Some films have achieved cult status. Labyrinth is one of them. But there's been many other films that are really good, but they've remained under the radar and overlooked. I Capture the Castle is one of them. Labyrinth fans would adore this film. It was captivating from the opening scene, when the protagonist was dreamily journaling in the sink of her quirky family's castle. Everything in the film was sweet, dreamy, imaginative, and delightful. It was based on an equally- delightful and imaginative vintage novel by Dodie Smith. "I write this sitting in the kitchen sink." - that's how the novel began. More appealing quirkiness I can't imagine.Anglophiles, rejoice. You'll find bliss in the movie and the book. Escape, and imagine, and watch or read away. A Secret Garden fans would love this, too. If you like girly, British-y romances, with pretty, earnest, artsy characters, and families that are off-the-beaten-path, and decaying castles in the English countryside - then you'll love this movie.

This movie is ideal for the task of escapism, immersion, the transformation of one's mood.The film has the perfect combination of giddy happiness and stabs of sadness. It achieves this because it forces the audience to CARE ABOUT THE CHARACTERS. A vital ingredient which film directors neglect all too often. Of course this compelling quality is thanks to the inspired writer Dodie Smith, but it takes a keenly in tuned director to animate a writer's vision on screen.The cast was picked because the actors were SUITED TO THEIR CHARACTERS. Again a vital ingredient neglected all too often. I despise watching an insipid actress who has been chosen because she is pals with the director. Both Romola Garai and Rose Byrne not only suited Cassandra and Rose, but also suited being sisters. The chemistry between all characters in this movie was believable, from Cassy desperately longing for Simon to view her as more than a silly child to her dealing with growing jealousy of her beautiful sister.If one is ever homesick for england as Dodie Smith was when she wrote the novel, this is the movie to turn to for refuge. It transports the viewer to scenes that could only be England. Green meadows, crumbling castles with damp walls, the need to wear wool en socks in bed, the excitement of venturing into London.A fascinating look at the age seventeen where one feels like they are forty, but are treated as if twelve and are being told that the passion they are feeling is mere fantasy.

If I could have rated this film lower than 1, I would have. I agree completely with Freudella's commentary (which see), and I don't understand how she could give it even 5*.The events of the book are technically correct in the film, but the essential charm, agony, poignancy, and sense are completely missing. I do wonder how I would have felt about this film if I'd never read the book; I think it would have seemed merely baffling and pointless. As it is, the disappointment is deep.I love a good "quirky" film, but for all its quirkiness this film is (paradoxically) both bland and nasty. No believable context is provided for the characters' eccentricities, which hang suspended out of time, place, or background. Whereas the book amazes with its revelation of the tension between Cassandra's innocence and growing knowingness, and the preservation of innocence within knowingness, the movie makes no space for her innocence at all. Contrast that with, say, Hudson's MY LIFE SO FAR.Adolescent romance is an expression not just of sexual drive but, even more, of the need to make sense of adult life. Dodie Smith understood this. These filmmakers did not.

I am a fan of Dodie Smith's book and thought that this movie complemented the book very well.The style and look of the movie was brilliant. From the clothes to the scenery, it was a visual feast.The best part of this movie was the casting. The casting was perfect! Every actor fit their character beautifully. Romola Garai was great as the naive Cassandra. Henry Cavil is wonderful in his quiet, intense way (and of course he's gorgeous!), and Marcus Blucas and Henry Thomas were utterly charming as the Cotton brothers.The only thing I can say negative about this movie is that the conclusion was made very obvious. The relationships between characters was given away at the very beginning, lessening the impact of the ending. (It's more subtle in the book.) I highly request reading the book first, before seeing the movie! It will allow you to make your own assumptions about the characters before the movie reveals all! If you want to see a smart, romance I suggest this film!