I Capture The Castle
(2003)
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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. |
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Although author Dodie Smith is best known for The Hundred and One Dalmatians, her book I Capture the Castle captivated many young imaginations. Faithfully adapted here, it makes a comforting drama that satisfies romantic yearnings for the past. Genteel poverty has never looked so enchanting, as the Mortmain family, headed by creatively blocked writer Bill Nighy, lead lives of bohemian chaos in a dilapidated castle. Events are recorded by the 17-year-old diarist Cassandra (Romola Garai), whose interest in the opposite sex is awakened when two American brothers (Henry Thomas and Marc Blucas) stumble across the Mortmains on their way to an inherited estate. Cassandra's rite-of-passage is a predictable affair and the 1930s period trappings are laid on a little too thickly, but this is a reassuringly solid and intelligent adaptation, beautifully photographed and expertly performed.
Halliwell's Film Guide
Unexpectedly charming romantic drama of crossed loves, given a precise period feel and a gentle comic touch.