I Capture the Castle

2004 Drama

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. more..

Director: Tim Fywell

Starring: Romola Garai, Rose Byrne, Henry Thomas, Marc Blucas, Bill Nighy

 30 Reviews  6 Awards

Reviews

  • It's a rich, emotional story, a wonderfully appealing film made with humor and intelligence, but there is also something almost magical about how it takes the stuff of innumerable previous films -- love, romance and adolescent coming of age -- and turns them into something that feels one of a kind.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

  • We like these people, which is important, and we are amused by them, which is helpful, but most of all we envy them, because they negotiate their romantic perplexities with such dash and style.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    19 January 2013

  • The psychological darkness that underpins this film doesn't seem inappropriate to its wit and charm, but rather amplifies it, makes it more real.

    Stephen Hunter - The Washington Post

    19 January 2013

  • If there's true magic to be found in the proceedings, it's in Garai's dexterous performance.

    Wesley Morris - The Boston Globe

    19 January 2013

  • A delightful coming-of-age movie that teeters on contrivance but never topples.

    - The San Francisco Chronicle

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Most Promising Newcomer

    British Independent Film Awards (2003)

     

  • Tim Fywell

    Cherbourg-Octeville Festival of Irish & British Film (2003)

     

  • Tim Fywell

    Emden International Film Festival (2003)

     

  • Tim Fywell

    Film by the Sea International Film Festival (2003)

  • British Newcomer of the Year

    London Critics Circle Film Awards (2004)

     

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