Review of The Cider House Rules (1999) by Elliot 'Eli' S — 13 Dec 2007
Adapted by a novel by John Irving, this is a story about breaking rules and finding your own way.
Set in an orphanage in Maine in the early 1940's, it is a surprisingly humane place, where the good doctor who runs it, Michael Caine, really loves the children. One of the two dozen orphans, Homer, played by Tobey Maguire, has grown to young manhood in the orphanage and assists the doctor as he delivers babies and also performs abortions. The doctor wants Homer to stay and carry on in his footsteps, but Homer leaves the protectiveness of the orphanage and goes to work in an apple orchard, picking apples with a group of African American apple pickers.
The acting is superb and the story is deep on many levels, dealing the some tough questions of right and wrong. If anything, the characters are just a little too sweet, too loving, too good to be true. And this is the first movie I ever saw about an orphanage where the children were not mistreated. Frankly though, I found all of this refreshing and a new and interesting reality.
The Cider House Rules is one of the few films that can mix all genres together at the same time. You'll be crying with joy, and laughing with pain. The film is absolutely brilliant, in all areas, including a unique screenplay, great acting, perfect cast, beautiful cinematography, lots of good decoration and superb direction from acclaimed director Lasse Hallstrom.
Some might find this movie too moody and sentimental. I didn't.
Recommended.
This review of The Cider House Rules (1999) was written by Elliot 'Eli' S on 13 Dec 2007.
The Cider House Rules has generally received very positive reviews.
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