The Glass Castle

[stuartboy]

Wow. I thought I recognised Woody Harrelson's voice, but the character was just too different looking to be him. Yet it was.
This had the ubiquitous "Based on a true story at the beginning" but you soon forget this until the end. Stay through the credits to see photos and interviews and footage of the real people. On seeing this it's actually hard to believe that this wasn't played by the real people - so convincing.
Often harrowing and tough going, but well worth persevering. It is perhaps overlong, none the less, and could benefit from maybe being 30 minutes shorter.
Also if it weren't for the differing ages of the children as it jumps about chronologically this would have been over confusing. It gives 1989 as a starting point but then jumps around like a kangaroo on a pogo stick.

7/10

[alythonian]

I really enjoyed this. It's a little bit quirky and a little bit clever. It makes you think and use your own imagination to join up the dots which is good. You don't need the whole every bit of the story spoon fed to you and the film is all the better for it. Thought Woody Harrleson and Bree Larson were excellent.

[nosila50]

Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I didn't find it to long as I was totally absorbed by the story. Loved the pictures and biopic at the end of the film. cannot believe how the kids grew up to be so level headed and able to make good independent lives after their very disjointed up bringing. 9/10

[MFDOOMTHEFIRST]

I found it to be misguided in its construct, consistently unengaging and a complete disappointment from the director of Short Term 12, must say I am surprised to see such praise for it on here, but glad it found its audience because I feared it would struggle. 3/10

[fanADE]

interesting.. it was tough viewing... the 'based on a true story' bit was a slight disservice as it glamorized their lifestyle ( exaggerated)/.. but a worth watching if only to remind you of the toughness of the human condition and people's abilities to create a sense of family out of chaos! 6/10

[elixir01]

Some very good performances. Quite a long run time, but story had a nice flow to it. 6/10 for me.

[D-Fens]

Captain less than Fantastic?

Stuartboy's review is spot on apart from the Woody issues.

It feels overlong because it starts repeating the same point, your home is your castle, except when it's made of glass then it's clear that it's a fragile, dangerous place to be.

The production design is amazing, it's rare that real people look anything like the stars but the film felt like the few photos and footage we got to see.

I've already started to forget the rest, what am I supposed to be doing with my life, squats?

[ROBO]

Really good, emotional film.
The summary description did not reveal the true extent of the storyline.

Saw this upstairs in the spacious Screen 3 at East Dulwich. A very good experience 7/10 and practically full house.

[missgotty]

The fact that this is based on a true story eluded me. As I watched it I kept thinking 'if this was true life these kids would be care by now', and as more and more revelations came to light, kept thinking 'this is one F*cked up family'. Then when I saw the pictures during the end credits, my mind did a quick replay of every messed up thing that happened . Apparently, people that have read the book are very unhappy about the ending because it was sugar coated and ended on a positive note which goes against the ending in the book. I'm not sure I enjoyed it but it was very well acted.

[prettyxcool]

Very troubled family life story, great acting kept me captivated, especially Ella Anderson, as the young Jeanette. Kudos to the children, despite such an upbringing! 8/10