Details
Movie Description
British period piece romance film fans should rejoice over I CAPTURE THE CASTLE, a film that earns its emotional payoffs, and manages to avoid the many clever and cloying traps that befall many of its brethren. Based on the novel by Dodie Smith, the tale surrounds an artistic family living in 1930s England in a rundown castle, waiting for their high-strung father to finish his next novel. Narrated by the 17-year-old daughter, Cassandra Mortmain (Romola Garai) who lives in the shadow of her older sister Rose (Rose Byrne), the film sweeps the viewer along on a believable mood of wistful longing, especially when two handsome brothers (Henry Thomas and Marc Blucas) come to visit the manor next door. Romance is in the air, but everyone soon finds themselves hopelessly ensnared in triangles of affection, and for all its victim's sweetness and good intentions, love is determined to run its own, contrary course.
Thanks to an intelligent but not overly dry script there are plenty of rich characterization and dialogue to go around; and the cast is excellent, with Garai--beautiful and quietly brilliant in her first major role--a standout. Dario Marianelli's score achieves moments of genuine greatness and adds immeasurably to the film's emotional impact. Anyone looking for that rare romantic film that has both heart and brains, realism and magic, humor and tragedy, all in the least treacly, most refreshing senses of the words, this is the CASTLE to keep.
Film Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen
Pan & Scan
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Audio Commentary - 1. Tim Fywell - Director, Heidi Thomas - Screenwriter, David Parfitt - Producer
Trailer - 1. Theatrical
Deleted Scenes
Interview with Actress Romala Gari
Theatrical Release: JULY 11, 2003 (NY/LA)
Industry Reviews
"...The evident affection that the filmmakers bear toward Smith's novel, and toward the odd, spirited people who inhabit it, gives the film a modest, hardworking appeal..."
New York Times - p.E24 - A. O. Scott (07/11/2003)
"...A singular experience. It's a rich, emotional story, a wonderfully appealing film made with humor and intelligence..."
Los Angeles Times - p.C1 - Kenneth Turan (07/11/2003)
"...[Fywell] generates touching emotion through the plight of Cassandra....[Garai] is heart-winning in the role..."
Chicago Sun-Times - p.30 - Roger Ebert (07/18/2003)
"...Garai and Byrne are pleasant..."
Entertainment Weekly - p.54 - Lisa Schwarzbaum (07/25/2003)
"...I CAPTURE THE CASTLE makes you wonder how many beloved vintage novels are just waiting to be plucked by simpatico filmmakers..."
USA Today - Mike Clark (07/25/2003)
"[With] a streak of sly humour and some colourful performances..."
Total Film - Daniel Webb (02/01/2004)
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