soul. And Rutger Hauer carries a dangerous sexiness that he demonstrated so well in "Blade Runner". I loved this movie with its wonderfully brutal action scenes and sword fighting. A beautifully shot film -it is one of the best Medieval films I've ever seen.

Flesh and Blood has plenty of two things, flesh, and blood. Eyefulls of skin, in fact, most of it being every inch of a young Jennifer Jason Liegh. There are buckets of blood and gore as well, running the gamut from sword piercings, to burning, to oozing sores. Titilation aside, its a decent movie. While the acting isnt outstanding, the story and action still hold up, and the movie does a what it should, entertain.

Its a shame this movie has been forgotten. Out of the glut of Middle Age's themed movies that came out in the 80's, right after Conan the Barbarian was a hit, this is probably one of the best, up there with Ladyhawke (also starring Rutger Hauer). The movie was diercted by Paul Verhoven, best known for Robocop, Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and Starship Troopers.

I've seen this movie twice and no longer know anyone who has it. I have looked for it for years and finally bought a copy in the Marketplace. I know I will have to make a copy as I will wear this out so fast. This movie depicts the period so well, and is the only movie I know of which features the Landsknecht, the German mercenaries of the time. I must recommend this movie a hundred times a year, now I'll be able to show it to people. A phenominal piece of work, except for maybe the last 10 minutes. But hey, if you can ignore the ending, it's a great film.

i've been looking for it everywhere and i hope i can find it somewhere. JJ leigh is a shock!

This is a MUST SEE for fans of Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rutger Hauer, and director Paul Verhoven. It's shocking to find it's out of print. Fans of Jennifer Jason Leigh will LOVE her portrayal of an intelligent and sensual heroine who turns the tables on her abductors. Rutger Hauer's gritty "fallen knight" portrayal is the dark flipside of "Ladyhawke's" romantic captain. Paul Verhoven's directing is honest and straightforward and courageous, with faith in the intelligence of his audience.

Readers of another under-rated author, Glen Cook, will see much that is similar to his "Black Company" books in this story of the adventures of a mercenary company.

GREAT MOVIE! GREAT DIRECTOR-PAUL VERHOEVEN and GREAT ACTOR-RUTGER HAUER! I want this movie on DVD with DD or DTS.

From Russia with love, Serge V.