I Capture the Castle

Rating:
Summary: Hidden Gem
Review: What a wonderfully hidden gem. "I capture the castle" is a film of unrequited love. Not my normal cup of tea but the production values and acting here makes it a very fine film.

The film concerns Rose and Cassandra.. two sisters in 1934 England. They live in a castle due to their father's eccentric wishes to write there. He has however, never written anything in the time they have been there. They are poor and desperate. Into this comes new landlords to the castle, Simon, Henry Thomas, and Neil, Marc Blucas, who are each interested in Rose. At first Cassandra is happy for Rose that she gets the rich Simon to fall for her, making the family rich, but when Cassandra falls for him too she finds herself wishing that she could marry Simon.

The acting is what makes this movie wonderful. The girl who plays Cassandra is perfect for the role and makes the movie. Thankfully the sisters relationship never falls into soap territory. Upon learning that Cassie is in love with Simon, Rose doesn't have a fit, but rather opines she would perfer Cassie to have him to if she could only get Simon to feel that way.

The only performance I found lacking was Henry Thomas who was so stiff and mannered that I couldn't quite figure out what Cassandra sees in him. I admit I never read the book so if you haven't I think you will like the movie. On its own it is a well made and well rounded movie.

Rating:
Summary: Nice little period piece, but why so obscure?
Review: Why have I never heard of this great movie before? It turns out to be one of the best films of 2003. I cannot compare it to the book, but the story and cinematography were wonderful. If you want to risk twenty bucks on a newly released DVD with rave reviews, forget about the slowness of LOST IN TRANSLATION or AMERICAN SPLENDOR... I CAPTURE THE CASTLE will not bore you and is truly memorable!

Rating:
Summary: Nice little period piece, but why so obscure?
Review: Why have I never heard of this terrific movie before? It turns out to be one of the best films of 2003. Maybe I can't compare it to the book, but the story and cinematography were wonderful. If you want to risk twenty bucks on a newly released DVD with rave reviews, forget about the slowness of LOST IN TRANSLATION or AMERICAN SPLENDOR... I CAPTURE THE CASTLE will not bore you and is a surprising little gem of a film!