I was rather apprehensive initially about the movie. After all, it's an Australian film and I was sure there would be incomprehensible thick accents. How wrong I was. 'The Castle' is a delightful drama with subtle comedic scenes that doesn't make a fool of anyone. This is unlike some comedy films where there will be a 'stupid scapegoat' at which all the jokes will be targeted at.

At the start of the film, we are introduced to Darryl Kerrigan, an honest hardworking man, proud of his job (he's a tow truck driver), his home and his family. Proud of his four children, and not as all ashamed that his eldest son, Wayne, is in jail for robbery. It's just that he mixed with the wrong company. He's as pleased as Punch when his daughter graduated with a Diploma in Hairdressing. He beams when his son Steve finds a bargain in the papers. And constantly praises his wife about her cooking and everything she does. Basically, he believes his is the luckiest family in the world. He's living the Australian dream; pet greyhounds, a pool room, a country home at the suburbs, a loving family.

The children love their parents too. I think this is the part where the sugar coating is too much here. Normal kids would be embarrassed of their parents here. The Kerrigans have tacky taste, but the whole family seems to 'lourve' it. Never mind, it's nice to watch a 'perfect family'.

Darryl could see the silver lining in every cloud. Sure, his house is near the power lines but that it 'will constantly remind him of man's ability to generate electricity'. So what if his backyard faces the airport runway? He would never have to drive far to get to the airport, it's just at the backyard. He doesn't mind the planes flying overhead. As his neighbour Farouk says, in Beirut the planes fly too but they drop bombs.

But his joy ceased when he received a letter informing him that his home is compulsorily acquired for the airport's expansion. Joining forces with his neighbours, Darryl set out to fight it out. I particularly enjoy the family lawyer Dennis. Initially refusing to accept the case because he is a small-time lawyer, he put the blame on himself when he defended Darryl's son and Wayne ended up with an eight-year jail sentence. The ever-optimistic Darryl replied that 'you did your best'. That's Darryl, no grudges.

He took his case all the way to the Federal Court, seeking justice for his castle; it's not just a house, it's a home. A chance meeting with a man who came to court to see his barrister son turned out to be a good turn. I shall not reveal much here, but this tender-hearted comedy/drama is just sooo good that I plan to watch it again with my clique of friends. Other than Darryl, the rest of the characters are not given a chance to develop but then, this film is about one man, Darryl. But the affectionately drawn characters combines with a delightful sense of humour and old-fashioned neighbourly charm is bound to capture your heart.