Review of The Cider House Rules (1999) by Bob V — 10 Oct 2007

How far do we have to travel to find where we really belong?

This question is at hand in this wonderful film by director Lasse Hallstrom (What's Eating Gilbert Grape) and adapted by John Irving (Simon Birch) from his own novel of the same name.

Homer Wells, portrayed brilliantly by maturing actor Tobey Maguire, has lived in an orphanage all his life, due to families returning him for noise problems whether it be too much noise or too little. Homer is taken care of by the nurses and is the protege of Dr. Wilbur Larch, played by the great Michael Caine, who delivers an amazing right on target performance, as a illegal abortion giving, baby delivering, ether addicted doctor who has hopes of Homer taking over for him.

However, Homer wants to see a bit of what's out there but he doesn't go very far simply traveling across Maine. There he works in a cider house and out in the orchard picking apples. There he falls in love with Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron), a girl who has "trouble being alone". Though Homer realizes that he can't have Candy, because her husband just returned from the war, and they can never be together. He accepts this and decides to return to the orphanage, the place that holds his heart and passion.

While a compelling drama "Cider" is also a great character study going in depth on Homers struggles with accepting himself and his love of the orphanage and more importantly the children that stay there. So, How far do we have to travel to find where we really belong? For Homer, to a small cider house and apple orchard across the state of Maine.

Beautifully photographed, compassionately directed by Hallstrom, and featuring great supporting roles filled by Kieran Culkin, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, and Erykah Badu among others, "The Cider House Rules" is easily one of the best films of the year and certainly delivers compassion and inspiration to its viewers.

"Good night you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England.".