Turkish Delight

Starring:Monique van de Ven, Rutger Hauer, Tonny Huurdeman, Wim van den Brink, Hans Boskamp, Dolf de Vries, Manfred de Graaf, Dick Scheffer, Marjol Flore, Bert Dijkstra, Bert AndrÃ©, Jon Bluming, Paul Brandenburg, Suze Broks, David Conyers, Truus Dekker, Marijke Frijlink, Reinier Heideman, Wim Hoddes, Hans Kemna
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Studio: Anchor Bay
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Although the confectionary does make an appearance at the end of the film, Turkish Delight, as a title, may be interpreted in a number of ways. This violent tale of love is told in flashback from the perspective of bohemian artist Eric Vonk (Rutger Hauer, collaborating for the first time with director Paul Verhoeven). When the film opens on a brutal attack and then a succession of one-night stands, it seems that the guy's a complete jerk. Then a sudden lurch backwards two years reveals the motivations for both his dreams and behavior, as well as the subject of the photos he spends his time pining for. He meets Olga (a fantastic Monique van de Ven) as the result of a car accident. But their tempestuous relationship is shaken by many peculiar events: a surreal wedding ceremony, unveiling a statue to the Queen and the death of Olga's father. The real problem is Olga herself, however, which leads to a shock ending many have compared to Love Story.

Amazon.com

The Paul Verhoeven Collection consists of five films the Dutch director made in Europe before graduating to the Hollywood mainstream with such films as Total Recall and Basic Instinct. A bawdy though sympathetic look at the lives of two Amsterdam prostitutes, 1971's Business Is Business was Verhoeven's film debut. Ronnie Biermann stars as Greet, a worldly wise prostitute who is decently protective of her neighbor and friend in the trade, the busty, younger Nell (Sylvia de Leur). Finally, she decides they must both break out of their decreasingly fulfilling lives and seek out matrimonial stability. Business Is Business probably seemed like an authentic depiction of the Amsterdam demi-monde in its day, but today its kinky peccadilloes look rather quaint. However, both Biermann and Sylvia De Leur forcefully resist any of the clichés of the era in their strong characters.

When Turkish Delight (1973) opens on a brutal attack and then a succession of one-night stands, it seems that bohemian artist Eric Vonk (Rutger Hauer, collaborating for the first time with Verhoeven) is a complete jerk. Then a sudden flashback reveals the motivations for both his dreams and behavior, as well as the subject of the photos he spends his time pining for. He meets Olga (a fantastic Monique van de Ven), but their tempestuous relationship is shaken by many peculiar events: a surreal wedding ceremony, unveiling a statue to the Queen, and the death of Olga's father. The real problem is Olga herself, however, which leads to a shock ending many have compared to Love Story. Somewhat dated now, Turkish Delight is nonetheless unmistakably a product of the now-familiar Verhoeven style.

Katie Tippel (1975) is a handsome period drama set in 19th-century Holland, based on a true story. The second eldest daughter in a poor family, Katie (Monique van de Ven) must find whatever work is going to make ends meet. As she enters a succession of jobs in which she experiences both exploitation and sexual harassment, she learns that men want her for only one thing and so she enters prostitution. However, she is finally able to escape the poverty trap and ascend the social ladder, particularly when banker Hugo (Rutger Hauer) takes her as his lover. All this is set against a backdrop of social foment as the workers' impatience at poor social conditions increases.

Based on real events, Soldier of Orange (1977) tells the story of Dutchman Erik Lanshof (a star-making performance by Rutger Hauer) and a small group of students as they struggle to survive the Nazi occupation to the end of the Second World War. Across a canvas lasting almost three hours, Verhoeven unfolds a saga of friendship, espionage, and romance with almost documentary realism, crafting a deeply affecting film widely regarded as the greatest ever made in Holland.

Only two years separate The Fourth Man (1983), Verhoeven's final Dutch language movie, and the explosive commencement of his Hollywood career. This savage comedy shocker could well be seen as a trial run for Basic Instinct, since it features an ice-cold seductress (Renée Soutendijk) with mysterious motivations and sexual preferences. The hallucinatory tale follows a novelist (Jeroen Krabbé) first falling for her, and then feverishly investigating whether she's a serial husband killer. The film is full of what would soon be recognized as Verhoeven trademarks: a little blasphemy, a lot of nudity, dispassionate characters, and hidden agendas.

Customer Reviews:

Only for arthouse fans.......2005-06-29

Paul Verhoven's Hollywood films have been a fascinating blend of old-school SF and B-grade sleaze- ROBOCOP,TOTAL RECALL, BASIC INSTINCT, SHOWGIRLS, STARSHIP TROOPERS and HOLLOW MAN range from excellent to plain bizarre. However this collection of arthouse classics showcases some interesting talent that makes for entertaining viewing. These films are not for everyone's tastes, but for fans of the genre, movies like THE 4TH MAN and TURKISH DELIGHT (1986) are a treat. However there's not much to get excited about with KATIE TIPPEL and I'll be frank about BUSINESS IS BUSINESS (or WAT ZIEN IK?). I don't understand it and I don't like it. There are few redeeming qualities, and this should probably be forgotten. Some scenes are vaguely involving, but sometimes the director's sensibilities are over-shadowed by style, and you can ask the question: Do these stories really need to be told? The best film in the box set is SOLDIER OF ORANGE (1977) which tells a story of seven young men living the good life in the Netherlands who find their lives turned inside out, and onto many different paths, by the Second World War. The subject matter and some graphically violent scenes occasionally make this movie difficult to watch, but the story movingly illustrates the painful choices and serendipitous paths that wartime brings. Rutger Hauer, ably abetted by Jeroen Krabbé, deservedly became an international star with this amazing performance. A nice DVD box set with great digital transfer allows Verhoven fans to appreciate his earlier films, but for mainstream audiences, look elsewhere.

Five dutch movies for one great price.......2004-02-09

The Paul Verhoeven is one of the best DVD collections that I have seen. These movies were very different from his movies made in Hollywood. They were made in his native country The Nederlands, before he went to Hollywood. Since I am originally from Belgium and Dutch is my native language, I was very exited that these movies were available on DVD in the United States. I was also satisfied that the English Subtitles were optional, so I turn them off. Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange) was one of my favorite movies. It is a WW2 war movie and one of the best war movies ever made. Wat zien ik (Business Is Business) is a good comedy about the Red Light District. Keetje Tippel (Katie Tippel), Turks fruit (Turkish Delight), and De Vierde man (The Forth Man) were also good movies. I also would like to warn parents that these movies are not appropriate for children because they contain some nudity. Business Is Business

5 movies for a great price.......2003-11-26

Five of the movies that dr. Paul Verhoeven (Ph.D. in math & physics) made in the Netherlands before moving to the US, in a pretty, stylish box (rather like the box sets for the extended "Lord of the rings" movies). Each movie has Paul's always interesting commentary (in English). As a Dutchman, I grew up having watched "Soldier of Orange" and "Turkish Delight" quite a number of times, so I figured that while living in the States, this box was an essential thing for me to have. Fortunately for me, the English subtitles are optional so I can turn them off! :)

For fans of Verhoeven's American work, these films will certainly be interesting as we can see significant similarities and differences between his Dutch and American works. Obviously, the Dutch movies are older, and some things are now outdated (notably "Business is business" feels so terribly outdated it's almost embarassing to watch, and I imagine it's included primarily for historical interest). On the other hand, whereas his American films are mostly Sci-fi-based, a few of these films are period pieces based on autobiographical writings, and as such the Dutch films are more based on realism (for instance, the excellent WW2-drama "Soldier of Orange", and the 19th-century period piece "Katie Tippel"). Nevertheless, we clearly see the themes that always run through Verhoeven's work: moral ambiguity, sexuality, violence, religion, plot ambiguity, etc.).

I should mention the two gripes I have with this box set. First, although the films are old, many older films these days are rereleased on DVD with a remastered 5.1 soundtrack. Although the mono soundtrack here is adequate, it's just too bad we get to miss the surround sound. Second, the omission of "Spetters", which is strange because that's such an interesting movie, and it would have been a better inclusion than "Business is Business".

I guess you can look up descriptions of the individual films by looking up their single-disk versions. Just a brief summary for each:
"Business is Business", his first movie based on a book of short stories written by Albert Mol (who has a cameo appearance), is a comedy about two prostitutes.
To a degree, "Turkish Delight", based on the classic novel by Dutch author Jan Wolkers, also feels somewhat dated, although it's less bothersome here, the story feels like a period piece stuck in the '60s or '70. It's rated as one of the best Dutch films of all time, and it's a drama about an almost-obsessive, intensely sexual relationship.
"Katie Tippel" is a "rags-to-riches" period piece based on the memoires of Neel Doff (1858-1942), set against the background of the rise of socialism in the 19th century. Although this story is also about a prostitute, it's a very dark story.
"Soldier of Orange" is a WW2 drama based on the autobiography of war hero Erik Hazelhoff. If I'm not mistaken, it was rated by critics as the best Dutch film ever. Very interesting, very good movie.
Finally, the best one, "The Fourth Man" is a surreal movie based on the novel by Gerard Reve. In essence, it's both an art film and a "parody" on artsy movies. Large parts of it were "re-used" in "Basic Instinct". Although this one is much better.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Great Movies! Great Price!.......2003-08-26

Anchor Bay has come through again with this wonderful set of Paul Verhoeven's early films. All of the transfers are top-notch and the subtitles are very clear and concise. As the individual titles have already been reviewed seperately, the big draw to this collection is being able to collect all of these brilliant films for much less than their retail price. The collectible booklet that's included provides plot summaries and quotes from the director and/or cast member(s). Overall, I highly recommend this collection for even the casual filmgoer who is looking for that unique film experience.

Average customer rating:

I Spy - Turkish Delight
Starring: Bill Cosby , and Robert Culp
Director: Robert Culp , Earl Bellamy , Richard Benedict , Robert Butler , and Hal Cooper
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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I Spy - Crusade to Limbo
I Spy - Dragon's Teeth
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ASIN: B000056NWF
Release Date: 2001-02-20

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Waging the Cold War with maximum cool, Robert Culp and Bill Cosby played offbeat secret agents for the U.S. Department of Defense in the classic mid-1960s TV program I Spy. Using the cover of "tennis bums on the circuit," the two roamed the world on unusual and very dangerous assignments that inevitably brought them into contact with plenty of action, romance, and tongue-in-cheek humor. The program was novel at the time for casting an African American in a lead role, but for the most part the show wasn't meant to be terribly serious. In the episodes in this collection the agents do clandestine battle with various bad guys and even face a dangerous international villain played to the hilt by the show's producer, Sheldon Leonard. The individual plots hardly matter, of course, as the point is that the dashing undercover agents get into fistfights that are accompanied by jazzy soundtracks, meet up with dangerous ladies in evening gowns, and manage to make sardonic comments no matter the danger. Yet one surprising episode does inject a bit of dark reality into program, as it begins in an office in the Pentagon, and involves Culp parachuting into jungles somewhere in Southeast Asia. Films of B-52s flying in formation may bring some seriousness to the proceedings, but for the most part these I Spy episodes are classics of escapist television. --Robert J. McNamara

Description

Episodes: "The Barter" - A teenage American girl living in the Orient with her businessman father is kidnapped by Red agents as barter for a Communist scientist who has defected to the West. Co-Starring John Abbott and Lisa Jager. "Turkish Delight" - Several internationally famous agronomists disappear in Mexico City, where they were expected to attend a conference. Co-Starring Diana Sands and Victor Buono. "Return to Glory" - Agents Robinson and Scott are assigned to learn what plans former Latin American strongman Ortiz has for returning to his homeland. Co-Starring Victor Jory and Dolores Del Rio. "The Conquest of Maude Murdock" - Assigned to investigate security surrounding wealthy Maude Murdock, an Oklahoma widow serving on the American Embassy staff in Mexico, Robinson and Scott find their ingenuity challenged. Co-Starring Jeanette Nolan and Philip Borneuff.

Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts - 4 Volume Set

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Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts - 4 Volume Set

Manufacturer: Focus on the Family
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Biblical history
learn as you laugh

ASIN: B000JG7B0W

Product Description

Includes 4 DVDs: Rome If You Want To / Greece and the Word / Turkish Delight / East Meets West. All these DVDs are a lighter look at Biblical history put out by the Focus on the Family organization.

Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts #3: Turkish Delight

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Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts #3: Turkish Delight
Starring: Dave Stotts
Director: jim Fritzgerald
Manufacturer: ColdWater Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Drive Thru History - East Meets West
Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts #2: Greece Is The Word
Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts #1 - Rome if You Want To

ASIN: B000ET1L64
Release Date: 2005-01-01

Product Description

Dave Stotts speeds you back in time again with the third Drive Thru History DVD, Turkish Delight. You'll have a front-row seat for more adventure, more laughs, and more history as you drive to cities and ancient ruins in Turkey that are truly off the beaten path. You'll see why places like Smyrna and Sardis were so important in ancient history and how the messages to these cities found in the book of Revelation help shed light on what life was like for the early church. You'll follow Dave as he rides a camel around the hot springs of Hierapolis and explores the ruins of Laodicea and Colossae to discover the fascinating historical clues these cities reveal. The history in your Bible will come alive all over again! Recommended for ages 12 and up, closed captioned. This is the 3rd in a set of 3 DVDs.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Film
A Must-See for Rutger Hauer Fans!
"Love Story" told by Paul Verhoeven
a story that grips you
Musique?

Turkish Delight
Starring: Monique van de Ven , Rutger Hauer , Tonny Huurdeman , Wim van den Brink , and Hans Boskamp
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Katie Tippel
Spetters (Widescreen Edition)
Flesh and Blood
Lie With Me
9 songs - Unrated Full Uncut Version

ASIN: 6305973075
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Amazon.com

Although the confectionary does make an appearance at the end of the film, Turkish Delight, as a title, may be interpreted in a number of ways. This violent tale of love is told in flashback from the perspective of bohemian artist Eric Vonk (Rutger Hauer, collaborating for the first time with director Paul Verhoeven). When the film opens on a brutal attack and then a succession of one-night stands, it seems that the guy's a complete jerk. Then a sudden lurch backwards two years reveals the motivations for both his dreams and behavior, as well as the subject of the photos he spends his time pining for. He meets Olga (a fantastic Monique van de Ven) as the result of a car accident. But their tempestuous relationship is shaken by many peculiar events: a surreal wedding ceremony, unveiling a statue to the Queen and the death of Olga's father. The real problem is Olga herself, however, which leads to a shock ending many have compared to Love Story.

Somewhat dated now, and made long before his move to Hollywood, Turkish Delight is nonetheless unmistakably a product of the now-familiar Verhoeven style. The film's language and images still have the power to shock or offend, and we certainly get to see far too much of Hauer's private parts, even though some amazing visuals (mirrored candles, inspired beach art, and a nightmarish red Chinese restaurant) are some compensation. --Paul Tonks

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Film.......2006-10-05

The film starts off as a freaky sex story and ends with an unexpected tragedy. The cinematography is beautiful. The DVD comes with a directors commentary track: Paul Verhoeven is very specific in explaining all the symbolisms and on-set events surrounding the film; great commentary track. I strongly recommend this film, and DVD, to anyone interested in twisted love stories.

A Must-See for Rutger Hauer Fans!.......2006-09-29

There are many wonderfully descriptive reviews to light the path to this enjoyable film. They are all true--faults and accolades. Hauer fans worldwide should enjoy this DVD.

Initially, the corny, loud 70s music will have you smiling and wondering what you are in for. Hauer's character seems to be a jerk, but he's naked and beautiful. Need I say more. This man is so broad that he appears short! He's 6'2", all man, (so) intoxicating to behold, and naked--through much of the film. His Nordic good looks, thick, defined body, and clear, piercing blue eyes make it hard to care what is going on in the movie.

I won't say it's the best storyline or acting, but once you get into the meat of the film the intensity grabs you. Hauer's character's love for his wife is all-consumming. As a creative person, his feelings and expression are so passionate that his wife is driven away. Of course, she's tapped too.

The love and depth of emotions he feels for her almost kill him when she leaves. But, his love never dies, and he is there when she needs him...even when she is insensible to her needs or his love any longer.

To know how that feels--that depth--when someone is like an opiate to you, is to share Hauer's character's initial joy and subsequent pain; his longing turned to crazed anger and debauchery; and his desire to survive.
All in all, worth watching more than once. Did I mention he's naked? Not a little skin...totally naked and from different angles.

Rutger is one of my favorite actors, and even now as an older gentleman I find him quite handsome, dignified, and wonderful. Hearing his native tongue adds to the film. He is also fluent in German (so I've read).

"Love Story" told by Paul Verhoeven.......2006-09-18

Few days ago, I watched the documentary "Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession" (2004) about a channel that had brought the great and unavailable anywhere else films to its 100, 000 lucky subscribers in LA in 70s - 80s. While enjoying the clips from many Foreign and Independent movies that were the best part of documentary, I was able to recognize the movie that I saw many years ago in Moscow and still remember well, I could not only recall the title. 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. I checked with Netflix, the movie was available; I bumped it up in my queue and just finished watching it. 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). Verhoeven is known for uncompromising approach to his work, fiery temperament, and aggressive movie-making. 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. Be prepared, "Turkish Delight" is delightful but it is very intense and often not easy to watch.

a story that grips you.......2005-11-17

'Turkish Delight' is taken from the novel 'Turks fruit', written by well-known Dutch author Jan Wolkers. His book dates from the late sixties, and is themed on a typical issue of those days: the generation gap, in this case heavily accentuated by a blunt display of sex.

Nevertheless there is much more to the book -- and consequently to the movie. The difficult role of female lead Olga for instance, a mentally unstable girl beautifully acted out by Monique van de Ven. Its very Dutch setting. The slow but sure decline of the relationship, when Olga increasingly drifts away to other men. Tenderness returns, however, when it becomes clear Olga will die of a brain tumor.

Despite all display of blatant sex, this movie surely manages to stir up everyone's emotions. Its music score cleverly accentuates the essential sadness of its plot.

A few years ago 'Turks fruit' was acclaimed as Holland's most important movie of the 20th century. Few did dispute this choice. The movie catapulted both Rutger Hauer and Monique van de Ven to fame. Rutger extending his career in the USA, while Monique mainly sticked to Holland. By now 'Turkish Delight' has been turned into a musical, with artistical co-supervision by its original author Jan Wolkers.

Musique?.......2004-03-29

Great movie!
I thought he music was an important part of the film.
All these reviews are helpful, but the main theme starting with the beach scene was credited wrong.
In the directors commentary he credits Szymanowski-King boris, but the only thing close to that title is King Roger, which i purchased, but that music is not on the king Roger CD.
does anybody know?

Turkish Delight / Katie Tippel - Paul Verhoeven 2 Pack ( In Dutch with Opitional English Subtitles )

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Turkish Delight / Katie Tippel - Paul Verhoeven 2 Pack ( In Dutch with Opitional English Subtitles )

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

(In Dutch with Opitional English Subtitles) Paul Verhoeven graduated from the University of Leiden with a degree in math and physics. He entered the Royal Netherlands Navy, where he began his film career by making documentaries for the Navy and later for TV. In 1969 he directed the popular Dutch TV series "Floris", about a medieval knight. This featured actor Rutger Hauer who has appeared in many of Verhoeven's later films. Verhoeven's first feature, "Wat Zien Ik?" (trans. "What do I See?"), was released in 1971. However it was his second, "Turks Fruit", with its combination of raw sexuality and a poignant story line, that gained him great popularity in the Netherlands, especially with male audiences. When his films, especially "Soldaat van Oranje" and "De Vierde Man", received international recognition, Verhoeven moved to the US. His first US film was "Flesh + Blood", 1985, but it was "Robocop" and especially "Total Recall" that made him a big box office success. Sometimes accused of portraying excessive violence in his films, Verhoeven replies that he is only recording the violence of society. Verhoeven has co-scripted two of his films: "Soldaat van Oranje" and "Flesh + Blood". He also directed an episode of the HBO "Hitchhiker" TV series. Several of his films have been photographed by Jost Vacano.

Turkish Delight / Katie Tippel / Business is Business - Paul Verhoeven 3 Pack (In Dutch with Opitional English Subtitles)

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Turkish Delight / Katie Tippel / Business is Business - Paul Verhoeven 3 Pack (In Dutch with Opitional English Subtitles)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

(In Dutch with Opitional English Subtitles) - Audio commentary with the director. - Theatrical Trailer - Still Gallery - Talent Bios ---------------------------------- Paul Verhoeven graduated from the University of Leiden with a degree in math and physics. He entered the Royal Netherlands Navy, where he began his film career by making documentaries for the Navy and later for TV. In 1969 he directed the popular Dutch TV series "Floris", about a medieval knight. This featured actor Rutger Hauer who has appeared in many of Verhoeven's later films. Verhoeven's first feature, "Wat Zien Ik?" (trans. "What do I See?"), was released in 1971. However it was his second, "Turks Fruit", with its combination of raw sexuality and a poignant story line, that gained him great popularity in the Netherlands, especially with male audiences. When his films, especially "Soldaat van Oranje" and "De Vierde Man", received international recognition, Verhoeven moved to the US. His first US film was "Flesh + Blood", 1985, but it was "Robocop" and especially "Total Recall" that made him a big box office success. Sometimes accused of portraying excessive violence in his films, Verhoeven replies that he is only recording the violence of society. Verhoeven has co-scripted two of his films: "Soldaat van Oranje" and "Flesh + Blood". He also directed an episode of the HBO "Hitchhiker" TV series. Several of his films have been photographed by Jost Vacano.

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