O Castelo de Minha Mãe

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

Both of these films are excellent autobiographical recollections of the author's youth. I enjoyed them both very much as the subject matter is delivered with aplomb and the photography is stunning.

They really take you back to this era, romantic in approach but doesn't neglect the real hardships experienced in that period. The way all emotions are played out is masterful.

He also wrote Jean de Flotette and Manon des Sources. If you haven't seen them but enjoyed Le Château de ma mère and La Gloire de mon père then I recommend you do as they are both in a similar vein and are even more stunning.

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.

"My Father's Glory," and its sequel "My Mother's Castle," tell the story of a young boy's "wonder years" growing up in a family with an adored father, a lovely but frail mother, and assorted eccentric relatives and friends. These are incredibly charming films that feature none of the violent action and highly charged emotions that we've come to expect in popular films today. Instead, they celebrate the simple joys of life in a warm and loving family. When minor but unexpected events occasionally disrupt the day-to-day flow of events, they can seem like terrible disasters. On the other hand, a simple visit to the country can seem like a tremendous adventure. It's not necessary to have seen "My Father's Glory" to enjoy "My Mother's Castle." In fact, I happened to see them out of order and I loved them just the same. But if I had my preference, I'd watch them in order. The final scene of "My Mother's Castle" is emotionally powerful and satisfying; for me it confirmed that every minute I'd invested in these films was worthwhile. I wanted to get up there on the screen and help. In French with English subtitles.

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!