is this a good movie?

It might be a bit too much for you - and several people. I'll give you my opinion of it and why - take it with a grain of salt. You know what you like.

I saw this film as part of a Paul Verhooven Director's Showcase on the Z Channel in Los Angeles in the 80's. I was just on my own, just out of college, a tad out of my teens and an open view of the world. I didn't know who the heck Paul Verhooven was but the deal was that he was going to make an "American film".

'Spetters' was sandwiched at the end of the Showcase with "Turkish Delight" and "Soldier of Orange". The Z Channel had a lovely magazine that was a companiion piece where you could read info about the films they were showing and they made a note that stuck with me about "Spetters" and that his how Verhooven used Rutger Hauer alot and here he makes a "cameo" appearence - and how several characters in 'Spetters' make referenes to Verhooven's films.

In knowing that, I watched this film of three teenaged boys who wanted better in their lives and wanted out of a "small town". Enters a super sexual pretty girl who wants better for herself. What you will see is everything a teen is faced with and goes through and some sexual things are graphic. For each teen male there is sexual awakenings - heterosexual and homosexual - consensual and forced/violent. That's the part that may be overwhelming for some/many. This film has a tragic ending and a hopeful one.
You are discarded. You are the refuse of the past.

I think Spetters is the best Dutch movie ever. The movie is very entertaining, because every character is believable. It offers many characters and developments. Every one of the storys of the four main characters is interesting to watch. The supporting actors are also very good.

Spetters shows many aspects of what living in the Netherlands in those years was like.

It also contains interesting religious references which can be traced back to Verhoeven's past experiences and ideas on the matter (a peculiar example: the number 153 on the bus in the final scene, see John 21: 11).

The graphic scenes are perhaps shocking to a thirteen year old or someone who labels violent or (homo)sexual behaviour as "wrong" or "evil" but all have their place in the movie.

It's is a heavy movie and does contian some graphic sexual imagery, but it is a vital, vibrant piece of art.
I wouldn't count it out if I were you. If you are a Verhoeven fan, do not miss it.