The Castle (1997)

The Castle Poster

A Melbourne family is very happy living near the Melbourne airport. However, they are forced to leave their beloved home (by the Government and airport authorities) to make way for more runways. 'The Castle' is the story of how they fight to remain in their home.

Film Summary
"The Castle" is a 1997 Australian comedy drama film directed by Rob Sitch. The plot revolves around the Kerrigan family and their relationship with their house, which becomes threatened by required acquisition.

Main Plot
The movie follows Darryl Kerrigan, a loving father and committed family man, whose life focuses on his better half, 4 children, and his house at 3 Highview Crescent, Cooloroo, Melbourne, which they passionately term "the castle". Your home, nearby to an airport, is filled with precious family memories and holds psychological significance for them. However, in a shocking turn of events, the house undergoes obligatory acquisition as proposed by the airport authorities to broaden the runway.

Dispute and Resolution
This development creates a considerable conflict in the film, where Darryl stands versus the airport authorities, refusing to quit his home and figuring out to fight for it. The Kerrigan house ends up being the center of a legal struggle, symbolizing the little man's fight versus the industrial maker. Darryl, with the help of an inexperienced lawyer called Dennis Denuto, files a case versus the authorities.

Regardless of an absence of legal knowledge, his arguments in court center on the psychological significance and the fond memories your home has promoted for many years. They end up losing the case in the Federal Court and after that once again in the Australian High Court. Nevertheless, Darryl is not happy to pull back.

Secret Themes
"The Castle" is not almost the continuous legal fight, however it provides a powerful representation of the 'Aussie combatant' - the normal man who withstands adversity with guts and decision. The film highlights the value of a home over the materialistic property, showcasing how the Kerrigans house was not just a structure, but the heart and soul of their domesticity. The film highlights human rights and justice, providing a strong commentary on obligatory acquisition and advancement over specific rights.

Climax and Conclusion
With the help of a retired constitutional attorney named Lawrence Hammill, Darryl provides 'the ambiance of the constitution' argument before the court. This subsequent appeal to the Australian High Court is based on the premise that the required acquisition of their house was in infraction of the Australian Constitution. Taking advantage of Lawrence's competence, they appeal that the acquisition was not in line with 'just terms'. Shockingly, the judges guideline in favor of the Kerrigans and they get to keep their house, highlighting a thrilling conclusion.

Last Thoughts
"The Castle" is an easy, heart-warming tale that celebrates the worths of household, home, and the guts of the common male. It's an amusing representation of an Australian family standing up to governmental authority. The film resonates with audiences due to its universal styles of house, family, and justice, making it a classic piece of Australian movie theater. The success of the film shows that it's not about the size of your home that matters, but rather about the memories and enjoy that it holds.

Top Cast

  • Michael Caton (small)
    Michael Caton
    Darryl Kerrigan
  • Anne Tenney (small)
    Anne Tenney
    Sal Kerrigan
  • Stephen Curry (small)
    Stephen Curry
    Dale Kerrigan
  • Anthony Simcoe (small)
    Anthony Simcoe
    Steve Kerrigan
  • Sophie Lee (small)
    Sophie Lee
    Tracy Kerrigan
  • Wayne Hope (small)
    Wayne Hope
    Wayne Kerrigan
  • Tiriel Mora (small)
    Tiriel Mora
    Dennis Denuto
  • Eric Bana (small)
    Eric Bana
    Con Petropoulous
  • Charles Tingwell (small)
    Charles Tingwell
    Lawrence Hammill
  • Robyn Nevin (small)
    Robyn Nevin
    Federal Court judge
  • Costas Kilias (small)
    Costas Kilias
    Farouk