Film Review: Soloman Kane
Director: Michael J Bassett
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Certificate: 15
Starring: James Purefoy, Max Von Sydow,
Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel Hurd-
Wood, Alice Krige and Mackenzie
Crook
This 17th Century action adventure has a fantastical twist of the Devil's grim reaper, possessed villagers, great fight scenes, love, loss and soul searching. Soloman Kane played by swarthy James Purefoy offers a convincing leading character with an charismatic west county accent in search of some last minute enlightenment.
His troubled, violent, death wreaking past has quite suitably landed Solomon top of the wish list of THE darkest demon of all - the Devil. Solomon's disturbing visit from the grim reaper, condemning him to hell, sparked a soul searching journey to righteousness. Seeking refuge in holy places and his praying for redemption are feeble attempts, as the all consuming darkness follows his every steps. It appears the devil doesn't let off that easily!
Along Soloman's journey he finds solace with a passing faithful family, kind enough to find pity on this dishevelled tortured soul. Happy storytelling, soft smiles, comforting looks, and prayers of hope can't keep the darkness at bay from this poor and kind family. It is not long before the inevitable happens, as death becomes of them all, bar their angelic, beautiful daughter. Solomon then sets upon his quest to save the girl and battle his demons.
I was pessimistic on first thoughts of this film, and the first few minutes weren't reassuring. But - and it's a big BUT! I stuck with it and actually enjoyed this action fantasy. James Purefoy plays a good Solomon, you begin to feel sorry for this rough and ready 17th century warrior. Who by the way has a human killing list longer than my arm! His rough exterior hides a genuine man who wants to be good.
The death of this saviour family was somewhat predictable - all the good / happy people usually die in films. It was a shame Pete Postlethwaite didn't make it longer through the film, he is always a convincing wholesome English actor. Who is a pleasure to watch on stage or big screen.
The cinematography played hints of Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean and Val Helsing:- dark, woodland-y, perspective zooming baddies, hardy sword fights and imaginative CGI sorcery . Solomon's sweeping cape looked pretty dramatic too!
I would watch this film again, and it was better than I thought. If you like a bit of action, dark powers, a good sad scene and some great British actors then this is definitely for you.
Rating
*** (3*/5*)
