Movie review – “The Castle” (1997) ****

Number 96 proved Australian films could look visually ugly and still be popular, and this film reinforced it over 20 years later. A simple concept, beautifully realized through the skill of the writing and the quality of the acting. Michael Caton is excellent in a difficult role, the support cast is a stand out (Working Dog have always been strong on casting – here they discovered Stephen Curry), Bud Tingwell lends some needed third act gravitas and humanity (one of the most touching moments in the film is when he and Caton genuinely become friends – the other concerns the brother in gaol), a simply warm and wonderful ending sequence. Occasionally the making fun of working class people becomes a little caricatured (Anne Tenney’s performance), and it’s a shame we couldn’t have heard more of Tingwell’s final speech instead of using voice over. But a marvelous film which deserved its success.