I Capture the Castle (2003)

80% of critics liked it
(81 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(7,063 ratings)

Based on the novel by Dodie Smith (101 Dalmatians), director Tim Fywell's comic romance follows 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain (Romola Garai) and her quirky family as they attempt to make the best of their meager existence in a crumbling English castle. While her father (Bill Nighy) has been… More Based on the novel by Dodie Smith (101 Dalmatians), director Tim Fywell's comic romance follows 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain (Romola Garai) and her quirky family as they attempt to make the best of their meager existence in a crumbling English castle. While her father (Bill Nighy) has been struggling for over a decade to repeat the success of his debut novel, her beautiful sister Rose (Rose Byrne) frequently voices her displeasure with their current situation, and nudist stepmother Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald) proves little help at much of anything. The arrival of American landlord Simon Cotton (Henry Thomas) and his brother Neil (Marc Blucas) provides a glimmer of hope as the initially repelled Rose soon takes a liking to Simon and the two arrange to marry. Lost in the chaotic shuffle of marriage plans and increasingly complicated relationships, the hapless Cassandra soon begins to blossom into womanhood as she experiences aspects of life that were heretofore unknown to her. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: Tim Fywell
Written By: Amy Jenkins, Heidi Thomas
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 11, 2003 Limited
On DVD: Dec 23, 2003
Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films

Critic Reviews

Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
It has just enough charm to be watchable.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
With eloquent dialogue but scant smoldering passions, the mushy machinations nicely nudge director Tim Fywell's gentle little film.
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
Dollops on the usual romantic, family and class conflicts with a very heavy ladle, which pretty much smothers the whimsical mood Fywell strains so hard to attain.
Gary Dowell, Dallas Morning News
A refreshingly mature look at first love and life's often-rough transitions.
Vic Vogler, Denver Post
Never shies from indulging us and our desire for a gentle and generous world that doesn't slip into easy answers.
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic
It's a pleasantly quirky love story with a wry sense of humor and standout performances from the youngish cast.
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
...mines the rich veins of both Austen and Fitzgerald. But Fywell lets his focus wander. By the end Castle seems to come apart stone by stone.
Beth Jones, Roanoke Times (Virginia)
The fancy-pants accents and period costuming make one feel intellectually smug, as if the afternoon had been spent watching a Merchant-Ivory film - only without the tedium of actually sitting through a Merchant-Ivory film.
Marcy Dermansky, About.com
Romala Garai is utterly convincing as the smart, wistful girl with the notebook.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
A quirky and handsome family drama that nicely captures the pangs and pleasures of adolescence.
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
The film is a charmer. It's romantic, funny and satisfying.
Steve Schneider, Orlando Weekly
Better on set-up than follow-through.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jennifer X

If anything the things that went down in this film really surprised me. Who knew that the guy was going to make out with Cassandra? And then he doesn't get together with her? Crazy! But what really wins out in this film is the setting. I was never sure what period this was set in… More
If anything the things that went down in this film really surprised me. Who knew that the guy was going to make out with Cassandra? And then he doesn't get together with her? Crazy! But what really wins out in this film is the setting. I was never sure what period this was set in because the atmosphere and the quirky family and the wacky costumes recalled everything, from the 1800s to the 1920s to the 50s. Wow!
Wildaly M

Lovely movie, although I didn't fall in love with it.
Lovable M

I think I enjoyed this movie more than most people did, but I don't see how anyone with good taste could not like this film.