2009
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| For some reason he reminds my of guitarist, Paul Allender. |
This is a sin and redemption movie. As can be expected, there were some moments of stale dialogue and melodrama . However, the film struggles to be character driven by way of defining it's protagonist by the pivotal moments that led to his predicament. For a modern-era Sword and Sorcery film, it isn't bad (probably because it's not American). Also, James Purefoy does justice to the character of Solomon Kane - an ex-bloodthirsty pirate who attempts to renege on a bargain with the devil.
That's the strength of the film: You can actually feel for his plight, though it's not until the very end that the truth of it is revealed. It's subtle. I missed it the first time. Having watched it again, I realize that this is in keeping with Robert E. Howard's (of Conan fame) style of writing. That bitter, cringe-worthy piece of knowledge is always delivered after much suffering has been endured, and usually when the main character can't do anything about it but persevere.
I also think this movie is beautifully shot. I know - that's a weird thing to say about a dark fantasy where everything is drab and barren and stripped. But the film gives one a sense of despondency that is missing from other contemporary S&S films, like 2011's remake of Conan The Barbarian. There, even the slavery and despair looked...clean. It was misery ripe for - or maybe designed for - heroism. In Kane, there is only the drudgery of existence and survival in a time when the land betrayed its people and salvation meant not dying of a plague or a raid. While it's suggested that the deal imbued Solomon with preternatural strength, in a scene where he frees himself from gruesome bondage, the only strength comes from the will to make things right; to keep a promise.
This is a film worth watching.
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