i capture the castle

___Discovered this gem of a movie a week or so ago and finally had the chance to watch it the other night. How could I not when it has one of my favorite actresses (Romola Garai), an actor I'm in love with (Henry Cavill), and another actress who I adore (Rose Byrne)? Plus it takes place in a castle and in England. After watching the sweet, coming of age film, I was hardly left disappointed.
___Romola Garai plays Cassandra, the middle child of a famous author. Ever since he wrote Jacob Wrestling when she was a mere child, Mr. Mortmain (Bill Nighy) has had a serious case of writer's block. Thinking a change of scenery would spark something, he moves his family to an old castle. Eight or so years later, his wife has since died and been replaced with Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald), Mr. Mortmain has failed to produce any writing, and the family is positively destitute. Cassandra's older sister, Rose (Rose Byrne), dreams of riches and luxury while Cass simply records everything in her diary.
____Joining the family is a worker, Stephen (Henry Cavill, how beautiful is he?!), who is in love with Cass. As the movie says, "he looks like every single Greek god rolled into one." Unfortunately, Cass vows never to fall in love.
____Fate changes when two American brothers, Neil and Simon Cotton, inherit the land that the Mortmain's castle is on, and come for a visit. Romantic entanglements begin quickly. Simon and Rose seem engaged. Cass finds herself in love with Simon. Neil and Rose hate each other (but really don't). And poor Stephen is still in love with Cass. Not to mention the adults. Mr. Mortmain is infatuated with Mrs. Cotton, leaving Topaz feeling left out. And a certain older woman is interested in Stephen.
____Of course everything has to come to an end eventually. I found this ending surprisingly refreshing and quite realistic given the circumstances. I fully recommend this movie, even if all the acting was terrible and the plot was horrendous, a twenty-year-old Henry Cavill is more than worth it!

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