Based on the classic novel by Dodie Smith ("101 Dalmations"), "I Capture the Castle" is a coming-of-age love story set in 1930s England about two British sisters from an eccentric family who tangle with two wealthy American brothers.
The girls, 17-year-old Cassandra (Ramola Garai) and the slightly older Rose (Rose Byrne), live with their artistic parents and brother in a ramshackle -- but still very storybook-esque -- castle. Their father, played by Bill Nighy, wrote a best-selling novel 12 years ago but has been unable to write since. After losing his wife, he remarries Bohemian painter Topaz, a loving creature with a penchant for naked rain bathing, but he is teetering on the brink of madness and becomes emotionally distant from the entire Mortmain family.
The sophisticated, handsome brothers, Simon and Neil Cotton (Henry Thomas and Marc Blucas), show up one evening unannounced, witnessing one of Topaz's outdoor bathing-in-the-buff sessions on their way in. They recently inherited the castle and are both surprised and amused by the family, despite the fact they are two years behind in rent.
Dressed in matching dyed-green outfits fashioned by Topaz, the Mortmains invite the brothers for tea. Rose, who is the most frustrated with her family and lifestyle, sees this as an opportunity to snag one of the brothers. Despite her incredible beauty, the rendezvous is unrequited. Instead, Rose appears unsocialized and unsophisticated, awkwardly and assertively trying to flirt with the brothers while draped in a peculiar outfit very unlike the smart and sassy dress of the day.
Even though she makes an embarrassing first impression, eventually both brothers fall in love with her -- Simon in an obvious way and Neil quietly. Meanwhile, Cassandra, who advances the movie through her journal entries, struggles with her feelings for one of the brothers as well as her sexual confusion over the family's unpaid servant.
The movie is beautifully filmed, with lots of green and gorgeous landscape scenes juxtaposed with those of a damp and dreary castle. Another highlight rests in the fact that the family, although bizarre, is very likable. Because the film -- and Smith's novel -- is so unsentimental, we never feel sorry for them, even when they barely have food on the table.
But the lessons learned are the best part of this film.
Although "Castle" takes place more than 60 years ago, it addresses the timeless question of whether to wait for true love or settle for something practical in order to avoid loneliness.
The film moves slowly -- even a little too slowly at times -- but in doing so it reminds us that when people are stripped of convenience and material items they are left with time and forced to become more creative and even more appreciative of nature. Cassandra's incessant journal writing, Rose's musical abilities and Topaz' paintings are all proof of this.
The movie also makes a strong statement in favor of familial love. No matter how crazy the family appears, they deeply love one another. Although Rose wants to marry into the Cotton family based on their wealth, part of her reasoning is because she wants to help her family, and it is Cassandra who finally takes drastic measures to get her father's creative juices flowing again.
"I Capture The Castle," directed by first-timer Tim Fywell and produced by "Shakespeare in Love" producer David Parfitt, is the perfect rainy afternoon film. It opens Fri., Aug. 8 at Landmark's Downer Theatre.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
