Turks fruit
Tags: murder, flashback

Plot synopsis:
Eric, a sculptor, wakes up recalling a disturbing dream followed by frantically picking up random women from the streets and taking them back to his studio for sex. However, he is clearly distressed about something, and it turns out that this is the aftermath of his breakup with Olga. The movie recounts his relationship with Olga.
Olga picks up Eric when he is hitchhiking, and immediately they hit it off together, both sexually and spiritually. They live together and marry. However, their relationship is strongly resisted by Olga's mother. She does not approve of this Bohemian sculptor, who lives poorly off his occasional commissions, as a suitable match for Olga. Nevertheless, Eric and Olga get married, and Olga's family accepts him.
After a number of adventures, Olga suddenly starts acting strangely. At a party organised by her family, she flirts with a businessman, and after some arguments with Eric, he slaps her and she leaves him. Eric trashes his studio, violently crushing anything that reminded him of Olga. This brings the movie to the point where it opened, ending the flashback.
Eric is still obsessed about Olga, but sees her only occasionally. She acts more and more outrageously, often in the presence of other men. Her family refuses to let Eric visit her, until he says he has come to arrange a divorce. After a short while Olga gets married to an American businessman, which soon goes wrong, and she returns to the Netherlands.
One day Eric meets Olga, who is flamboyantly dressed and acting almost completely incoherent. She collapses and is taken to the hospital, where she is diagnosed as having a brain tumor, but surgical intervention could not remove all of it. It becomes clear that she will die. Eric brings her Turkish delight, which is the only thing she will eat, as she is afraid that harder food will break her teeth. Soon after, she dies.

Review: I remember that the movie was Dutch, very erotic  in the raw, brutal, twisted yet beautiful and passionate way.
Watching "Z Channel..." I was happy to instantly recognize "Turks fruit" (1973) aka "Turkish Delight" made by Paul Verhoeven in 1973.
My memory served me well - Verhoeven's early film is as naturalistic, earthy, brutal, erotic, humorous, poetic, poignant, and captivating as I remember it.
Based on the novel by Jan Wolker, "Turkish Delight" stars young, hot, very sexy (and I mean it - VERY SEXY) Rutger Hauer as a bohemian free spirited and often cruel sculptor Eric and even younger Monique van de Van as his wife Olga, child-like yet as sensual as Eric was, "the light of his life, the fire of his loins".
The film that describes their stormy relationship has become the most financially successful Holland's film that was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language film and was proclaimed by Jan Wolker a "75% masterpiece".There are not very many directors in the world that can create the atmosphere of raw sensuality as well as Verhoeven (of his Dutch period, especially).
Joe Ezsterhaus who worked with Verhoeven on two films said about him: "The guy is like his movies: brilliant, mercurial, very daring, perverse, a wonderful series of paradoxes and contradictions..." "The Turkish Delight" is all that and I love it but I can understand how its graphic sexuality, more than one disgusting and revolting scenes (but they had to be in the movie) and crude behavior may put off a lot of viewers.
"Turks fruit" has been voted best Dutch movie recently.
I can see why, "Turks fruit" is a delicious treat and perfectly mixes an heavy love story with dramatic and realistic moments life is filled with."Turks fruit" is fine example of good storytelling.
Paul Verhoeven shows with this movie that he also is a great actor director.
This movie marked the first real big movie-role breakthrough for both Hauer and van de Ven and also for Verhoeven himself.The movie is filled with some typical and subtle Dutch humor which I really enjoyed in this movie.
Not THE best Dutch movie of all time (in my opinion that still is "Soldaat van Oranje") but this movie absolutely, most certainly is a romantic/dramatic masterpiece with lots of symbolism and unforgettable and powerful moments in it, that perfectly shows the early talent of Verhoeven, Hauer and van de Ven.10/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/.
Life and Love, As Interpreted by Paul Verhoeven.
In `Turkish Delight,' director Paul Verhoeven dissects a relationship born of passion, examines the ramifications of the attitudes and actions of the individuals involved-- as well as the couple they become-- and offers the results to his audience for consideration.
This is a film for neither the fainthearted nor the modest, but for the discerning viewer only.In the first few minutes of this film, we are introduced to Eric Vonk (Rutger Hauer), an artist with a passion for his work, but even more so for experiences that lean more toward the wanton and carnal in aspect.
Or so it would seem, initially.As the story unfolds, however, we begin to understand Eric and what it is that compels him thus; and it begins with a photograph of a beautiful young woman named Olga (Monique van de Ven), the woman with whom Eric once shared his life, love, passion and, yes, his lust.
The screen grows dark then; but the images to which the viewer has just been made privy are ones that are going to remain in the mind's eye for some time afterwards.Working from a screenplay by Gerard Soeteman (adapted from the novel by Jan Wolkers), Verhoeven establishes himself as the antithesis of Nora Ephron, presenting his `love' story in terms that are decidedly raw and primitive.
Though he does manage to establish the fact that Eric does have deep love for Olga, it is lust that seemingly dominates the picture, and though there is a dramatic twist to the story, it all comes across more like a twisted fairy tale than anything else.
Beyond the shock value (which is minimum), it just doesn't work.On the positive side, Verhoeven does extract worthy performances from his stars, Hauer and van de Ven.
Hauer, in his feature film debut (and at this point some eight years away from his American film debut in `Nighthawks') displays a natural ability in front of the camera and seems comfortably uninhibited, which enables him to use his rugged good looks to the best advantage.
That doesn't mean that much since my country isn't a major player in World cinema.Yet this film is very good and very famous.It was voted the best Dutch film ever a few years ago when a national poll was held in Holland.It's tough to agree with that,since I haven't seen all the classics but it's right up there,that much is true.The sex and dirty images of poo are not for everyone to see,yet it is essential to the free culture of Amsterdam in the 1970's.Amsterdam was the center of the world in the 70's,so my mother told me.
That was probably the reason why she left France (she is French) and came to Amsterdam."Turks Fruit" shows a very poignant picture of the city at that time and the sexual liberation of them days.The directing by the,at that time,young Paul Verhoeven is splendid and it's no mystery why he left Holland to go to Hollywood.His talents are clear but another reason was that he was misunderstood in Holland so he said himself.The camera work is great,but that's no surprise since it's done by one of the greatest cameramen Jan de Bont (who became famous in the 90's with his action classics "Speed" and "Twister",especially "Speed" show the superb talents of de Bont when it comes to camera work).The film also launched the careers of Rutger Hauer and Monique van de Ven. Van de Ven stayed in Holland,playing in some of the best Dutch films and Hauer went to Hollywood and gained cult fame when he starred in "Blade Runner",a terrific performance by Hauer.Verhoeven and Hauer would team up again 4 years later to make the Dutch war classic "Soldaat van Oranje"."Turks Fruit" is truly the epitome of 70's Dutch cinema with it's liberated sex approach that would echo in several other Dutch films in the 70's and 80's.Very important for Holland but maybe too much for the rest of the world,especially for the rather prudish Hollywood.Essential viewing though for everyone who wants to know something about the Dutch cinema.
Best Dutch film ever.A pre action movie Rutger Hauer proves he can act.The full romantic scrambles this film shows probably hit home for so many people.
Turkish delight is a book by the Dutch true artist Jan Wolkers: a painter, a sculptor, a writer.
And the beauty of both Rutger Hauer and Monique van der Ven, is a well deserved extra..
The first successful film from Dutch provocateur Paul Verhoeven, famous for of course Robocop and Basic Instinct (and infamous for Showgirls) is a small scale, human relationship drama that not only established the careers of Verhoeven and start Rutget Hauer but signalled the new wave for the Dutch film industry.
However Turks Fruit is nothing more than the Dutch Love Story, as moody artist Eric (Hauer) falls in love with Olga (Monique van de Ven) after the young lady pick him up from the side of a motorway.
I'm sure this kind of schoolboy theatrics played well to the Dutch polo-neck brigade, but as the film shifts into more serious territory the humour only deflates any building melodrama that Verhoeven was probably shooting for.Another problem with the film is Hauer's character Eric; he's too much of a chauvinist and bully, not only towards Olga, but even more so to the numerous women he sleeps with after she has left (You're fat is just one example of his pillow talk).
Anybody who thinks that Paul Verhoeven used to make "serious" films before he came to the States should be in for a rude awakening.
This is nothing but a pleasantly daft exploitation movie, in which beefy sculptor Rutger and his lady love hare around the Netherlands having a lot of sex and generally being wild, young and free.
'Turkish Delight' was Verhoevens first hit in Netherlands and was voted as best Dutch film of the century.
Very bold depiction of sex and sexuality doesn't seem forced and even the small bursts of intense violence don't stand out from the rest of the film as some bright (or dark) spots.'Turkish Delight' is heartwarming and heartbreaking love story between free spirited Olga (Monique van de Ven) and care free sculptor Eric (Rutger Hauer).
Their relationship seems as natural as sunshine in Florida (or rain in London).Very few directors are capable of making such warm films with provocative aplomb and Verhoeven is master at this game..
That aside i have to acknowledge that 'Turks Fruit/Turkish Delight' is a masterpiece of Dutch cinema and one of the greatest movies by Hollands most notorious directors Paul Verhoeven.
Turks fruit is a roller coaster movie about two people that live by the opportunistic way that characterizes Verhoeven's films and there characters.
This is a very intense movie about love, hate, life and death with a lot of symbolism and realism at the same time.
The plot is located in the early 70ies in Amsterdam and features Monique van de Ven and Rutger Hauer who give a really great performance.
The supporting actors are also very well chosen and there are no lengthy parts in the story that can make you laugh and cry at the same time.There are few movies that are able to create an atmosphere that intense.
The best Verhoeven movie ever.
No need to tell this is the best Verhoeven work in my opinion, and one of the best European films I've ever seen.
In this movie Rutger Hauer is very young.
This is one of Paul Verhoeven's early films.
This movie got nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
Flesh + Blood is Rutger Hauer's best film.
Allthough it's not one of Rutger Hauer's most spectacularely voilent films, nor does it have vibrant special effects,it has everything els in it, sex, humour and romance with a twist!
One of Verhoeven's films I like best..
Also about artists sex, nudity, silent and loud rudety dutch life conservatism versus progressive as well as about crazy habit of hauer/verhoeven/man deviation but relatively friendly and light.
The film in question is pleasantly moody, showing various angles of love-sex-relationship, and courageous character actors (particularly Monique van de Ven as Olga Stapels, Rutger Hauer as Eric Vonk), skillful directing (Paul Verhoeven) and cinematography (Jan de Bont) provide this not-so-extraordinary script additional values and undertones.At the same time, I have doubts that Turkish Delight is a timeless film, that it approaches and influences future and current people as well, as many attitudes have changed, and many would consider depicted fashion and hairiness as odd (mildly speaking).
A story of true love and lots of passion, with superior acting by Rutger Hauer and a very young and till that time still unknown Monique van de Ven. Try not to be offended by the rather explicit sex scenes, see through them and notice that they are fully functional.
When asked, many will tell you they've learned more about life, romance, relationships, love and sex from his books then from anyone else including school and parents..
Turkish Delight is an erotic drama from Dutch director Paul Verhoeven, made early on in his career.
Nonetheless, there's plenty to enjoy about Turkish Delight, with superior cinematography from Verhoeven regular Jan De Bont and a wild, excessive performance from future big-shot Rutger Hauer in what is essentially a star-making performance.Although the plot of Turkish Delight is in essence a love story, Verhoeven uses the opportunity to throw in plenty of his trademarks.
This movie is a heartbreaking love story and one of the best films ever made in Holland.
Beautifully filmed by De Bont and great performances by van de Ven and Hauer.
This is a delightful film that started out as an adult movie.
The story is so good and the acting so superior that the second half becomes much more than just an exploitation film It begins with Eric, a sculptor and chronic woman-chaser, whose wife is dying of a brain tumor Eric is so successful with the ladies that he begins collecting their hair, attaching it into his scrapbook He comes across a striking redhead named Olga, whom he brutally seduces in the car...
Instead of cutting her hair, he falls in love with her and chases her all over Holland The treatment of sex is stimulating and humorous It is not graphic, but the performers are quite active and the erotic encounters are exceptionally realistic It moves quickly from reality to sexual fantasies combined with daydreams of killing, blood, and vengeance Despite these outrageous displays, the movie is so full of life and powerful acting that it is more fascinating than repelling.
I'll deal with those parts of the film first (this next section may ruin the film for those who have not seen it).1) The scene with Rutger Hauer looking in the toilet before flushing it.
Thankfully, it gets a little less revolting as time marches on.2) The scene with Rutger Hauer vomiting on everyone present at the dinner party.
This was truly disgusting to watch, but also damned funny, because the burgeois society people that Hauer is dining with are so repulsive that they really do make a man feel like throwing up.
Like the film, it uses gritty and sometimes obscene language but it never fails to ooze with passion and love.
From director Paul Verhoeven (The Fourth Man, Total Recall, Basic Instinct), before he directed the atrocious Showgirls, which was chock-a-block with sex and nudity, in his home country of the Netherlands he made this film with similar high content, but of course this is much better, and was featured in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. Basically Eric Vonk (Rutger Hauer) is a highly talented sculptor, and he has a habit for picking up random women from the streets and having sex with them at his studio, but it is clear that he is only doing this to try and get over the breakup from Olga Stapels (Monique Van De Ven), and through flashback we see him recall his relationship with her.
Eric in anger trashes his studio, ruining anything that reminds him of Olga, and this is when the film comes out of flashback to present day, he still obsesses about his wife but they do occasionally see each other, each time with her acting more and more outrageously, often hanging around with other men, and the family are not allowing him to visit her until he will agree to end the marriage and divorce her.
All Eric can do for Olga is spend whatever time they have left together caring for her, and having refused for some time to eat he one day brings her some Turkish delight, this becomes the only thing she will eat as she worries her teeth will be broken by harder food, and in the end she does indeed tragically die.
Hauer, before becoming well known for dark and villainous roles, proves a good choice as the man with an obsession for sex and his art, and Van De Ven is also suitable as the beautiful who shares a passionate connection on and off with him, the film does mostly consist of the voyeuristic nudity and sensual sex scenes, in many situations, including bizarre and shocking moments during, but unlike Showgirls they work as part of the love story and are very interesting to watch unfold, it adds up to a marvellously inventive erotic drama.
Regarded as the most successful Dutch film, "Turks Fruit" (Turkish Delight) is a melodramatic romantic-tragedy directed by Paul Verhoeven.Verhoeven is renowned for his frank and extreme depictions of sex and violence, and "Turks Fruit" is no different.
It's the tale of an artist (Rutger Hauer) who has trouble dealing with his wife's (Monique van de Ven) selfish mother.
Rutger Hauer comes across as a sex starved brute, until the final act in which Verhoeven lingers on his sculptors and artwork, all of which feature pregnant women and babies.
Perhaps is because in the 1970's, every star crossed lovers in TV and film had very tragic endings to their relationships - and while this is another one, I liked the telling much better.Turks Fruit isn't as antiseptic as the American "Love Story" - this story is filmed as honestly as possible, showing you everything and anything that happened to this young couple of the early 70's and how the generation gap of the parent (not parents mind you!) really got in the way.
This is more adult and you do follow the story of a gifted artist and his wanton lover - in the early 70's.I too had to laugh at the vomit scene - you'd never see that in American Cinema back then for such a love tale, and how 'bohemian' the female was - not the male.
Rutger Hauer played his character of a gifted struggling 70's artist well - knowing what he wanted and how uncompromising he was to his art - but on the other hand would do what it took to support he and his wife.I had to find this film to remember it - it was shown on the Los Angeles based Z channel, but I didn't remember seeing it.
Makes me think there was more to this - or was Olga just responding to the exam?) Funny thing though - I never knew the name of the candy I loved so much as a child -- until this movie, and so this did have quite an emotional impact for me as tragedy struck these two.