We’ve seen many critically acclaimed Australian films in class that have garnered attention around the world. The Castle is a lesser known, but equally entertaining Australian comedy from 1997.
The Castle concerns the contended life of the Kerrigan family. Father Daryll Kerrigan purchased the family home adjacent to the Melbourne Airport and beneath several major power lines for next to nothing. In fact, the son proudly reports the house is worth “almost as much today as when we bought it.” The house features numerous add-on rooms and a fake chimney. Daryll is exceedingly proud of his offspring and their achievements, the greatest of which is the degree his daughter earned at Sunshine Taffe Hairdressing. All seems right with the Kerrigans until an eminent domain case threatens the family’s home.
The film was shot in 11 days for less than $500,000 and went on to gross over $10,000,000. Though the film did not receive much international attention, it is critically acclaimed in Australia. At face value, the film is a comedy but it also touches on themes of land rights, the Australian constitution and the concept of the Aussie Battler. The Castle was Eric Bana’s first film and it also starts Sophie Lee (Muriel’s Wedding).
1 comment:
I love this film!
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