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In the sea of
cliché, cookie-cutter chick flicks that make their way into the theaters every year, very
few really stand out as being something worth watching. And even less stand out as being
something memorable—something worth watching again. But I Capture the Castle is
one of the exceptions to the rule. It’s beautiful and romantic and funny and
different—and it’s worth
watching.
Repeatedly.
Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Mortmain
(Romola Garai) records everything in her beloved journal. She writes down all of
her thoughts and feelings—and she writes about her family. Her stepmother, Topaz (Tara
Fitzgerald), is an artist and a nudist. Her older sister, Rose (Rose Byrne), is
beautiful and shallow, and her only goal in life is to marry rich. And her father (Bill
Nighy) is the author of the critically-acclaimed novel, Jacob Wrestling—but now he
spends his time locked in a room, reading mystery novels. He hasn’t written a word in
twelve years, and they haven’t been able to pay the rent on their run-down castle in
ages.
The Mortmains’ quiet life at the castle changes, however, when
their new landlord, Simon Cotton (Henry Thomas), arrives from America with his brother,
Neil (Marc Blucas). Instantly attracted to Simon’s wealth—and the pretty peach towels
that his mother keeps in their bathroom—Rose decides that she’s going to marry him. But
the Mortmain sisters soon discover that you can’t choose who you
love.
I Capture the Castle is a truly beautiful—and still truly
funny—film that successfully manages to be both dramatic and comedic without feeling
disjointed. The story itself is a little bit like Sixteen
Candles. It’s a coming-of-age story, told from the point-of-view of the younger
sister who’s quietly standing in the shadows. At the same time, it has the
sophistication of an Audrey Hepburn classic. The pastoral setting and overall tone are
reminiscent of something based on a Jane Austen novel (like Emma or Sense and
Sensibility)—yet without being syrupy or pretentious.
For those
of you who have read the book, however, a word of caution: I loved this movie, but I
didn’t read the book first. If you do choose to see it, keep an open mind—remember that
it’s impossible to fit every glorious detail of a 300-page book into a movie, and often
filmmakers take a few liberties.
For the rest of you, no word of caution
is necessary. I couldn’t recommend I Capture the Castle any more strongly. Don’t
miss it.
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