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I Capture the Castle

Play trailer Poster for I Capture the Castle R 2003 1h 51m Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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78% Tomatometer 85 Reviews 76% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
After his successful first novel, James Mortmain (Bill Nighy) has been unable to write for 12 years, retreating to his decrepit family castle with his second wife, Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald), and daughters Rose (Rose Byrne) and Cassandra (Romola Garai). With the family in desperate straits, their hopes are raised by the arrival of their new neighbors, American brothers Neil (Marc Blucas) and Simon Cotton (Henry Thomas). To save the family, Rose is determined to seduce and marry the wealthy Simon.
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I Capture the Castle

I Capture the Castle

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Critics Consensus

A handsome and charming adaptation of the novel.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader 07/02/2022
An overloaded script by Heidi Thomas defeats a fine cast that includes Bill Nighy... Go to Full Review Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel 09/12/2003
3/5
It has just enough charm to be watchable. Go to Full Review Bruce Westbrook Houston Chronicle 08/08/2003
A-
With eloquent dialogue but scant smoldering passions, the mushy machinations nicely nudge director Tim Fywell's gentle little film. Go to Full Review Charlotte Harrison Charlotte Sometimes Goes to the Movies 08/06/2021
This is a solid adaptation of the book, but a great 1930s-set period drama in its own right. Go to Full Review Film Threat 12/06/2005
3.5/5
Film Threat 12/06/2005
3/5
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Audience Reviews

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isla s 09/04/2022 This is quite a pleasant watch - its an easy story to follow, with perfectly nice characters. It has a dreamy feel to it, most of the time, with narration provided by the main character, an adolescent called Cassandra. It has a naivete to it and if your keen on coming of age type watches, more specifically of period dramas (in this case set in the 1930s I believe) then you'll likely find this enjoyable. It looked, to me, like a longer, film version of a BBC TV show - I think its part funded by the BBC, so that would make sense. Also, Henry Cavill is in this, playing Stephen Colley (this film obviously dated from before he took on the role of Superman, of course). Bill Nighy also appears, playing the main families father, James. He gives a pretty solid performance. Its a perfectly watchable film, although the plot is a little plain - its a reasonable watch and if it sounds of interest to you then yes, I suppose I would recommend it. See more 10/15/2016 A simple but effective film about a family moving to gorgeous castle in remote English Countryside, and the father of the family is trying to write a follow up book to his first & only hit novel. The film focuses largely on the girls of the family especially Cassandra played to perfection by the stunning Romola Garai. It's focuses on the hard times, loves gained & lost. Cassandra's unconditional love for most is the strength of the film. The film has a soft look & terrific costumes, a great romantic film that will no doubt appeal to female audiences. See more 09/02/2016 1930s England... It felt a little like a Jane Austen coming of age story of first loves in hard times.... I enjoyed it quite a bit more than I thought I would! See more 08/28/2016 Excellent movie. Pleasant surprise on Amazon. See more 08/14/2016 Worth watching - refreshing twist and Cassandra was endearing See more 06/22/2015 Romantic coming-of-age period drama with some quirky elements thrown in. There's nothing spectacular about this storyline but it's well made. See more Read all reviews
I Capture the Castle

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Cast & Crew

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Tim Fywell

Director

Romola Garai

Cassandra Mortmain

Rose Byrne

Rose Mortmain

Henry Thomas

Simon Cotton

Marc Blucas

Neil Cotton

Bill Nighy

James Mortmain

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I Capture the Castle

I Capture the Castle (2003) I Capture the Castle (2003) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After his successful first novel, James Mortmain (Bill Nighy) has been unable to write for 12 years, retreating to his decrepit family castle with his second wife, Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald), and daughters Rose (Rose Byrne) and Cassandra (Romola Garai). With the family in desperate straits, their hopes are raised by the arrival of their new neighbors, American brothers Neil (Marc Blucas) and Simon Cotton (Henry Thomas). To save the family, Rose is determined to seduce and marry the wealthy Simon.
Director
Tim Fywell
Producer
Anant Singh, David M. Thompson, David Parfitt
Screenwriter
Heidi Thomas
Distributor
IDP Distribution
Production Co
BBC, Trademark Films, Isle of Man Film
Rating
R
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 9, 2003, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 17, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.2M
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Surround
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