Solomon Kane (2009)

Solomon Kane Poster

A nomadic 16th century warrior, condemned to hell for his brutal past, seeks redemption by renouncing violence, but finds some things are worth burning for as he fights to free a young Puritan woman from the grip of evil.

Introduction
"Solomon Kane" is a 2009 British-French-Czech dark fantasy action-adventure film directed by Michael J. Bassett. It includes James Purefoy in the eponymous lead role based on the pulp publication character Solomon Kane, created in 1928 by Robert E. Howard. The movie tells the origins of Solomon Kane and draws considerable product from Howard's stories.

Plot Summary
The movie opens in 1600 North Africa with Solomon Kane, a ruthless and efficient English privateer, pillaging and slaiving. Nevertheless, an encounter with a devil's reaper, who declares he has actually been damned for his harsh and harsh past, changes his life. Kane narrowly escapes from the devil's reaper by leaping out of a window, and ultimately, he is rescued and brought to an abbey.

Kane decides to renounce violence and accept spirituality, promising to live a life of peace and pureness. He spends a peaceful time at the monastery until he is explosively dismissed for his security and the safety of others. Now a wanderer, he looks for to redeem his soul by living a life of non-violence.

Months later, Kane discovers the Crowthorn household, who are devout Puritans taking a trip westward throughout England. Sharing their journey, he becomes close to them, specifically their lovely and virtuous child Meredith. However, the Crowthorns are attacked by followers of Malachi-- a sorcerer looking for to dominate England using his army of demons. The Crowthorns are mercilessly killed, and Meredith gets abducted.

Experiencing the brutal murder of the family and the kidnapping of Meredith breaks Kane's vow of non-violence. He sets off to save Meredith and puts his soul at threat by going back to his ruthless and violent methods. Kane's journey leads him across England-- experiencing a witch coven, reanimated remains, and beasts who are controlled by Malachi.

Climax & Conclusion
In the climax, Kane saves Meredith, eliminates Malachi and his masked lieutenant, who turned out to be his older brother, Marcus. In spite of violence and vengeance, there's a twist in Kane's fate. As he did all this in the name of justice and righteousness, he is spared from damnation.

The film ends by meaning Kane's future adventures, showing him as a warrior of God, standing against the forces of darkness worldwide. It not just explores his redemption but also his change into the iconic character of Solomon Kane that Robert E. Howard presented.

Critical Appreciation
"Solomon Kane" got moderate reviews from critics. While there was appreciation for James Purefoy's efficiency in the title role, the movie's dark dream tone, and its strong action sequences, some critics discovered the plot foreseeable. Regardless, the creative visual design, integrated with the charming lead efficiency, has made the film a cult favorite among certain viewers.

In conclusion, "Solomon Kane" uses an origin story to a fairly lesser-known pulp hero. The film combines components of dark fantasy and action-adventure to deliver a journey of redemption filled with supernatural encounters, dark sorcery, and thrilling battle sequences. What sets this movie apart is its lead character, Solomon Kane's battle with his past and his journey to a peaceful future.

Top Cast

  • James Purefoy (small)
    James Purefoy
    Solomon Kane
  • Pete Postlethwaite (small)
    Pete Postlethwaite
    William Crowthorn
  • Alice Krige (small)
    Alice Krige
    Katherine Crowthorn
  • Mackenzie Crook (small)
    Mackenzie Crook
    Father Michael
  • Max von Sydow (small)
    Max von Sydow
    Josiah Kane
  • Jason Flemyng (small)
    Jason Flemyng
    Malachi
  • Rachel Hurd-Wood (small)
    Rachel Hurd-Wood
    Meredith Crowthorn
  • Mark O'Neal
    Kane's Soldier #1
  • Robert Orr
    Kane's Soldier #2
  • Richard Ryan (small)
    Richard Ryan
    Kane's Soldier #3
  • Ian Whyte (small)
    Ian Whyte
    Devil's Reaper