THE CIDER HOUSE RUES, an expertly crafted and intelligent adapTation of
John Irving's novel, explores themes of disappointment, ideas of moral
ambiguity, and, indeed, lessons about life itself, woven into a dramatic
story that is neither slow nor sentimental. Tobey Maguire is the
immensely likable Homer Wells, a lifelong resident of a Maine orphanage
who comes of age during WWII under the auspices of its director, Dr.
Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine). Larch is pragmatic, progressive, highly
intelligent, and loathe to let Homer go out into the world. He sees him
as a son, and the only one whose medical training allows for him to take
over when he retires from his job as physician, obstetrician, and
illegal abortionist. When ingenue Candy (Charlize Theron) and air force
adventurer Wally (Paul Rudd), come to Larch for help with an abortion,
Homer befriends the couple and, against Larch's wishes, sets off with
them to see the world, or at least the rest of Maine. Working at an
apple orchard owned by Wally's mother (Kate Nelligan), Homer lives and
works with a group of African-American migrant workers, among them the
morally ambiguous Mr. Rose Delroy Lindo and his beloved daughter Rose
Rose (Erykah Badu in a stunning debut). When Wally goes off to war, and
Rose Rose gets into a complex and frightening situation, Homer is faced
with serious choices and dilemmas that can only be solved by the wisdom
he has learned from Larch. A classic, old-fashioned-style American film
that deals directly with sensitive and taboo issues, THE CIDER HOUSE
RULES is a beautifully acted, carefully paced story full of substance.
AWARDS:
1999: 2 Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine), Adapted Screenplay. 7 Nominations
1999: Golden Globes: Nominated Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine) and Screenplay
1999: Nominated for BAFTA Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine)
1999: National Board of Review: Best Screenplay
1999: Nominated for Golden Lion in el Venice Film Festival: Director (Lasse Hallström)
