Audiences have had their say in our call to the nation to find the top three Australian feature films of all time – and classic The Castle topped the list. In celebration of the announcement, at this year’s Adelaide Film Festival we’re hosting a special school holiday screening of The Castle.
“I’m so excited that The Castle has topped the poll for ‘Best Australian film of all time’,” says Stephen Curry, who played Dale Kerrigan in the classic film.
“It’s incredible to think that this little movie that took 11 days to shoot, 22 years ago, in which I wore that gorgeous mullet, still resonates so strongly with audiences today. I’m so proud of my association with this beautiful story.”
Director of the The Castle, Rob Sitch, is also excited about topping the list of films #YOUMUSTSEE.
“That acknowledgement is of course going straight to the pool room… or, if we ever do a sequel… the man cave,” says Sitch.
“It’s worth pointing out that after all these years Darryl has been proved right about 3 Highview Cresent Coolaroo…next year, in real life, it’s getting the NBN!”
Roar with laughter and feel the serenity as the Kerrigan family fights to save their home from being demolished for an airport expansion. Made on a shoestring by director Rob Sitch and his collaborators at Working Dog Productions, The Castle was an instant smash hit and remains just as funny and relevant today. Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton), wife Sal (Anne Tenney) and their kids are a gloriously eccentric Aussie family. Sure, they say the most hilarious things (‘tell ’em they’re dreaming’) but they’re also the most loving and united family you could ever hope to meet.
From the moment heartless officials tell them their castle is condemned we’re with the Kerrigans all the way. As the battle to save 3 Highview Crescent escalates we meet other loveable battlers like Dennis Denuto (Tiriel Mora), a suburban solicitor who goes against his own advice (!) and takes the case to the highest court in the land. The Castle is an underdog, anti-authority comedy of the very best kind. We’re laughing with these characters and never at them. With a fabulous cast including Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell and Eric Bana, The Castle is a national movie treasure. ‘It’s the vibe of the thing, your Honour.’ Indeed it is.