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Parents' Guide to

A Castle for Christmas

By Jennifer Green, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Predictable romance in pretty setting; some drinking.

Movie G 2021 99 minutes
A Castle for Christmas Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 13+

Based on 3 parent reviews

IDmomof8
IDmomof8 Adult
December 3, 2021
age 12+

Way too suggestive...should not be tv-g

I don't know how this movie got through the rating system as tv-g. While nothing is technically shown in the bedroom scene, the theme of unwed sex is definitely there. Male lead character says something like "we shouldn't do this". Female lead character coyly says "yes, we definitely shouldn't do this" while leading him into his bedroom. As a parent, that content crosses way over the borderline of "G" and firmly into "PG" territory. It is definitely not the scene I want to watch with my young family gathered around me. Also, there is a scene when the lead's daughter asks if the she is drunk and she says "not anymore". So role-model drinking thematic element. And there are multiple singing and drinking scenes which are actually fun but in a definite PG kind of way. And finally, the swearing. While this film does a great job bringing Scotland's accents and unique way of speaking, the female lead has a part where she says "You really are a a**" where she says the American curse term for Scottish "arss". Once again, crossing over into the PG territory. As far as acting, I think the whole cast did well with the exception of Brooke Shields. The whole time I was actually wishing that Drew Barrymore could have played the lead character. As far as the plot, while it was pretty holiday rom-com predictable, the uniqueness and warmth of Scotland helps move the story along in a pleasing way. I would definitely rate it higher if it just was properly rated.
Xxmass0213
Xxmass0213 Adult
November 29, 2021
age 18+

The best movie in the world

I liked this movie and I have watched by far 3 times already and it’s a good movie I recommend it
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Best-selling author Sophie Brown (Brooke Shields) has angered her readers by killing off a beloved character at the start of A CASTLE FOR CHRISTMAS. She decides to take a break and escape to Scotland to see the castle where her father grew up as a member of the groundskeeping family. When she finds out the castle is for sale, she decides to buy it. But the owner, a gruff yet handsome duke (Cary Elwes), is hoping to talk her out of it and remain in the castle himself. He negotiates a deal for the two to share the castle with the idea to make her so miserable she'll leave. He doesn't count on falling in love.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

With all the hallmarks of, well, a Hallmark movie, this Scottish-set romance stumbles --despite likable characters -- because of a predictable story and some typecasting. Viewers of a certain age might be curious about A Castle for Christmas thanks to the pairing of stars Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes. Attractive and charismatic, they both do their best with the material, and some of their flirtatious sparring is cute. But Elwes in particular is straddled with a poorly-developed character and a laborious accent. Why the production put two England-born Brits in the lead male roles as Scots, with one of them wearing kilts even as he does house chores, is anyone's guess.

Be warned, Scottish viewers: you are once again depicted as merry, folk-dancing, whiskey-drinking, plaid-wearing pub-dwellers. Meanwhile, the arrival of the wealthy American who will bring this village and its castle back to life is played entirely straight. The Christmas timing is also gratuitous. There's a scene where two characters checking into the inn are given lingering attention. Why? Were they written out of the final film but their intro left in? It's confusing. Still, there's something refreshing about a silver screen romance starring late middle-aged actors, and the film's locations and folksy music are appealing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about A Castle for Christmas's setting in Scotland, where a character suggests there are more than 3,000 castles. Where could you go for more information about these structures?

  • Sophie Brown is attacked by fans of her novels for killing off a beloved character. Can you think of a real-life writer, musician, or filmmaker who has suffered a similar backlash for a creative decision? How did they handle it? Did it eventually blow over?

  • Look up the film's stars, Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes, if you don't already know them. What are they best known for? Have they ever worked together before?

  • Would this film have changed significantly if it had been set during a different time of the year than Christmas? Why or why not?

Movie Details

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