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Moral ambiguities and barbaric reality in post-Medieval Europe

posted 5 years ago by Wuchak (8079)
3 replies | jump to latest

There are two conflicting factions: The nobles & their knights and the armed “commoners,” but neither are portrayed as the “good guys” and “bad guys.” Martin (Rutger Hauer), for instance, is a bold and charismatic alpha male, but he’s also kind of scum; sorta the best of the worst. Steven (Tom Burlinson) easily stands out as the most gallant individual, but when he doesn’t get his way he pompously threatens retired-knight Hawkwood (Jack Thompson).

At the end of the day this is a unique, adult-oriented film about using your natural gifts, including your wit & body, to survive in a barbaric disease-ridden reality. Memorable moments abound.

[–] HarlemEagle42 (16140) 5 years ago

Hugely underrated medieval flick.

[–] Wuchak (8079) 5 years ago

While the events in "Flesh+Blood" 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 Basil Poledouris scoring both (although this score is nowhere near as notable).

The film's brutal grit and vulgarities influenced "Rob Roy" (1994) and the hole-up-in-a-castle plot was recycled in "Iron Clad" (2011). Anyone who favors any of these movies will probably appreciate "Flesh+Blood" despite some overdone elements, like Susan Tyrrell's verging-on-lunatic performance.

[–] JohnMatrix (707) 5 years ago

Watching it on tv right here now (Charge! Channel) heavily cut, but not minding since I’ve seen it over 20 times and own the DVD. This film is a gem all I can say. They don’t make them like that anymore. There’s so much to like about this film I could go on and on. I actually think the score of the film is beautiful. It’s got pretty memorable theme and the part when Agnes riding on horse trying to catch up to Steven is marvelous.

Ah, yes, Tyrrell’s performance was impressive. I started noticing her in other movies after this one. And so many other supporting characters. Everyone did such a fantastic job there that all characters feel authentic and very memorable. Very rarely I find movies where i’d be caring for so many characters like this one. That’s why I keep coming back to this movie because it’s so well made.