'Solomon Kane' Review- An Underrated Indie
From the mind of Robert E. Howard
Released in 2009, Solomon Kane is directed by M. J. Bassett and serves as an origin story for the titular Robert E. Howard character who appeared in numerous pulp magazines and novellas.
Solomon Kane (James Purefoy) is a seventeenth-century privateer who proudly and violently defends England against all threats. During a battle at a fortress in North Africa, he and his men are attacked by demons with one called the Devil’s Reaper (Ian Whyte) who proclaims Kane’s life of violence has cursed his soul. Kane escapes through a window the Reaper warning him of a dark fate. Years later, Kane is kicked out of an abbey where he has been hiding after causing disturbances.
As he is wandering, he is robbed, only to be found by William Crowthorn (Pete Postlethwaite), his wife Katherine (Katherine), daughter Meredith (Rachel Hurd-Wood), plus sons Edward (Anthony Wilks) and Samuel (Patrick Hurd-Wood). They help him get on his feet, but they are soon attacked by men lead by the Masked Rider (Samuel Roukin), a servant of a local lord named Malachi (Jason Flemyng). They murder the Crowthorn men and kidnap Meredith. As he dies, William tells Kane that the curse on his soul will be lifted if he saves his daughter. This puts Kane on a quest to save Meredith and his soul.
This movie is exactly what it advertises to be: a medieval fantasy story with lots of action and a quest for redemption. It does not ask anything from you nor does it force anything on you. You can just sit back and enjoy the epic story of Solomon Kane as he travels and battles the forces of darkness. Now, some of the special effects are a bit outdated and the story is nothing magnanimous, but it is enjoyable and has a plot that keeps you invested.
The entire cast is also excellent. Everyone plays their part and does a competent job. You truly feel invested in Kane’s quest thanks to Purefoy embracing the role. Likewise, Pete Postlethwaite is just a good actor. It was a shame when he passed away, so it was good to get to see him in this sort of fantasy flick.
Bottom line, Solomon Kane is a good ol’ fashioned Medieval fantasy that grips with its story and cool characters from beginning to end.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Some foul language
FAVORITE QUOTE: Father, I have kept my promise and Meredith is returned to her mother. The demon is gone, banished to the shadows along with the sorcerer who had cursed us all. But evil is not so easily defeated, and I know I will have to fight again. I am a very different man now. Through all of my travels, all the things I’ve seen and all the things I’ve done, I have found my purpose. There was a time when the world was plunging into darkness. A time of witchcraft and sorcery, when no one stood against evil. That time… is over.
Check out the trailer below:
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