Review: The Castle (1997)
By Luke Buckmaster on Jan 4, 1998 in Reviews
It may be pretentious of me to label The Castle the funniest Australian comedy ever made, but that’s probably not far from the truth.
This film comes from the Working Dog production company, who were responsible for the classic Aussie TV show Frontline as well as variety news and entertainment talkie The Panel. Working Dog star Rob Sitch directs The Castle with tasteful, silly and intelligent humour, complemented with a breezy and effortlessly energetic rythtem.
The Castle is a small guy versus the big guys film that has a sentimental emotional core, and many jokes are derived from the story of a charming family defending their home against a compulsory acquisition.
Performances from a talented Australia cast breathe life into a bunch of quirky but lovable characters. Michael Caton is especially great as the father of the family, Darryl Kerrigan, a lovable oaf with a heart of gold. Veteran actor Charles (Bud) Tingwell also appears as a wise lawyer who takes it upon himself to defend the Kerrigans.
The script was written by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy and Sitch - all regulars on TV’s The Panel. They have a sound sense of joke timing, and how to keep audiences interested. The Castle is a rare find; a funny, wonderful piece that shines in its own homely, honest way.
Review by Luke Buckmaster
Director: Rob Sitch
Cast: Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Anthony Simcoe, Charles (Bud) Tingwell, Wayne Hope, Tiriel Mora, Eric Bana
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i think the movie was halarious and funny i would like to see anothe eposode
jemima | Mar 6, 2008 | Reply
i think the movie was funny but made out Australians to be naive and stupid
??? | Mar 11, 2008 | Reply
Bloody ripper of a picy
Darrel | Mar 12, 2008 | Reply
I think that The Castle is the best movie ever made and didn’t really get the recongition that it truly deserves.
John Reichstein | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
I think its absolutely fantastic this movie. It’s goin straight to the pool room
Jonathan Skewes | Mar 20, 2008 | Reply
when its all said and done its too easy to get caught up in the cold complexity of everyday life. THE CASTLE puts everything good, back in perspective.
Tony Hicks | Mar 25, 2008 | Reply
hows mum?
..good.
hows dad?
..good.
hows trace?
..good.
how’s steve?
yeah, he’s alright.
how are you?
good.
?? | Mar 27, 2008 | Reply
i think it was a ripper of a movie.
Dale Kerrigan: [voiceover] He loved the serenity of the place
Darryl Kerrigan: Hows the serenity?
Dale Kerrigan: [voiceover] I think he also just loved the word.
Darryl Kerrigan: So much serenity.
bob | Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
ausum movie
hahaha tell him he’s dreamin best eva!!!!
cya xx <3
jackie | Apr 11, 2008 | Reply
jousting sticks - what do you want with jousting sticks ?
by far the best thing to come out of Australia
jamo | Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
best movie i have ever seen a truly Aussie film as Australian as vegemite
jack smith | Apr 30, 2008 | Reply
this was a super duper movie… i just love it like zooper dupers.. the youngest son was so hot!!! yum yum yum yum
kellidy or somethin like that | May 6, 2008 | Reply
the movie was good but i didnt like the fact that it made us aussies looks stupid.
that chris kid | May 8, 2008 | Reply
i thought this movie was absolutley brilliant. It represented us Aussies in a positive light as we will fight for what is ours. The cast couldnt have been picked better than it had and the humour was very intelligent and silly at the same time.
You could just feel the serenity in it!
louisa | May 14, 2008 | Reply
haha where goin 2 bonny dune where goin 2 bonny dune
hows the serenity haha luvs it. 2 thumbs up 
george grogalot | May 19, 2008 | Reply
its just the vibe!!!!!!!!!!
hehehehehehehehehehehehe
Tegan Fanning | May 28, 2008 | Reply
This movie is ussually refered to, when describing the typical Australian. I would hate to think that I acted or even spoke like those in this movie.
Putting formalities aside, this movie was one of the most humerous movies made. It just proves, that a low budget film, can be as good as a movie that has a high budget.
Matt Iorianni | May 28, 2008 | Reply
what was the name of the dodgy lawer with the “it the vibe”comment
Mat | Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
good movie
jay baynes | Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
really good movie
love the serenity
would watch it a billion times
i love darryl
jake boulton | Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
Best movie ever made in Oztralia!
Tony Raudino | Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
great movie…until you have to write youur uni assignment on it.
but good fun watching it again for “research”
student | Jun 5, 2008 | Reply
guess what guys i got serenity
love it
the movie is superb
tyson andrews | Jun 9, 2008 | Reply
love the movie
really inspired me to see australians a different way.
i love this movie i have posters of this movie in my room
micahel catons a really good actor Darryl
love it
aaron coslani | Jun 9, 2008 | Reply
The best aussie film ever! Can’t get my Swedish friend to watch it though.
Brilliant movie!
Potatis | Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
By far the FUNNIEST movie ever! it’s just so Australian love the one liners they are hysterical.
beth | Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
could any one tell me of a certain scene, where keaton was reading the trading post and comments on some - jousting sticks that were for sale- is this right –jousting sticks maybe not spelt right !! cheers
tim | Jun 20, 2008 | Reply
Best Film ever
makes you put things into perspective and teaches you to be happy with what you’ve got
Richard | Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
This is the stand out Australian comedy - extremely clever and with very subtle satirical points regards land and property;the glaring hypocriscy within the Australian “fair go” ethic is well covered and does nto distract from either the comedy or the simple narrative.
callum masson | Jul 14, 2008 | Reply
“Dennis Denuto” was the lawyer,
“F3 i cleaned the f***ing tray 3 times… LOL
What a pissa that bloke is
nick | Jul 29, 2008 | Reply
cracker Aussie comedy at its BEST……..
miss awesome | Jul 30, 2008 | Reply
friggin’ awesome,
way better than strictly ballroom
“it’s just…the vibe”
Quinn the legend | Jul 31, 2008 | Reply
lave it!!! It’s a brillent story that shows the the behavour of a typical Australian. We fight for our rights and take pride in achieving our goals.
This movie is going straight to the pool room! ^-^
Jamily ^-^ | Aug 24, 2008 | Reply
Jousting sticks is the funniest scene ever. It’s turned in to one of those stupid family things where if we are ever discussing anything for sale in the paper, the whole scene is verbally re-enacted. Tell him he’s dreaming - still makes me laugh every time …
Jenny | Aug 27, 2008 | Reply
What happened to this movie? I can not find it anywhere. Netflix no longer has it, nor Amazon, Blockbuster, etc. Did it get pulled for some legal reason?
Spencer | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
Hi Spencer, Im doing an essay on The Castle and found it really hard to get hold of too (well, for a decent price that is).. Are you from Aus? If so, have a look around for a shop called ezydvd.. would ya look at that! they have a website- ezydvd.com.au. I bought my copy for $10.. beauty..
Nicole | Sep 23, 2008 | Reply
Hi Nicole, unfortunatly I’m in the US. I will just have to keep looking I guess.
thanks
Spencer | Sep 26, 2008 | Reply
brilliant film
school student | Nov 2, 2008 | Reply
This would have to be may alltime favourite flick!
The Pride & the Commitment of the Kerrigan family reflects everything I believe in.
The movie has changed our lives & our language. Anything new “treasure” goes “straight to the poolroom” (which we incidentally do not have hahah) and with more than a few vehicles at this household we have fun anytime the driveway has to be cleared - though this household is full of blue ovals & a Nissan & we vary the quote to include Laser, Falcon, Ranger & Patrol.
Even reading junk mail catalogues will trigger “tell im e’s dreamin!”
We copped a bit of damage from the storm which hit Brisbane last weekend but when I saw the devastation of some homes I was humbled by Farouk’s words - In my country - planes fly over they drop bombs. This has subtley kept me aware of how lucky we have been compared to other Brisbane residents whose “castles” were totally ravaged by Sunday’s storm.
This is a must have for any movie library.
Lyn | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
This movie has everything!
What other movie makes you wet your pants AND gives you warm fuzzies? As well as actually sucking you into the fact that “these could be real people”?
Absolutely bloody brilliant!
The opening scene is like the funniest stand-up comedy (one-liners) act in history. And it just never stops!
Sometimes we start casually quoting from ‘The Castle’ (annoying as it is when people do that) and, try as we might, we can’t stop! It’s just end to end hilarity.
And I disagree that it paints Australians (for the record, I’m an NZer) in a bad light. The Kerrigans are an amazing family, and there are enough ‘other’ characters (the lawyers etc) to give a sense of the intellectual spectrum of the country.
Have to go now …. we’re going to Bonnie Doon … we’re going to Bonnie Doon … we’re going to Bonnie Doon …
Greg | Dec 18, 2008 | Reply
Totally agree that Australians are not painted badly at all - the whole tone of the film tells you that a) these are not typical Australians and b) it is the most caring, loving family that is possible to exist…
In many ways Aussies are portrayed very well…
Paul | Dec 24, 2008 | Reply
My favourite movie.
“What is it with wogs and cash”
Art | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
Bloody pisser
I just love the serenity
so much bloody serenity
??? | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
this movie is an old time Aussie classic which never gets old! no matter how many times you watch it, you still end up in fits of laughter listening to a very ‘intelligent’ Dale Kerrigan narrate the story.
the movie displays alot of core beliefs we aussies value our selves on.. it would simply be un-australian if you havn’t seen it!
brooke | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
The Castle is one of the funniest and most re-nowned aussie movies of all time. a bloody aussie classic that continues to be enjoyed by generations of old and new! This movie is timeless and proves that aussies are engraved with a ‘fair-go’ attitude that applies to every aspect of their lives. Farouk is hilarious aswell! “they say, plane fly over drop value, i dont mind. in Beriut, plane fly over, drop bomb!” haha bloody genius!
becca | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
The movie ” The Castle ” was a thoroughly enjoyable Australian movie. The simplictiy of the movie and the simple characterisation (especially of Dale) brought upon the humour and laughter throughout the whole movie.
This classic Australian movie is one of a kind and if you have watched it like many of the population, you would enjoy it just as much (= .
Tramm & Meaghan | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
I am from Bangalore, INDIA. I liked the film very much. Very touching. I wish my mother had seen it (she is no more now).
B Sudheer | Mar 28, 2009 | Reply
Finally, a lower socio economic family positively portrayed. And seeing a non dysfunctional family in a comedy was very pleasing. Not dissimilar to Kenny, both these movies are Australian humour as it should be. More Aussie comedy along these lines and less American rubbish.
Michael | Mar 29, 2009 | Reply
I agree unanimously with all the comments here - “She’s a Bloody Ripper!!”
This is the greatest Australian Film ever made - I have bought dozens of copies of it as all my friends from the UK, Israel, Norway, etc all fall in love with it! At least I know I am supporting a great movie with some great Aussie talent.
But far from portraying Aussie’s as naive and stupid, we see a family that we all wish we could share this depth of love and compassion in our own lives.
This sad world of greed and corruption is what is exposed - a rare win of good over evil and truth over lies and deceit!
A truly wonderful film. 10/10 (or can we go up to 11 like Nigel Tufnels Marshall Amps??)
Alastair | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
awesome movie!!!
Steve was an ideas man. That’s why dad called him the ideas man. He had lots of ideas.
hilarious!
Jo... | Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
somebody mentioned that the movie made Australians to be naive and stupid. The thing is…the majority are just that.
Sha | Apr 26, 2009 | Reply
What was the name of Darrells boat “the sea….”
Dave | May 6, 2009 | Reply
Have to do a talk on an aussie movie for school. It was a no-brainer to choose The Castle, Australia’s best EVER movie.
Tom McC | May 9, 2009 | Reply
The Castle is an all time fave of mine hillarously funny and true Asi film i am doing a revew on this movie for tafe.
Our teacher could not have chosen a beter peace .
emma | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
This film was the best australian film i have ever seen. Although the film didnt come to my liking but i had the best time watching it.
We’re going to Bonnie Doon!!!!!!1
Cheyanne | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
just to let you aussies know, we yanks over here love this little bonzer too. hoo roo from america mates!
steve | Aug 1, 2009 | Reply
the ovie was soooooooooo bad i hate it why would you want to ever watch this crap. serousilly its soooo crap. it looks like it was made by a 2 year old and iwould rather kill myself ha
scott chave | Aug 7, 2009 | Reply
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
i hope you would
David Geurts | Aug 25, 2009 | Reply
crap. awful humour. so dated. get over it. dont ever call this a “classic”. Dont waste your time
CRAP MOVIE | Sep 10, 2009 | Reply
Could you please tell me the place where the holiday house was. Thank You
Dennise | Sep 23, 2009 | Reply
Were going to ‘bonnie doone’…. How could anyone forget that!
Muzza | Oct 1, 2009 | Reply
I’m studying that movie i jst luv how he says” what’s with wogs and givin money!”.
When I watched it with my class you should a seen the look on some people’s face when I laughed ,I’tell ya its great and the serenity part hilarious plz it the best movie ever and when was going to sunshine tafe such a big acheivment? hahahaha! lol!
Munira Mohamed | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
This movie’s humor is going to the poolroom!…LMAOOOOOOOOOO!
Munira Mohamed | Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
Farouk: You have friend, I have friend. My friend go to your house, put bomb under your car and blow you to fucking sky!
Darryl Kerrigan: What did he do?
Farouk: He get scared and he leave!
best english lessons ever!
harrold | Oct 19, 2009 | Reply
Hell Good Movie For an ausie film
Cameron Beach (USA) | Oct 19, 2009 | Reply
this is the best movie, it’s one for all the generations. should be given more recognition.
aussssie | Oct 20, 2009 | Reply
Dennis Denuto Lawyers ‘AS SEEN ON TV’
Its the vibe, its justice, its marbo, its the constituion and its, its just the vibe.
Jousting sticks?
Ergonomic chairs!
When the trunks up it brings good luck!, And its trunks still up!
I bet your proud, just like The day my daughter got excepted into the sunshine tafe for her hairdressing course
Would you like me to point out the features?. Fake chimney!, adds charm!. add abit of value ya reckon?
Dave | Dec 26, 2009 | Reply
best aussie flim
“Dennis Denuto” was the lawyer,
“F3 i cleaned the f***ing tray 3 f***ing times… LOL
nick | Feb 23, 2010 | Reply
Bonnie Doon is a little town on the banks of Lake Eildon in Victoria. Unfortunately, due to the drought, the lake has dried up as far as Bonnie Doon but you can still fish for carp lower down! I drive through Bonnie Doon regularly and the song always jumps into my head. This is my absolute all time favourite movie. Just love the serenity and the vibe of it!!!!
Lee | Mar 4, 2010 | Reply
does anyone know where I can buy a copy of the Poster that was used to promote the movie in Australia
Beverly | Apr 21, 2010 | Reply
it was very good movie
& funny moive ever seen b4
prem | May 18, 2010 | Reply
Bloody ripper of a movie. It’s just the vibe of it really. That and the serenity. Love the serenity. So much serenity.
Amazing what you can do with a $19,000 budget and 11 days of filming…
Caz | May 23, 2010 | Reply
This movie is bloody brilliant. i dont see how this movie makes us Australians look bad??? if u think this is a bad movie, your dirt. “bad luck mate”, “ya dick head” haha funniest part
ben | May 24, 2010 | Reply