My Mother's Castle

I really enjoyed this film tremendously. There were no grand special effects, dazzling action or exciting twists--just unbelievably beautiful film-making! This is a biographical tale based on the childhood of the great French director/writer Marcel Pagnol. In fact, it is because of my love of his films that I sought out this videotape and the prequel, My Father's Glory. If you have not seen the Fanny trilogy (or the single film by the same title starring Leslie Caron), The Baker's Wife, Harvest, Manon of the Spring or any of his other films, try to see them!! What makes all these films so wonderful is the superb writing and how his characters come to life. They are charming, full of foibles and yet quite lovable! And this is definitely true in this movie as well.

This movie picks up right where the prequel stopped--complete with the same actors. This was possible, as the films were filmed together and came out the same year.

Of the two films, My Mother's Castle is definitely the best--though they are both extraordinary films. What I liked about this film was that it was able to evoke so much emotion within me. For example, near the end I found myself laughing loudly at the scene involving the VERY nasty guard as he gets his comeuppance! Then, only minutes later I was sobbing at the profound sadness about Pagnol's later life (after the main story is over, there is a gut-wrenching epilogue). It's profoundly sad, but since it is based on real life, so necessary.

Watch this film with your entire family--even the cynical members of the family are sure to enjoy!

I first saw Le Château de ma mère and La Gloire de mon père shortly after their release in 1990. At first, I gave a higher ranking to Le Château. I just saw the two movies again, and now it's La Gloire who's coming on first.

But it is not to say that Le Château is not a good movie. It's an EXCELLENT movie. The saga of Marcel continues. Young Marcel Pagnol that is. The cast is again great: Philippe Caubère and Nathalie Roussel shine, Juline Ciamaca does a great job as Marcel.

And, once again, we get a taste of life in France's countryside, its colors, its ways of doing things. Great!

Too bad, there was not a third movie to follow La Gloire and Le Château.

See this one!

Out of 100, I gave it 86. That's good for ***½ out of ****. I gave La Gloire de mon père the same star rating, but 87 out of 100.

Seen again at home, in Toronto, on August 11th, 2002.

We watched this film in French class, and our teacher covered up the subtitles. Try it sometime. Not being able to understand all, or any, of the words makes you concentrate more on the characters. Their subtext, actions, and vocal inflections really add to the film if you just concentrate on them. The French countryside is beautiful-I wish I could be there. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to be content with this movie. The only problem I have with this film is the lack of real plot. It's basically just a chronology of events in Marcel's life. Mais, c'est la vie! Rating: Four out of Five stars

This was the follow-up to "My Father's Glory." That film probably better known but I much prefer this second film. To me, this one is far more appealing.

The scenery, the color, the sweet, beautiful face of Nathalie Roussel and the gentle tone of the film all make it a winner. The French countryside pictured here is beautiful as we watch a family make trips through various gates en route to their destination. Some of it actually gets suspenseful. It's a very simple story but nicely. The pre-teen romance is a bit distracting but it doesn't go on long.

The movie features good storytelling and I never get tired of the pleasing visuals. As mentioned, this story has a lot of appeal.

I'd recommend this film very strongly to movie lovers.

Oh, you'll have to read the subtitles. It's French... don't be afraid... this film makes complete sense to any audience and is not art for art's sake.

But hey, you wouldn't be reading these comments if you weren't intelligent and discerning, so subtitles wouldn't be a problem, I know.

Really, give it a try. The other comments on this movie are absolutely correct. It is completely charming and will hold you in it's influence for the whole movie. Mostly the story of a the relationship between a small boy and a girl he meets. Well-observed, hilariously funny in parts. Exquisite acting of the first order. You'll never forget it. Give it a try.