The Castle

Watch The Castle

"Ordinary Family. Extraordinary Story."
  • R
  • 1997
  • 1 hr 23 min
  • 7.6  (17,360)

The Castle is a 1997 Australian comedy film that tells the story of the Kerrigans. The Kerrigans are a working-class family who live in a ramshackle house next to the Melbourne airport. The family consists of father Darryl (played by Michael Caton), mother Sal (played by Anne Tenney), and their three children, Wayne, Tracey, and Dale.

The plot of the film centers around Darryl's fight to save their family home from being compulsorily acquired by the government. The family home is situated right next to the airport, and the authorities want to acquire the land to expand the airport. Darryl refuses to sell the house because he believes that it's not just a house, it's his castle.

The film takes an affectionate look at the family and their quirky habits. The Kerrigans are portrayed as a happy-go-lucky family who take pleasure in the simple things in life. The family may not have a lot of money or material possessions, but they are content with what they have. The film shows how the family rallies together to save the one thing that they hold dear, their home.

Throughout the film, we see Darryl's determination to keep his house. He fights the government's attempt to acquire his property, even though he knows he doesn't have much chance of winning. Darryl seeks the help of a lawyer and even takes his case all the way to the High Court. He is able to amass a group of like-minded people who support his cause and stand by him in his fight.

The Castle is peppered with humorous scenes, which keeps the film from becoming a dreary courtroom drama. The courtroom scenes are especially entertaining, as Darryl and his motley crew of supporters take on the well-resourced legal team representing the government. The courtroom scenes also showcase Darryl’s unwavering belief in his rights, and his willingness to stand up for what he thinks is right.

The performances of the actors in the film are top-notch. Michael Caton, in particular, delivers a standout performance as Darryl. His portrayal of a determined, yet simple and endearing character is what makes The Castle a cult classic. Anne Tenney is also fantastic as Sal, providing the film with a solid grounding.

The film's cinematography is another highlight. The filmmakers beautifully capture the vastness of the Australian outback, with stunning aerial shots of the airport and the Kerrigan's house. The film's soundtrack, featuring classic Australian rock songs like Thunderstruck by AC/DC, adds to the film's charm.

Overall, The Castle is a heartwarming film that celebrates the importance of family, home, and community. The film's message is simple – never give up on what you believe in, even if the odds are stacked against you. It's a film that audiences can relate to, irrespective of their cultural background, and one that's sure to leave a smile on their faces. The Castle remains a beloved classic of Australian cinema, and one that's worth watching again and again.

The Castle is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.

The Castle
Description
Where to Watch The Castle
The Castle is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Castle for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1997
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 23 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (17,360)