Flesh + Blood (1985)

Some things just naturally enhance one another, like milk + cookies, sex + violence, and director Paul Verhoeven + a subject matter and theme that call for graphic depictions of human selfishness coupled with explicit and extensive scenes of unbridled nudity. Long before Verhoeven gave the gape-jawed world the sexual and gender-war pyrotechnics of Basic Instinct (1992) and Showgirls (1995), he had already mastered the mixture of mayhem and titillation, as displayed to satisfying effect in the drama Flesh + Blood (1985). Set in plague-ridden medieval times in Northern Italy and following the exploits of Hawkwood (Jack Thompson), a fierce leader of bloody mercenaries who has been betrayed by his king Arnolfini (Fernando Hilbeck), Flesh + Blood brings to vivid life an era of carnal brutality where violent sex and murder are casual acts for those who attempt to make a power grab.

If you are looking for nudity, this bloody drama will give you your fill. Bruno Kirby leads the way by baring his cock and balls while hanging out by a fire pit. Rutger Hauer, John Dennis Johnston, and Simón Andreu all give satisfying looks at their backsides in various scenes of hatred and lust. Thanks for the flesh, guys! You’ve got Mr. Man’s blood pumping!