Le Château de ma mère

"O for one of those hours of gladness. Gone alas with our youth too soon"*

My Mother's Castle picks up where My Father's Glory left off, tracing young Marcel's life over the next year as his enchanting remembrances of things past comes full circle. If you were nostalgic for the south of France after seeing My Father's Glory, you do not have to wait long to once again smell the sprigs of wild thyme. After resuming their life again in Marseilles, the family: Joseph (Philippe Caubere), Augustine (Nathalie Roussel), Marcel (Julien Ciamaca), brother Paul (Victorien Delamare) and baby sister decide to return to Provence for Christmas and then again at Easter.

Marcel is reunited with his friend Lili but soon discovers the charms of women in the person of Isabelle (Julie Timmerman), a somewhat snooty young lady who takes on the affectation of nobility to impress (and dominate) Marcel. Their relationship shows promise but comes to an abrupt end early in the film when Isabelle's family suddenly leaves. Soon Augustine has the idea of returning to their country home each weekend. This, however, presents a small problem. Aside from the fact that Joseph, with the aid of Augustine's charms, must rearrange his teaching schedule, the family must walk five miles from the trolley station to their country home using up much of their weekend time.

This problem is solved when Joseph meets Bouzique (Philippe Uchan), one of his former pupils. Bouzique is a canal guard who shows them how to cut eight hours from their weekly walk by illegally cutting over other people's property that runs along the canal. At first Joseph is reluctant but finally agrees. This takes on an air of great adventure and humor as Bouzique gives a key to Joseph who must unlock the doors on each estate that stand in his way. The walk becomes the focus of the film, as everyone in the group must carefully avoid drawing attention to themselves. One house in particular, owned by a grouchy caretaker and a surly dog named Masher, causes Augustine to be quite fearful. Like My Father's Glory, My Mother's Castle consists of charming vignettes that evoke a simpler time. The film works its way into our heart because the characters care about each other and we care about them. Like all idealized reflections of the past, however, it ultimately gives way to bittersweet reality, reminding us very gently how soon youth passes, but as poet Shelley put it, "Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought".

*From Kerry Dances by James Lynam Molloy

When my cousin and I rented this film, we had no idea that it was French and in subtitles. Although I am in the process of learning the French language (slowly), I was a bit taken aback by the fact that I had to watch it in subtitles. However, after the first 10 minutes I was completely immersed in the beautiful countryside, and the flow of the language.

First of all, there is no specific plot to this story. One event flows into the next, but they are unrelated, held together by the characters. But the acting and the landscapes are beautiful and ethereal, and you wish that you could be there.

This is not to say that the film doesn't make sense, it most certainly does, and there is a point to it. The end comes on a bit abruptly, although it too is gentle and poignant.

As long as you can read fast enough to keep up with the subtitles (and after a bit you don't even notice you're doing it), this is a lovely film to see. It's quite suitable for all ages, but as it IS in subtitles, you don't want to watch it with children too young to read fast enough.

A lovely film, very French, and very beautiful. 10/10, definitely.

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.

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.