Scenes from Paul Verhoeven's "Spetters" [1980 Netherlands]

Paul Verhoeven (of Basic Instinct and Robocop fame) made this early Dutch classic, "Spetters" exploring youth culture in smalltown Holland during the late 70's. The story follows the lives of three youths - Rein, Eef and Hans - friends and dirt-bike racing enthusiasts from in a working class neighbourhood and want to succeed in life in one way or another. Fientje, a determined young woman, runs a mobile chip shop with her brother, but is desperate to get out of the business, and settle down with someone who can give her the lifestyle she desires.

Rein is set on winning the championship, and when he manages to rope in some sponsors, Fientje gets drawn to him. But her hopes are dashed when Rein has an unfortunate accident that renders him paralysed waist-down. But life must move on. She joins with Eef who wants to emigrate to Canada. Eef had been accumulating money by mugging gay men, but after he discovers that he himself is gay, Fientje has to look for someone else. She considers Hans, who's been only modestly successful so far, but loves her more than the others ever did.

This film was my introduction into Dutch cinema, and is also one of the more memorable and compelling I've seen. For many reasons - it is witty, and at the same time touches on subjects that matter to all of us. The screenplay is excellent with well developed characters, and the imagery is in a style unlike any I'd seen before. This was also the first time I encountered explicit sex scenes in a mainstream film shown in a blasé manner. You also have scenes in the film depicting gay oral sex, and they're all shown passingly as part of the narrative. The film however still remains my favourite Verhoeven. Recommended Viewing..!




The compilation below was put together directly from my DVD in the following order:

1. No nudity but funny as flat chested Margot Keune tries to impress the lads with some tennis balls - it doesn't work!
2. Big-bosomed Saskia Ten Batenburg is the object of interest for everyone in the cramped car.
3. Rein having fun with his girlfriend Maya in his parent's bedroom, Maya is played by Marianne Boyer.
4. Funny scene again when Eef and Hans pick try to score with Saskia Ten Batenburg and Yvonne Valkenburg respectively, but things don't go according to plan as Eef just couldn't get it up, and Yvonne has her periods. So both the couples fake orgasm to show off their sexual prowess.
5. Chip shop girl Fientje, played by Renée Soutendijk, plays with Rein's 'sausage' affectionately..!
6. Hans is now Fientje's - Renée Soutendijk's latest lover - and he's always eager to please.

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