Flesh + Blood is a 1985 medieval adventure drama movie directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Rutger Hauer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Burlinson, and Jack Thompson. The movie is set in the year 1501 in Italy, which is ravaged by war and plague.
The story revolves around a group of mercenaries, led by the ruthless Martin (Rutger Hauer), who are hired by a noble lord Arnolfini (Fernando Hilbeck) to help him take back his city from his enemy, the Bishop of Aquila. The mercenaries, who are promised a handsome reward, successfully retake the city, but Arnolfini refuses to pay them, citing lack of funds.
Enraged by this betrayal, the mercenaries, under Martin's leadership, decide to take revenge on the nobleman by kidnapping his son's betrothed, Agnes (Jennifer Jason Leigh). They take her to an abandoned castle and rape her. Agnes, however, is not a helpless victim and soon begins to manipulate the men to her advantage.
As the movie progresses, the relationship between Martin and Agnes intensifies, leading to a brutal and violent finale where the castle is besieged by both Arnolfini's army and the Bishop's forces. The final battle scenes are a gruesome and bloody affair, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Flesh + Blood is considered a controversial movie due to its graphic violence, sexual content, and bleak portrayal of human nature. However, it is also praised for its realistic depiction of medieval warfare and its complex portrayal of the characters, who are neither completely good nor evil. The movie is a dark and brutal tale of revenge, violence, and betrayal that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.