Review of The Cider House Rules (1999) by Byron B — 06 Aug 2012

Irving adapted his novel to the screen himself. Orphans, abortion, incest, suicide, addictions, affair, and migrant workers are some of the difficult issues explored in this story. Yet it is ultimately an uplifting coming-of-age tale.

Homer (Maguire) is an orphan who becomes like a son to the doctor (Caine) who runs the orphanage. I identified with the theme of needing to leave home to see the world and form your own identity. Homer meets a young soldier (Rudd), just ready to serve in WWII, and the soldier's fiance (Theron), who show him the ocean and arrange for a job as an apple picker.

The migrant workers are of various minorities, and though we don't get to know many of them very well, this portion of the story reminded me of John Steinbeck (Dickens is also alluded to at times).

The title comes from a list of rules posted in the workers' housing. Even though it is a slippery slope, I was right with Mr. Rose (Lindo) when he questioned whether rules written by the powerful are really for those with no power or if we must create our own rules.

There seemed to be a subtext questioning sacred laws here. Well, Homer fights the fact that he is a skilled doctor (with informal training) because he doesn't want to follow his adoptive "father's" footsteps.

Homer also has youthful ideals, yet as he faces some tough challenges, he begins to realize how complicated the world is ethically. He begins to find his place in the world. There are some lovely scenes that show characters appreciating good literature and fun film-going experiences.

Hallstrom weaves together an intricate plot in a wonderfully realized time period with insightful performances from the whole cast.