Review of The Cider House Rules (1999) by Frank M — 19 Apr 2009

Much of the film takes place in an orphanage-- the doctors and nurses revere life. They name the adopted babies. But they also respect the woman's decision not to keep her baby. I don't understand how Ebert said he agreed the movie showed the man was the decider.

A man happens to be the doctor, together they do as SHE chooses. A message this movie seems to state is a woman will carry out her decision no matter what-- I'm not sure if this is the case. And maybe that's why the film remains inconclusive.

But this movie DOES show kids are a great thing-- look at all the wonderful personalities in the orphanage... they wait months and years as couples slowly pick and choose which children they want to bring into their lives.

Adoption itself is a noble and respected action; a great and loving thing (if it works out like that). But, there's another possible message in this movie... it might seem like an ugly option, but would one rather a child whittle slowly away in an orphanage lest they not be picked, or, rather, that unwanted child not be brought into the world in the first place? Which is the most lengthy, tortuous cruelty to a human soul? I think that's where the movie leaves you.

This movie does not preach, it poses a series of questions, and that's why some call it "murky." There are many other themes to this movie as well, but this was one of them, I believe. (Edit: Had another thought.

.. maybe Ebert wanted to focus on whether the movie had any "direct [preachy] messages" and criticize it for being "unclear" rather than basically publicly stating his opinion on abortion-- as it's a touchy/risky subject that could affect his readership.

.. if you notice, he waives off the topic in one sentence.).