SummaryA classic English story told in a fresh, vivacious style by the teenage heroine of the piece. (Samuel Goldwyn Films)
Directed By:Tim Fywell
Written By:Dodie Smith, Heidi Thomas
I Capture the Castle
Metascore
Generally Favorable
63
User score
Generally Favorable
6.7
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
62% Positive
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
31% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
7% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
90
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.
80
The psychological darkness that underpins this film doesn't seem inappropriate to its wit and charm, but rather amplifies it, makes it more real.
75
A delightful coming-of-age movie that teeters on contrivance but never topples.
67
Falling in love with the wrong person makes for a far more toothsome melodrama, a fact this small, satisfying picture rightly recognizes.
60
Smith's beautifully observed story of two young women learning how cruel and calculating the world -- and they -- can be is beautifully realized, and Garai stands out among a fine ensemble cast.
50
An overloaded script by Heidi Thomas... defeats a fine cast
20
Garai's flowery, overwritten narration proves irritating in the movie's first half, then unfortunately sets the tone for a fatal second-half descent into soap operatics, dippy dialogue, and airless melodrama.
User score
Generally Favorable
57% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
29% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
14% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Nov 27, 2021
6
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 rrecommend it.
Production Company:
- BBC Film
- Isle of Man Film Commission
- Isle of Man Film
- Take 3 Partnership
- Trademark Films
Release Date:Jul 11, 2003
Duration:1 h 53 m
Rating:R
Tagline:I love, I have loved, I will love.
Awards
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Film by the Sea International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
London Critics Circle Film Awards
• 1 Nomination
