During the early 1500s in plague-swept Western Europe, a rough group of mercenaries without any rules, fronted by the compelling Martin (Rutger Hauer), abduct a young noblewoman (Jennifer Jason Leigh) as payback against a deceitful Lord (Fernando Hilbeck). These unsophisticated people take refuge inside a small castle while the Lord’s son, Steven (Tom Burlinson), attempts to rescue his fiancée (Leigh) with his soldiers. Though "Flesh+Blood" (1985) is set shortly after the medieval era, it feels like a film from that time period. It borrows the general look and feel of “The Last Valley” (1971) and combines it with the music and atmosphere of “Conan the Barbarian” (1982), thanks to brilliant Basil Poledouris who scored both films (though this score isn’t quite as impressive). The movie's harsh realism and coarse language had an impact on "Rob Roy" (1994), and the plot involving being trapped in a castle was reused in “Iron Clad” (2011). If you enjoy any of those movies, you will most likely like "Flesh+Blood,” even with some parts that feel exaggerated, such as Susan Tyrrell’s performance which is close to being completely crazy. There are two opposing groups: the nobles and their knights versus the armed “commoners,” but neither side is presented as purely good or evil. Martin has a strong personality and is a captivating leader, yet he's also essentially a lowlife; he's really the best of a bad bunch. Steven seems to be the most honorable person, but when things don’t go his way, he haughtily intimidates retired-knight Hawkwood (Jack Thompson). Ultimately, this is an unusual film for adults about utilizing your inherent abilities—including your intelligence and physicality—to endure in a brutal, disease-filled world. There are many scenes that stick with you. The movie has a running time of 2 hours and 6 minutes and was filmed entirely in Spain. Castilla-La Mancha was also used as a filming location for El Cid (1961). GRADE: B

Source on TMDB