The Cider House Rules (Miramax Collector's Series) Reviews

• A movie for grown-ups

  
  By A3U0QKR5YWVIOT on 2000-08-14
  Just when thoughtful adults despair that Hollywood will never again make movies for them to enjoy, Cider House Rules comes along and gives everybody reason to hope. From its wide, opening shot to its literary ending, this film delivers to its audience an old-fashioned, satisfying, movie-going experience while at the same time focusing on quite a surprising topic: abortion. Framed with Dickensian sympathy for all its characters, Cider House weaves its way in and out of the lives of half a dozen startlingly original people, many of them quite unusual for mainstream cinema. Michael Caine picked up the Oscar (he's a great actor but he's become a kind of beloved pet for middle-aged movie fans) as a drug-addicted humanitarian, yet Delroy Lindo gives the most haunting and complex performance as the black foreman of an apple-picking crew who loves his daughter too much. Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron make this long film continuously watchable and even warmly sunny despite its repeated turns into dark material, and a gaggle of adorable moppet orphans keep tugging at the heart strings, but not so much you feel abused. A rare modern day classic.
  
  

• Should Have Won Oscar For Best Motion Picture!

  
  By A13910TC3NZ6LE on 2000-04-09
  "The Cider House Rules" is one incredible motion picture, and hands down the best movie of 1999. I saw "American Beauty" previously and thought it was a good movie, but this motion picture simply leaves it in the dust.

  "The Cider House Rules" is an adaptation of John Irving's novel of the same name, set at St. Cloud's Orphanage in Maine. The orphanage is run by Dr. Wilbur Larch, played brilliantly by Michael Caine in what has to be his best acting performance ever. One of Larch's orphans is a young man by the name of Homer Wells, played by Tobey Maguire.

  In addition to overseeing the orphanage, Dr. Larch delivers babies and performs abortions. He trains Homer to deliver babies and wants him to perform abortions, but Homer doesn't want to learn. Then one day a young pregnant woman (Charlize Theron) and her boyfriend (Paul Rudd) come to St. Cloud's for an abortion. Homer leaves with them and goes to work in an apple orcharge where he meets and befriends a crew.

  I won't give away any more of the plot of the movie, but suffice it to say that it is beautifully acted, not only by Caine but by Maguire, who has previously turned in solid acting performances in "The Ice Storm" and "Pleasantville". Quite surprisingly, he wasn't (and should have been) nominated for the best actor Oscar. Keep an eye on this young man, he's the real deal.

  Lasse Hallstrom has done an excellent job directing this movie, and the soundtrack and cinematography are exquisite. Some of the abortion scenes and dialogue may offend some of those who call themselves pro-life, although the movie doesn't try to be preachy or beat one to death with the issue. Overall, this should not detract from the enjoyment of another John Irving work which has been masterfully transferred to the silver screen.
  
  

• UNABASHED PRO-ABORTION PROPAGANDA.

  
  By A1LBF5XZNYD6QR on 2002-02-08
  I have certainly seen my share of movies that would appropriately be called manipulative. This one pretty much takes the cake though. Michael Caine plays Dr. Wilbur Larch, a self-medicating doctor who is both the head of an orphanage and an illegal abortion provider. One of the orphanage's residents is Homer Wells, played by Tobey Maguire. Alas, Homer is all grown up now because he was never adopted out. He is a medical assistant for Dr. Larch, who has sort of taken on a paternal role for Homer. Homer is more than happy to help out Dr. Larch but he refuses to perform any of the abortions. Dr. Larch spends much of the first half of the film trying to tell Homer how noble and good for mankind abortions are.

  This brings us to the second half of the film. Candy, played by Charlize Theron, comes to the orphanage/abortion clinic and gets an abortion. Homer becomes a bit enamored with Candy and at the same time has an inner desire to get away from the only place he has ever known and see the world. He asks Candy's boyfriend if he can accompany them back to wherever they are going. Homer ends up becoming a humble apple picker and one day is faced with the inevitable. **SPOILER** This really isn't much of a spoiler because it is painfully obvious from the start what is going to happen. Homer encounters a young woman who is a victim of incest. Of course, she is now pregnant from her father's dirty deeds. Homer has his epiphany and sees how important abortions are and provides one for her. Thankfully, the movie is soon over afterwards.

  Don't let anyone tell you that the real story of "The Cider House Rules" isn't actually about abortion. They'll tell you it is really about a young man's journey of personal self-discovery or similar tripe. This movie could so easily have been that except that every few minutes the topic of abortion comes up front and center. This is simply a well-funded and decently acted piece of pro-abortion propaganda. If you go for that sort of thing then this will be right up your alley. Personally...it made me sick.
  
  

• A Guide to the Rules

  
  By A3TZB9SXJCFMFJ on 2002-12-04
  A sensitive and intelligent character-driven film, adapted from John Irving's novel by the author himself, which features truly breathtaking cinematography, a lush musical score, and uniformly excellent performances by a formidable cast which includes Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Kathy Baker, Jane Alexander, and supporting Oscar-winner Michael Caine. The main plot line centers around a young man (Maguire), raised in an orphanage headed by a charismatic doctor (Caine), who decides to venture out into the world and learns the hard way that life is not merely black and white, but many subtle variations of gray. While this is hardly a unique theme, the characters in "Cider House Rules" are so exquisitely drawn, and the movie so masterfully produced, that everything which might in lesser hands seem overly familiar appears fresh, new, and distinctive.

  The DVD offers a perfect sound and video transfer, and includes a nice selection of "extras", including a documentary on the making of the film, the original Theatrical Trailer, and highlights of the television ad campaign. Overall, the DVD is an exemplary presentation of a bona fide modern classic, and one that's well worth multiple viewings.
  
  

• Tobey Maguire and Michael Caine

  
  By A2GPEV42IO41CI on 2003-10-23
  Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire) and his fellow orphans are raised by the kindly Dr. Larch (Michael Caine), who not only delivers unwanted babies, he also aborts them. The orphanage seems an idyllic and loving home for Homer, but he sets out to see the world, only to find his destiny is to one day return.
  
  Tobey Maguire is very convincing as the naive and sensitive Homer. Michael Caine won an Oscar for his supporting role as the passionate, ether-addicted doctor. The movie is beautifully photographed and has a lilting piano score. It has many affecting scenes, but many subplots are left unresolved. It's pleasantly entertaining and the acting is good, but fans of the novel will wonder why so much was omitted, and why what was included was handled so passively.
  
  
• Let's Be Intellectually Honest Here...
  By on 2002-03-21
  This movie isn't just a "pleasant" little "coming-of-age" story. The rolling hills, Fall colors and pretty faces are just superficial aspects of what really amounts to a somewhat preachy morality play, in favor of ethical relativism and "choice."

  There can be no doubt that this film is an argument in favor of what philosophy majors call "ethical relativism." M. Caine's character practically holds your hand and spells it out for you...it isn't subtle. Ethical relativism is the belief that there are no steadfast rules in life, no fundamental principles to adhere to...only subjective choices made under ever-changing conditions. Therefore no person has the right to "judge" another person's actions. This is very convenient for those of us who wish to behave in a less than respectable fashion. There are no heroes, and no villains--no concepts of "better" and "worse." We act as we see fit, and no one has the right to impede us.

  Ironically, we ARE asked to think of this world-view as "better." We ARE supposed to see Tobey Maguire's performance of an abortion in the end as a sort of spiritual maturation, as if he has graduated from his infantile revulsion towards the inherent violence of this act by embracing the relativism of it all.

  The only people we ARE allowed to judge for the worse, apparently, are those who do not share this "sophisticated" world-view (as is evident from many of the posts on this site). We attack those who have not abandoned their principles, calling them "naive," "closed-minded," "faint-hearted" and simple. We make generalizations and call them fundamentalists and zealots and hypocrites, all the while taking the moral high-road that we criticize them for allegedly taking.

  Understand that this movie IS about supporting a particular political/philosophical viewpoint, and attacking those who disagree...whether you like to call it propaganda is up to you.
  
  

• Lassa Hallstrom does it again.
  By AIR38K7YDWPEB on 2000-03-24
  I haven't viewed all of Hallstrom's work,however what I have seen is brilliant. I didn't sit and watch this film,I was in the film ,these actor's were people I knew.This is how to describe the reality the movie projects, it pull's you into the story line,which deals with some heavy subject matter.You are given the material, some of wich comes right to the core of your soul and thoght. You are never left with the feeling of being right or wrong on your own opinon's of these issues,only this reality,the world is so much more than my thoughts alone.The old saying "Good People can do Bad Things"never hit so clear in a movie as this one did.This was Michael Caine at his best,period.Tobey Maquire was just as good,you looked at this character and saw the innocence of youth, you could feel the pain that comes with maturity that he had to endure. This movie will stay with you for some time after you leave the theater,you probably won't change your opinions you've had for years to form,it just may make you less critical of those that differ from yours.This is the movie to see,if you only see one this year, this is it.
  
  
• READ ME! READ ME! READ ME!
  By A3W2CZIHNO7785 on 2005-03-09
  We can start by analyzing the main character: Homer Wells. He is an orphan that did not have anywhere to go. A nice guy finds him a job. Homer is so grateful that when his friend his at war he gets involved with his friend's girlfriend. But I guess it's OK maybe because he's an orphan. Then we have a guy who he is having sex with his daughter and gets her pregnat. I guess it's OK because he truly loves her, oh and of course his life was also hard. Then we have the doctor in the orphonage, who instead of incentivating Homer (our "hero") to grow as a person lied to him his whole life about his health so Homer would stay with him. I guess it's OK because the doctor devoted his life to the poor orphans so he must be good right!?
  So let me translate this movie for you. This is for people who are losers, and have no sense of dignity. This is for people who don't know what loyalty and friendship is. Since they can't stop being imoral and they feel bad about themselves they watch these movies searching for some relieve. Well you might take this aspirin today but you are still a loser.
  
  PS- By the way I am not religious, nor anti-abortion (just in case you were looking for excuses to dismiss my review)
  
  
• Dreadfully overated
  By A3R4TS03ITT2JC on 2000-06-03
  The Cider House Rules is not so much a good film as it a well marketed film. Released at Christmas time with massive publicity by Miramax, this is a totally average film that audiences just lapped up.

  Michael Caine plays a mild mannered doctor who is also the head of a New England orphanage. The films driving force lies between the relationship of Caine and Tobey Maguire, an orphan of his. As Tobey grows, Caine teaches him how to be a doctor. Caine also notices that Maguire has an uncharacteristically good relationship with the other orphans, very Father like.

  As Maguire grows he longs to experince life away from the orphanage. He discovers romance while assuming a job as an apple picker. Along the way he is caught in a web of secrets and lies involving his new co-workers (Delroy Lindo doing a bad job.)

  There are, I suppose several surprises to The Cider House Rules. None of them are particularly earth shattering but I will not spoil them anyway.

  That just about sums up the general idea to The Cider House Rules.When it ended I was forced to ask myself why so many people liked this film? The answer lies in the same reason so many embraced The Green Mile. "Cider House," like The Green Mile is a cliche ridden movie that manipulates the audience throughout. It has a warm fuzzy feeling to it that is the type of thing that mainstream audiences seem to love.

  Unfortunately I found that the movie was dull, boring and uninspired. Caine is good but not Oscar worthy and everything about this film is totally average.

  I especially despised the "Kings of New England" line that was repeated throughout by Michael Caine. I can just picture someone thinking, "OK I need a great line here that this movie will be remmebered by." This is the result and it is garbage.

  Totally average and falsely moving. Sorry if you disagree.
  
  

• People With No Rules - A Movie With Many Bad Messages
  By A3TII2YD2B2TX on 2000-09-03
  The only rules or morals the characters have in this story are the ones they made up as they went along in their lives. The characters all had experiences which were only made complex through poor personal choices, resulting mostly from a lack of moral courage. There were no noble characters in this story. Showing Michael Caine's figure slowly killing himself on ether, while others know but do nothing, reminded me of the glorification of Nicholas Cage's self-destructive character in "Leaving Las Vegas".

  What is worse, is that this movie seduces its audience (through beautiful film making) into agreeing with its message that there is no need or benefit to having any consistent or absolute morals in life. Most of the characters had some positive qualities which the film makers used to allow us to be sympathetic to their poor ideals. In the end, even Homer is corrupted - through a wrong relationship, changing his position on abortion, and finally by working under forged credentials. Obviously, the Hollywood establishment used this movie as a platform for its pro-abortion ideals.

  Great cinematography aside, and some good acting, this is a movie with many bad messages: lie when it makes sense to, performing abortions is not really wrong but helpful, orphans have no real chance at a good life, work professionally under false credentials if you know what you're doing, and have sex before marriage with someone else's girlfriend if it seems right.
  
  

• Abortions
  By A3R339V9KN1W9H on 2001-01-12
  Although this movie was very well directed and had great performances by Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire, and Delroy Lindo, I was thoroughly disgusted with the overwhelming pro-abortion theme. I watch movies to be entertained. I don't want to be preached to. This story was way off the mark.

  I felt very ill after watching it because of the complete disregard for human life. The most obvious scenes were the disposals of the fetuses (and older?) into the fire in the back yard. The way it was filmed made it obvious that there should be no consideration whatsoever for the lives of babies, that they are to be thrown away at the whim of whatever parent just happens to be "inconvenienced" by their births.

  I am a fan of Tobey Maguire and very much enjoyed his performance in "Ride with the Devil" a lot more than this garbage.
  
  

• The Cider House RULES!
  By on 2000-03-20
  What attracted me to this film was the combination of Michael Caine and Tobey Maguire. Caine's subtle yet effective performance is the work of a master. You gotta give the old dog a ton of credit, and hell, throw in a "trophy" as well! He's got to be the hardest working actor in the business. Maguire's role as Homer Wells amused and impressed me. He's got a style all his own. Delroy Lindo is simply a force to be dealt wth, a major presence on the screen. The supporting is cast is incredible. This film's got it all: wide -eyed lonely kids, funny moments, intense situations and the harsh sting of reality. Director Lasse Hallstrom delivers a heart-wrenching slice of Americana, the likes of which haven't been seen in cinema in a very long time.
  
  
• liberal junk
  By A232NN6SKU6U9R on 2002-01-25
  A beautifully filmed but only adequately-acted movie oozing with pro-choice and maudlin romantic sentiments. Rightfully overlooked at the Oscars. Epitomizes most of the over-rated junk that has come out of Hollywood in the last four or so years, starting with Titanic, and including such melodramatic misguided claptrap as American Beauty, The Green Mile, Magnolia, and Wonder Boys.

  This film is definitely a junker.
  
  

• Grossly over-rated ----- a marvel of shoddy storytelling
  By A1EO7FZ8E1W7V0 on 2002-01-30
  Tobey Maguire is utterly annoying in this film, almost as annoying as he is in *Wonder Boys,* his performance is as morose and clueless here as it was there.

  And to add insult to this heap o' injury, the exploration of the pros and cons of abortion in this film is naïve and juvenile at best (all the depth and understanding of college freshman debating the issue); and Tobey's treatment of the pregnant woman at the end was too pat. (Come to think of it, what wasn't too pat in this movie?)

  This was a very poorly crafted story (it is, however, a film with lots of cinematic eye-candy), based on an over-rated book.

  That said, this film is HIGHLY recommended --- super-duper, incredibly, stratospherically recommended --- to fans of Magnolia, The Green Mile, Wonder Boys and Shawshank Redemption. If you liked those movies, boy o boy are you in for a treat with this one. I guar-on-tee that you are gonna love this film (to be read as if spoken/written by Justin Wilson).

  And if you weren't particularly taken in and duped by those modern day cinematic marvels (!), then PASS on this one.
  
  

• Awfully disappointing
  By A30ALWLO16Q0VX on 2002-09-18
  I read the book first. It's a wonderful story, but compared to the text, the movie is didactic, the characters flat, and the whole intonation terribly false. The movie makes the orphanage to look like a kindergarten birthday party, Dr. Larch and the nurses like Sunday charity workers, and Homer Wells like a stuttering half-wit. None of this is in the book. It's a shame it got so maimed.
  
  
• Two Stars for Actors' Performances......
  By A2TPUNN3SIPBVH on 2001-07-17
  but don't be fooled. This movie is a two hour cleverly/not so cleverly disquised pro-abortion advertisement. If this bothers you avoid it. Had this film been set in current times instead of the 1930's it would be ever so obvious. I was not so much offended by it as I was troubled. This is not a family film. It explores three different excuses for abortion: woman's right to choose, if abortion is not legal women will harm themselves and a case of pregancy as a result of rape/incest also included are the plight of orphans and the pain of a woman giving her baby up for adoption. So be forwarned and unless you are very pro-abortion and want to pass that on to your kids stay away from this film.
  
  
• Whose rules?
  By A2VE83MZF98ITY on 2003-07-15
  I suppose it is inevitable that, to fit a novel into a two-hour period, much of the detail and even significant parts of the story line must be left out. That is certain the case with The Cider House Rules. John Irving's novel had much more character development, naturally (as a book can always reveal the interior lives of characters much more fully than can any theatrical treatment), but I was a bit disappointed that significant plot developments (such as Homer's relationships away from St. Clouds) were left out. So, in this case, do read the book-you'll be glad you did.

  That disclaimer having been made, I thought that the movie was very good. Michael Caine gave his usual wonderful performance, but I was never quite clear what accent he was trying to effect (being someone with a muddled accent myself, I am not really one to criticise on this point). The stories of the orphans of St. Clouds and the women who came for help in one way or another were very poignant. I was moved at the interplay between compassion and concern-the right to life/abortion debate (perhaps the central ideological pivot point in the novel and the movie) is presented in an interesting way, with just a small tendency to get preachy on one side or the other. To a large extent, this is never really resolved; while Homer in the end realises that in the adult world there are rarely black-and-white issues, but rather shades of gray, one does not know in the movie if he is really persuaded to his mentor's view.

  The Cider House Rules (referring firstly to the notice tacked to the wall of one of the lodgings) serves as a metaphor for the entire film. Who made these rules? What do they really mean? What purpose do they serve? Can't we make our own rules? I found this metaphor personally meaningful, for, as a theology student, these are questions I ask and am asked on a routine basis. What authority do rules written by others have on me? on society?

  This story is also one of vocation, of finding one's life's calling, a pursuit near to my heart as I prepare to enter the ministry. I find that my resistance to being pigeon-holed is similar to Homer's. He resisted the automatic assumption that he was a doctor, only to find in the course of his life that he was in fact called to be a doctor. Often when one tries to run away from a vocation, one runs into its arms in any case.

  The different family situations (Rose and her father, the flyer and his, the orphanage) shows that family and community exist on many different levels. The interactions and easy acceptance of these situations is perhaps a bit of a stretch, but the interplay shows that the traditional nuclear family was more of an ideal than a realisation.

  I loved the scenery, and the cinematography was very well done, but I have a slight irritation at the depiction of New England as being covered in fall-coloured foliage all year round. New Hampshire is one of my favourite holiday spots, and many is the time that I've been there that, lovely as it is, there was not a red-coloured or gold-coloured tree to be seen.

  This story essentially is one about love for the unloved, the overall love for humanity, of one making one's way in a confusing world, and trying to protect the vulnerable while allowing them freedom to grow, and an infusing of a sense of worth in those whom the world would otherwise consider worthless, as exemplified in the good doctor's nightly bidding: `Good night, you princes of Maine, you kings of New England.'

  P.S. Watch for John Irving's cameo in the movie, too.
  
  

• There's No Place Like Home
  By A2ZSC81MXLBELX on 2004-01-04
  This Review refers to the Miramax Collector's Series DVD edition of "The Cider House Rules"

  Sixty years before the release of "The Cider House Rules", we learned in a heartwarming story, from a girl named Dorothy, that if we are ever looking for our heart's content we shouldn't look past our own back yards. In 1999 in a more adult tale, one that is also heartwarming, but no fantasy, a young man named Homer, sets his cap to see the world and discovers also, that home is where he belongs. Naturally, this film is nothing like "The Wizard of Oz", and I am not, and would never presume to compare the two, only the idea of youth looking for something more out there. But "The Cider House Rules" is a fine film in it's own right.

  All that Homer Wells knows of life is the orphanage in Maine where he has grown up.The orphanage is run by Dr. Larch who has been like a father to Homer and has passed on all his medical knowledge to him, in hopes that someday Homer will take his place.The orphanage by the way also doubles as place where unwed mothers come to have their babies...or not...as abortion is also one of the choices. The time is the early fourties, and not only was abortion as controversial as it still is today, but also, illegal.

  Homer feels, it is his time now, and decides to strike out on his own. Not knowing where he will go or what he will do, doesn't really matter. What matters is that he experiences life.And so he does.Love, happiness, sadness and loss are all part of life's experiences that Homer gains on his journey.

  Lasse Hallstrom("Chocolat"/"What's Eating Gilbert Grape")has masterfully directed this wonderful film that captivates from start to finish.The cast is a brillant mix of seasoned veterans and outstanding young performers.Michael Caine took home a Best Supporting Oscar for his touching portrayal of the ether addicted, but caring Dr.Larch. Tobey Maguire, is perfect as the young and intuitive Homer. Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Jane Alexander, and Kathy Baker all add their wonderful talents as well. The film also garnered an Oscar for Best Screenplay by John Irving and was nominated for several others including, Best Picture, Director,and Music.

  It's not only a beautiful story, but beautifully filmed as well, and the DVD is an excellent quality that shows off all the great cinematography. It's the reason we love our DVDs so much. The picture in widescreen(2.35:1) is crystal clear, with wonderful colors and the 5.0 surround sound is marvelous.Lots of extras are included too. Commentary, deleted scenes, a "making of" feature, and more. It may be viewed in French and has subtitles in Spanish. And although it doesn't say it on the tech info here or the back of the case, there ARE captions in English for hearing impaired viewers.

  I highly recommend this to anyone who loves touching tales of life....enjoy...Laurie
  
  

• Not the book, but still it IS pretty good
  By A2ODBHT4URXVXQ on 2004-01-17
  John Irving himself wrote the screenplay for Cider House Rules, so we can't blame clueless scriptwriters for the lack of depth in this film adaptation of the wonderful saga-like book. The issues of incest and abortion, which are such powerful central themes in the book, are prettily glossed over in the movie.
  In spite of these omissions, Cider House Rules still feels like an elegiac blessing of forgiveness for Man's sins and foibles. There's a sweetness and innocence behind most of the characters that makes them look at the world's evils with kindhearted compassion. The book made me think I'd actually like the author, if I ever met him, something none of his other books has achieved; I'm glad I read it before seeing the movie.
  
  
• A pleasant surprise
  By on 2000-12-27
  As you may have surmised, I was surprised by this film. Note the term film, one that I reserve for true works of cinematic art. I was surprised when I found myself enjoying this film due to the subject matter, which is abortion. I imagine that I am what most people would consider extremely pro-life, however, this film did not offend my sensibilities at all. The subject matter was, in my opinion, handled very tactfully. It did not change my views, but then, it was not meant to. To say that this film is a pro-abortion movie is to say that Apocalypse Now was anti-Vietnam. While both statements are true, the focus of the movies lies elsewhere. At its core The Cider House Rules is a masterfully crafted love story and coming-of-age drama. It is magnificentally photographed, well-acted, and superbly transfered to the big screen by John Irving from his novel. Special kudos to Micheal Caine and Lasse Hallstrom!
  
  
• If This Film Had Been Anti-Abortion...
  By on 2002-01-18
  ...it NEVER could have been made, and it CERTAINLY never could have won an academy award. Those are the facts. Hollywood is swimming with liberal politics, it's no secret, and if you think they're above promoting a political agenda you are fooling yourselves.
  
  
• Michael Caine the kindly abortionist
  By on 2004-06-21
  Sorry, I couldn't get past Michael Caine the kindly orphanage director who converts unborn babies into hamburger in his spare time. We're all grown ups here, so let's cut the euphemisms and follow the logic. If unborn children are better off dead than being orphans, why doesn't the orphanage director kill off the orphans? Would they be better off dead or not?

  Of course, the image of a kindly abortionist is off-putting and dissonance-inducing for anyone with half a brain. I'm very active in the pro-life movement, have done volunteer work with a crisis pregnancy center, and have talked to former abortionists. They're not nice people, at least they weren't before their conversions. How could they be?

  If you're not appalled by the fact that doctors who are supposed to preserve human life accept money to cut children into pieces and reassemble their bodies to make sure that no body parts are left inside, then you might be appalled by the fact that abortionists have little regard for their clients' health, and that they often perform abortions on non-existent babies, just to collect $300 in cash.

  Such loveable rogues.

  The rest of the movie isn't much better, and very disappointing considering Hallstom's earlier effort, "My Life as a Dog," a very humane and uplifting movie. My personal favorite.

  Homer is vacant, and neither sympathetic nor believable. His girlfriend is believable as a human being, but not a person to be admired.

  The most engaging part of the movie is its rendering of an orphanage in 1940s Maine. Sadly, Planned Parenthood has put these institutions out of business.

  What John Irving and Planned Parenthood fail to realize is that where evil exists grace abounds even more. If God can take the greatest crime in the history of the world, Christ's crucifixion (deicide), and bring about the the greatest good, the redemption of mankind, then we must trust Him when we suffer. "Take up your cross and follow me" or the abortionists knife. Take your pick.
  
  

• Impersonal. Not what you'd expect.
  By A2KU5PG32H7QBN on 2004-07-14
  Roger Ebert said it best:

  "A larger question remains: Why is there such a muddle about the movie's subject? I left the theater wondering what the movie thought it was about and was unable to say. It's almost deliberately unfocused; it shows us many events without guiding them to add up to anything definite."

  I got up from my bed wondering the exact same thing. A movie should never leave you with that big of a question. If it does, it did not accomplish anything, because it is as if it felt it had nothing to accomplish.

  I was highly disappointed with this film. It just didn't work on so many levels. Lasse Hallstrome is probably my least favorite major director at the moment. It seems he exists solely for Miramax to hire him so they can produce another accessible --no matter how impersonal-- piece of crap such as this in order to garner Oscars and, in the end, more money.

  Many have said it is an important film because it approaches family and abortion. But the family aspect was so sparse it felt non-existent for about 75% of the running time. And the issue of abortion is left at an unfortunately impersonal level, exploring whether or not Tobey McGuire's character Homer finds it moral to use the medical skills his confident Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) has taught him in order to help women with abortion without bringing the issue past Homer himself. It does not ever leave the television screen. You aren't left thinking about whether it is right or wrong, or whether it should be legal or illegal, the woman or man's choice. I would further my point, but I would risk spoiling the film.

  I think the only thing I truly enjoyed about the film was Charlize Theron. Otherwise, 'The Cider House Rules' was bland and confused.
  
  

• Cider House Rules
  By A7QH1HOGQC7D0 on 2000-05-06
  The acting was fine. The plot was decent. However, it was interesting to see that while the movie encouraged breaking the rules, at the same time it had a very definate political agenda that it wanted the audience to agree with.

  Also troubling - the abortions that happen in the film cause no emotional stress for the women who have them. This simply does not reflect what we know experientially to be true. And further - the film suggests that it is acceptable to lie to children in order to protect them from emotional strain.

  The film was fine, I supposed, but the message disgusted me.
  
  

• Sentimental joy
  By A2WFLPOH43G4V9 on 2000-12-28
  "The Cider House Rules" was a pleasant surprise. Instead of trying to be cutting edge or over the top, "The Cider House Rules" succeeds in making a beautiful film and that alone. This film has a good story (the movie was adapted from John Irving's novel), modestly good acting, and a good score.

  "The Cider House Rules" is a simple story with well-recognized themes. An orphan boy named Homer(played by Toby Maguire) helps a doctor(played by Michael Caine) to take care of orphan children and perform abortions. However-like all teenagers in movies and books-Homer has a desire to see life and decides to go away with a couple who have just visited to do just that, see life. Michael Caine's character insists that Homer stay but of course doesn't listen. Toby and Michael have an excellent chemistry on film. On his travels with the couple, Homer falls in love and discovers a mystery hidden by a group of African-American slaves on an orchard.

  The film is like learning French or listening to Handel; just beautiful all around. The Cinematography is brilliant and makes me want to go to Maine. The acting is well reserved and doesn't become mellow-dramatic or fake. The score(I bought it on CD after I saw the film) is also another great aspect of the film. From the dramatic theme to the simple piano numbers, the score adds to the greatness of the film.

  I recommend this film to everyone and know you'll enjoy it. It won't be on your favorite film list or your favorite of '99 but will keep you inspired for awhile.
  
  

• Excellent
  By A3TYULEBBFYBMF on 2002-10-05
  Based on the novel by John Irving, set in the 1940s, the Cider House Rules is a heartwarming story of relationships bonded by love and care.
  The movie starts in a narrative style of Dr.Larch (Michael Caine) who is the caretaker of an orphanage in rural Maine. The orphanage has several kids managed lovingly by Dr. Larch along with two nurses. It is also a hospital, which takes care of delivering babies and terminating unwanted pregnancies in a discreet manner. Sometimes, prospective parents wishing to adopt a child visit the orphanage and a lucky one is taken away while the other children sadly wait their turn. One such orphan is Holmer ( Tobey Maguire) who is no longer a kid and has a special place in Dr.Larch's heart. While, the doctor shows no outward love for him, he has trained Holmer in the practice of gynecology and taken care of him in many ways known and unknown to the latter. Holmer is popular with all the kids and the one Dr. Larch has groomed to take over after him.

  Then , one day a young couple arrives to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy, Wally ( Paul Rudd ) who is a pilot and his girlfriend Candy ( Charlize Theron ) have chosen this place because of it's remote location. Dr.Larch and Holmer take good care of her. Holmer is friendly with the couple and asks for a ride to town. He wants to see the world outside , he wants to do other jobs and things. His life so far has been confined to the orphanage. He decides to leave the orphanage alongwith Wally and Candy to see the world. Dr.Larch can't accept this and is hurt, he howver, does not prevent Holmer as he knows that it was bound to happen. Everybody go out to wish Holmer an emotional goodbye , but Dr.Larch who is unable to face the parting prefers to watch from his room. Holmer too cannot muster the courage to bid farewell to Dr.Larch.
  Now, he is on his own , he sees the ocean and the country side. Wally willingly offers him a job at his apple orchard. You must be the most overqualified apple picker he says. But, Holmer takes it and quickly learns his job. He makes friends with the other black workers in the Cider House.He learns a thing a two about rules and about the tragic lives of his black co-workers.
  Inevitably, he falls in love with Candy who also fancies him especially when Wally is on war duty in Asia. The two have developed a relationship where the future is uncertain so, they prefer to wait and see. Meanwhile, Dr.Larch's health is failing and is to be replaced. What does Holmer do now? He is caught between the non-commital Candy and his moral duty of taking over the orphage and hospital after Dr.Larch.

  The movie has a relaxed pace.The rural settings have a calming effect on all the characters. Their emotions have been brought out in a quiet, dignified manner without any melodrama. You will pause to think about the life of orphans and the immense love and care their caretakers offer them. The acting is superlative. Michael Caine has won an Oscar for his role. Tobey Maguire as the young Holmer has delivered well. The movie makes it's characters your own as they have their mind and heart in the right place. Definitely worth watching.
  
  

• Not as good as the book
  By on 2004-06-24
  The book the Cider House rules is one of my favorite books. The movie didn't quite do it justice. Many of the sub plots are missing and the whole general plot is condensed into just one generation. Because of this many of the important themes are lost and Homer's ultimate decision doesn't seem as important or meaningful. Also, it only seems to skim over the love between Dr. larch and Homer; it is much more profound in written words. It would be a good movie if you have never read the book because then you don't realize what you are missing, but I would recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie.
  
  
• Excellent movie, well acted, great story, sad in places.
  By AUV9DPGGJMXPC on 2004-07-08
  This adaptation of John Irving's book, features a terrific mix of younger and veteran actors; lead by Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, and Kathy Baker. With Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron; among others, this movie has a perfect mix of drama, tearjerking emotions, and some very intense moments. While I originally bought the movie for Michael Caine, and to see the lovely Ms. Theron, the story was told well enough and acted well enough to sustain the movie. It is a first rate movie and I'd highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the book (I know it should have been the other way around). The "making of" feature helps to convey what emotions the actors, the director, and others; including Stephen King, of all people, felt in making and seeing the movie. Definitely worth looking at [refers to vhs; but I'm likely to be buying the DVD in future].
  
  
• It's Not Pleasures That It is All About, Not At All
  By A1THJ5GJF9NLCS on 2004-11-03
  Some people may find this film too philosophical, and then it is so condensed that some say it is unfocused.
  
  Yes, it talks about rules and laws, about morals. What is the point of laws and alternatively rules, if they are not helping those whom they are trying to help? It talks about sex impulse, about incest and abortion( in a forgiving way ), whether we should legalise abortion or whether we prefer more and more abandoned orphans grown up to be torn apart between the forces of the wish to find and show their biological parents how well they are now doing on the one hand, and "killing them" for abandoning them on the other, that is to say if they are lucky enough to get that far. How are they supposed to find their place in this world? Take note how Dr Larch prepared and launched Homer (and others: i.e. "Kings of New England") into this world.
  
  So, once upon a time in a forlorn small place called Maine, there were some orphans who strived to survive and one of then chanced to intermingle with the folks in the fishing industry and the cider industry not too far away. A perfect fragment of this broken tiny Universe, a perfect elegy for Dr Larch.
  
  Well, this is more like a vivid watercolour painting of this part of the Universe with characters so round and so real; not just Dr Larch or Homer, but also the Lieutenant and his girlfriend (Charlize Theron), and even the two Roses. The watercolour effects are well deployed. The sights of the operation theatre(s) full of apparatus with the pregnant women in bed would otherwise be too stupefying. Furthermore, there are so many scenes of premature deaths of the orphans and then the tragic ending of Mr Rose etc. Have they been depicted in the oil like "My Life as a Dog," the impact would simply be too shocking. Moreover, the way how it is depicted now would suggest some sort of intransience, some kind of timelessness.
  
  All in all, the film is enchanting and thought provoking all at the same time. I will soon come back to it for a second time comparing it in detail with "My Life as a Dog" by the same director.
  
  
• Compelling characters & peformances, but disturbing, flawed
  By A1FC6VDKRZ2Y2S on 2005-04-19
  Unlike some of the viewers here, I found the plot, characters and acting were all executed well. I haven't read the book, but it seems that Irving has cut down on the eccentricities that mar his other works (with the small exception of naming a character "Rose Rose"). However, the themes of abortion and incest which run through the film are very harrowing and difficult to watch. I can't believe this didn't get a R rating --this is NOT a movie for young ones.
  
  However, I found the morality of the film problematic. This goes way beyond the issue of abortion, whatever your stance on it. The message of the film seems to be that the ends always justify the means. This is totally epitomised by Michael Caine's Dr. Larch. Whether engaging in illegal abortions, forgery, falsifying records or substance abuse, it seems that this guy thinks that anything is OK as long as he gets the results that he wants. In the end, young Homer does become his successor to this kind of life. This is held up as heroic, somehow, when it is actually tragic.
  
  This aspect of the film is the most problematic for me -- the total lack of a moral and ethical center. For this reason, I'm not sure that I would recommend the film, but it can certainly spark a lot of discussion if viewed with a lot of discernment and if you don't fall for its false heroics.
  
  

• Good Will Hunting (Miramax Collector's Series)
• The World According to Garp
• Driving Miss Daisy (Special Edition)
• The Cider House Rules (Thorndike Press Large Print Basic Series)
• Wonder Boys