Here we reach the end of Robert E. Howard's cinematic endeavors. Released before the 2011 Conan film, but not reaching the US until 2012 (when I found it on cable), Solomon Kane was one of Howard's lesser known characters. A Puritan, Kane also traveled the globe fighting monsters of both the human and inhuman ilk. First appearing in "Red Shadows" (August 1928), Kane's literary career was shorter than Conan but I found his stories in many ways to be richer. Conan was often just motivated by revenge or greed in his stories, but Kane often fought because he felt compelled.
In Northern Africa, 1600, a pirate crew lead by Solomon Kane (James Purefoy) slaughters their way into a mountain fortress. The crew is slowly picked off by booby traps and magic until only Kane is left. Before he can loot the gold, however, a rather large demon appears and make it clear that Kane won't have time to enjoy his riches.
Deciding his soul is more valuable than his pocket, Kane flees. When we see him again years later in England, he is decidedly changed. Covered in holy tattoos and living in a monastery, Kane is trying to improve his soul's worth when the abbot decides to kick him out after a bad dream.
With no where else to go, Kane decides to return home. Along the way he is attacked by bandits. Kane is trying to live a better life, so he declares that he won't fight back. The bandits, impressed with his vows of non-violence, only take everything and only leave him half dead. Kane is latter found by the Crowthrons, a Puritan family making their towards the New World. The father, Michael (Pete Postlethwaite) bonds with Kane and the group continues their travels. They set upon again by a different group of bandits. These ruffians aren't after money though, as they follow the will of Malachi (Jason Flemyng).
Malachi has been building up an army and killing all those who defy him. He also interprets defying as being in the general area as him. The Crowthrons are butchered, with the daughter Meredith (Rachel Hurd-Wood) being spirited away for a later sacrifice.
From there Kane decides this non violence thing only works if not surrounded by blood thirsty ghouls and decides to stab, shoot, and set on fire any undead thing that crosses his path. His travels take him across the land and secrets are revealed.
Interesting film; the story decides that we needed to know Kane's background and give him a quest for redemption, whereas in the stories Kane's history was only hinted at and he was secure with his soul's fate. The twist the film delivers in the end is an old chestnut and one the viewer can guess once the information is presented. Max von Sydow is largely wasted in a fairly pointless cameo. Worth a viewing certainly, but I wouldn't go to any great lengths to see it.
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