I Capture the Castle

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I Capture the Castle

R

Released May 9, 2003

1h 51m

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

78%

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85 Reviews

76%

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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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Critics Consensus

A handsome and charming adaptation of the novel.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

An overloaded script by Heidi Thomas defeats a fine cast that includes Bill Nighy...

Jul 2, 2022

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 3/5

Dec 19, 2003

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Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

It has just enough charm to be watchable.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 12, 2003

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Charlotte Harrison

Charlotte Sometimes Goes to the Movies

This is a solid adaptation of the book, but a great 1930s-set period drama in its own right.

Aug 6, 2021

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Film Threat

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Film Threat

Rated: 3/5

Dec 6, 2005

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isla s

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.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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joe m

I was just reading about "I Capture the Castle" and it brought back to me what a well above average film this is, based on an outstanding book. Well worth catching if you have a chance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

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.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

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!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

Excellent movie. Pleasant surprise on Amazon.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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Audience Member

Worth watching - refreshing twist and Cassandra was endearing

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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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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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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