Review of Solomon Kane (2009) by Christian B — 21 Aug 2010

If I kill you, I am bound for hell. It is a price I shall gladly pay.

This epic adventure movie starring Rome's James Purefoy is a constant thrill ride and a dive into the world of demons, witches, and other sorts of unspeakable horrors and evil. The film takes its audiences into a world ruled by an evil sorcerer who is under the command of the Devil himself, and who in turn commands a vast army of evil creatures. The film depicts a dank, dreary, and devastated countryside whose people long to have someone who can rid them of the rule of the sorcerer. In comes Solomon Kane (Purefoy), a man whose soul has been damned thanks to his many violent acts in the past, the first of which is the accidental killing of his older brother, Marcus (Roukin). After narrowly escaping the clutches of Death during one of his quests, Solomon realizes that the Devil is after him and that his soul is most likely damned. In order to escape a fiery fate, Solomon leaves his violent ways and enters a monastery. Years later the priests ask him to leave despite him donating loads of money to the church. According to the priest, "His destiny doesn't lie here." Solomon meets a travelling family of pilgrims, the Crowthorns. He soon grows close to the family, especially to Meredith (Rachel Hurd-Wood), who even sews him a new set of clothes. This peaceful bliss (and Solomon's vow never to use violence again) is soon shattered when they are savagely attacked by a group of men following the sorcerer's orders. Samuel (Patrick Hurd-Wood), Edward (Wilks), and William (Postlethwaite) are slain, while Meredith is taken hostage. A dying William asks for Solomon's oath that he will find and rescue Meredith, and when he does so, his soul will be redeemed. Solomon must now rescue Meredith - a journey which would bring him to the road to his redemption.

Excellent fight scenes, a convincing atmosphere, and fantastic scenery. I have to admit one thing: the scene with the witch definitely scared me (I'm jumpy, and the scene was certainly unexpected). Bloodthirsty cannibals reminiscent of the mutated vampires in Daybreakers were also present. All in all, a bloody good adventure film. Try seeing this one when you have the chance.