Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Feel-good Australian comedy is full of positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Castle
What's the Story?
In THE CASTLE, Australian dad Darryl (Michael Caton) has made his house the perfect home for his family. But when the airport immediately next door plans to expand and the family risk losing it, Darryl leads the charge to fight the compulsory purchase order, armed with nothing but positivity, perseverance, and love for his family.
Is It Any Good?
This 1990s Australian classic centers on a loving family that viewers will instantly take to their hearts. Though a true feel-good movie, The Castle has enough rough edges to avoid being sickly sweet. Instead, this offbeat comedy explores blind devotion and love, inviting us to accept the characters' flaws as readily as the film does. With hilarious supporting roles—Darryl's hapless solicitor, Dennis (Tiriel Mora), for one—and genuine twists in the court case, The Castle is a thoroughly entertaining lesson in gratitude and kindness that beautifully celebrates the idea of "home." The occasional strong language makes the film more realistic but likely rules out younger viewers from a story with universal appeal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Castle shows the difference between a house and a home. What do you think that means? How did the Kerrigan family view their home?
What positive qualities did the Kerrigan family have? How do you think these affected others around them and led to others choosing to help their cause? Can you think of any times you've shown these character strengths in your own life?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
The film was made in 1997. Did you find anything in the movie outdated? If so, what and why? How might the film be different if it was made today?
How was smoking and drinking depicted in the movie? Has our behavior—particularly when it comes to smoking—changed from when the movie was filmed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 7, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : October 8, 2016
- Cast : Michael Caton , Stephen Curry , Eric Bana
- Director : Rob Sitch
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : October 8, 2025
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