On this day August 30, 1985, Flesh and Blood premiered in theaters in many parts of the United States following its initial limited release. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the historical adventure starred Rutger Hauer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Burlinson, Jack Thompson, Susan Tyrrell, and Ronald Lacey. Set in 1501, the story follows a ruthless band of mercenaries who seek revenge after being betrayed by a powerful nobleman. After kidnapping a young noblewoman, they become caught in a brutal struggle for survival during a time of war, plague, and political intrigue.
Flesh and Blood was Paul Verhoeven’s first English language feature film and reunited him with Rutger Hauer after several successful Dutch productions. The movie stood out for its gritty portrayal of medieval Europe, avoiding the romanticized approach often seen in historical adventures and instead presenting a harsh and realistic world.
80s insight: Flesh and Blood has become well remembered by fans of historical adventures for its uncompromising style, impressive production design, and Rutger Hauer’s commanding performance. It also marked the beginning of Paul Verhoeven’s Hollywood career, which would later include RoboCop, Total Recall, and Basic Instinct.
