... The film focuses on the character of Homer Wells as he battles with his own morals, and what his calling in life is, while he discovers the world outside of the sheltered orphanage. The film is very easy to watch as it flows along at an enjoyable pace with the right amount of detail so that ... Read review
In adapting his own novelThe Cider House Rulesfor the screen, John Irving sacrificed at ... more
least some of the depth and detail that made his humanitarian themes resonate, while the film--directed with Scandinavian sobriety by Lasse Hallström--is often vagu...
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Honored with two Academy Awards... Best Supporting Actor for Michael Caine and Best ... more
Adapted Screenplay for John Irving...The Cider House Rules tells a compelling and heartwarming story about how far a young man must travel to find the place where he tr...
In adapting his own novelThe Cider House Rulesfor the screen, John Irving sacrificed at ... more
least some of the depth and detail that made his humanitarian themes resonate, while the film--directed with Scandinavian sobriety by Lasse Hallström--is often vagu...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Set among the apple orchards of rural Maine it is a perverse world in which Homer Wells' ... more
odyssey begins. As the oldest unadopted offspring at St Cloud's orphanage he learns about the skills which one way or another help young and not-so-young women from Wilbur Larch the orphanage's founder a man of rare compassion with an addiction to ether. Dr Larch loves all his orphans especially Homer Wells. It is Homer's story we follow from his early apprenticeship in the orphanage to his adult life running a cider-making factory and his strange relationship with the wife of his closest friend.
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There is really no mistaking a Rachel Portman score, and directors must feel secure in ... more
knowing what they are going to get. This isn't to cry "self-plagiarist" at the composer, but to point out a clearly defined musical voice that sits in a category of its own. Alongside a penchant for piano and oboe is a childlike charm--an innocent simplicity. Sure enough, shortly into cue 2 ("Homer's Lessons"), the familiar bounce begins. It's a sort of "oompah-oompah" device you can trace through her career from Benny & Joon to Emma to Beloved. The result, either from familiarity or introduction to Portman's style, is to be instantly smitten. Many of her albums have shared her with source songs, but here you can enjoy 40 uninterrupted minutes of her dreamy listening. --Paul Tonks
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In adapting his own novelThe Cider House Rulesfor the screen, John Irving sacrificed at ... more
least some of the depth and detail that made his humanitarian themes resonate, while the film--directed with Scandinavian sobriety by Lasse Hallström--is often vague about the complex issues (abortion, incest, responsibility) that lie at its core. Allowing for this ambiguity (which is arguably intentional), the film retains much of what made Irving's novel so admired, and like Hallström's earlier featureWhat's Eating Gilbert Grape?, it's blessed with a generous, forgiving spirit toward the mistakes, foibles, and desires of its many engaging characters.Central to the story (set during World War II) is Homer (Tobey Maguire), a young man raised in a Maine orphanage, where the ether-sniffing Dr Larch (Michael Caine) rules with benevolent grace while performing safe but illegal abortions. To expand his horizons, Homer follows a young couple (Charlize Theron, Paul Rudd) to do fieldwork on an apple farm, where his innocent eyes are opened to the good and evil of the world--and to the realisation that not all rules are steadfast in all situations. By the time Homer returns to the orphanage,The Cider House Rules--which features one of Caine's finest performances--has run out of steam. The film ends up being memorable more for its many charming and insightful moments than for any lasting dramatic impact. Is Homer fated to come full circle in his kindhearted journey? It's left to the viewer to decide. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
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In adapting his own novelThe Cider House Rulesfor the screen, John Irving sacrificed at ... more
least some of the depth and detail that made his humanitarian themes resonate, while the film--directed with Scandinavian sobriety by Lasse Hallström--is often vague about the complex issues (abortion, incest, responsibility) that lie at its core. Allowing for this ambiguity (which is arguably intentional), the film retains much of what made Irving's novel so admired, and like Hallström's earlier featureWhat's Eating Gilbert Grape?, it's blessed with a generous, forgiving spirit toward the mistakes, foibles, and desires of its many engaging characters.Central to the story (set during World War II) is Homer (Tobey Maguire), a young man raised in a Maine orphanage, where the ether-sniffing Dr Larch (Michael Caine) rules with benevolent grace while performing safe but illegal abortions. To expand his horizons, Homer follows a young couple (Charlize Theron, Paul Rudd) to do fieldwork on an apple farm, where his innocent eyes are opened to the good and evil of the world--and to the realisation that not all rules are steadfast in all situations. By the time Homer returns to the orphanage,The Cider House Rules--which features one of Caine's finest performances--has run out of steam. The film ends up being memorable more for its many charming and insightful moments than for any lasting dramatic impact. Is Homer fated to come full circle in his kindhearted journey? It's left to the viewer to decide. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: John Duigan - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend, Penelope Cruz
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
Advantages: Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire Disadvantages: None
...years as an orphan at the St. Clouds Orphanage in Maine. Over the years, and a couple of failed adoptions, he has become like a son to the orphanage's director, Dr. Larch (Michael Caine). Larch has educated him in many medical practices which include child birth and abortion, in the hope that one day he would take over the reins of the orphanage. Unfortunately, Homer feels that he needs to experience the world outside of the orphanage, so that he ... ...moral issues of the illegal but safe abortions that Dr. Larch conducts. Whilst away from the orphanage, Homer gets work as an apple picker, where he falls in love with the beautiful Candy, the daughter in law to be of the orchard owner. He also makes friends with the other traveling fruit pickers. His new life and experiences, teaches him some valuable lessons about the work and to where his true destiny lies.
Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire) has spent all of his formative years as an orphan at the St. Clouds Orphanage in Maine. Over the years, and a couple of failed adoptions, he has become like a son to the orphanage's director, Dr. Larch (Michael Caine). Larch has educated him in many medical practices which include child birth and abortion, in the hope that one day he would take over the reins of the orphanage. Unfortunately, Homer feels that he needs to experience the world outside of the orphanage, so that he can find his own destiny, as he struggles with the moral issues of the illegal but safe abortions that Dr. Larch conducts. Whilst away from the orphanage, Homer gets work as an apple picker, where he falls in love with the beautiful Candy, the daughter in law to be of the orchard owner. He also makes friends with the other traveling fruit pickers. His new life and experiences, teaches him some valuable lessons about the work and to where his true destiny lies.
This is a very pleasant film, which is full of sentiment and beautiful scenes, but is not over sickly sweet. From what I have read, this is an adaptation of the novel by John Irving, and like so many other adaptations of books, it doesn't achieve the excellence of the book, but to be honest how many adaptations manage to compete with the written prose. The film focuses on the character of Homer Wells as he battles with his own morals, and what his calling in life is, while he discovers the world outside of the sheltered orphanage. The film is very easy to watch as it flows along at an enjoyable pace with the right amount of detail so that you can get an understanding of the main characters. Part of its appeal is that although it deals with some touch moral issues, it doesn't really force its opinion on you.
In the lead role of Homer Wells is Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) whose performance creates a character of a pleasant young man who is a little bit naïve to the way of the world. There's not a bad word I can say about Maguire's performance as he demonstrates the angst that Homer goes through as he questions his morals. Dr. Larch, the director of the orphanage, is played by Michael Caine (Batman Begins). Although his accent is some what dubious, it does not detract from a very good performance as he becomes a father figure to Homer. In the role of Homer's girlfriend/lover is Charlize Theron (The Italian Job) who not only provides some feminine beauty to the production but also plays the woman torn between two lovers very convincingly. In supporting roles you have the likes of Delroy Lindo (Malcolm X), Paul Rudd (Friends) and Kieran Culkin (Father of the Bride - and another member of that annoying family).
The film is directed by Lasse Hallström who has more recently directed Casanova. I feel that Hallström has delivered a well balanced film which at times could have floated off and become sickly sweet behind rose tinted glasses, but instead he has stayed focused on telling the story. It is no surprise that with film being set in Maine, we are treated to some beautiful back drops which match the beauty of the story. The sound track is also very good as it complements the mood of each scene.= The Cast =======Tobey Maguire .... Homer Wells Charlize Theron .... Candy Kendall Michael Caine .... Dr. Wilbur Larch Delroy Lindo .... Mr. Rose Paul Rudd .... Wally Worthington Jane Alexander .... Nurse Edna Kathy Baker .... Nurse Angela Erykah Badu .... Rose Rose Kieran Culkin .... Buster======= Technical Details =============Certificate: 12 Length: 126 mins======================= The Message & Christian View Point =============================One of the many messages which are shown in The Cider House Rules is the one about parents being able to let go of their children. Although Dr. Larch was not Homer's real father, he cared for him as such, protecting him from the world. Even after Homer left the orphanage, Larch was still trying to bring him back so that he could protect him. But as Homer learnt, and it is not an easy thing for parents to do, but you need to be allowed to go and experience life for yourself and learn from your mistakes. From my experience, going out and experiencing life for yourself, makes you appreciate you home and your parents so much more.========== Conclusion & Rating ================The Cider House Rules is a very pleasant drama, which although it deals with some sensitive moral issues it does do it in an inoffending manner. Yes the film is very sentimental, but that is part of its appeal, and it is not overly sickly sweet. Whether or not it is a disappointing adaptation of the novel is something that I can't comment on, but as a film in its own rights is very good. Fans of dramas such as Fried Green Tomatoes will find this appealing. The Cider House Rules is available for £5.97 on Amazon which is a reasonable price to pay.
Advantages: Understated acting by Maguire and Caine Disadvantages: None
...by Dr Wilbur Larch in the hospital in which he was born. Dr Larch treats him like his own son and teaches him the skills of his medical trade - gynaecology. By the time Homer is a young man, he has skills of the same standard as Dr Larch, although he has no formal qualifications, and refuses to carry out abortions. Homer is happy with his lot, caring for the women who come to the hospital and for the other orphans. He secretly has a desire to escape ... ...couple who attend the hospital agree to give him a lift, he goes with them, much to Dr Larch's horror.
Befriended by the young couple, Candy and Wally, Homer goes with them to their home town, where Wally finds him a job as an apple picker for his family's business shortly before going off to fight in the Far East. Homer becomes close to the team of apple pickers he works with and finds himself spending more and more time with Candy. Dr Larch writes ...
sunmeilan 19.03.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Cider House Rules (DVD)
Advantages: The Story, the Direction and Good Acting Disadvantages: None
...and directed by Lasse Hallstrom. The movie is very rich in its fable and metaphor. And it is a warm and gentle carnival of all the convolutions of life. Lasse Hallstrom and Irving have carved out this movie with relaxing concentration that never slips away from the harsh realities, simultaneously holding on to the simpler moments. They together view the world with compassion.
St Clouds, Maine is an isolated but picturesque place. Those who get down ... ...against a mountain ledge in the woods of New England. This is an orphanage to where people go to leave a child, to adopt a child or not to have a child. Dr Larch (Michael Caine) manages the orphanage. He is the “caretaker of many and father of none”. Homer Wells (Toby Maguire), when he was a newborn babe, was left at the orphanage as the family that wanted to adopt him said, ”he doesn’t cry”. Babies who don’t cry, ...
skmm 21.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Cider House Rules (DVD)
Advantages: Wonderful story, good acting, great scenery Disadvantages: A little more character development would be nice
...a two-hour period, much of the detail and even significant parts of the story line must be left out. That is certain the case with 'The Cider House Rules'. John Irving’s novel had much more character development, naturally (as a book can always reveal the interior lives of characters much more fully than can any theatrical treatment), but I was a bit disappointed that significant plot developments (such as Homer’s relationships away from St. Clouds) ... ...been made, I thought that the movie was very good. Michael Caine gave his usual wonderful performance, but I was never quite clear what accent he was trying to bring about (being someone with a muddled accent myself, I am not really one to criticise on this point). The stories of the orphans of St. Clouds and the women who came for help in one way or another were very poignant. I was moved at the interplay between compassion and concern—the right ...
frkurt 03.03.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Cider House Rules (DVD)
Advantages: Got a Sunday afternoon free? This is perfect. Disadvantages: Leisurely pace may make some people fidget.
It’s easy to get the wrong idea. When I heard the title of this movie, I imagined it spoken in a thick Southern Californian accent – “Thu Cider House rools, dude!”. Thank the stars *that* doesn’t happen. And when I found out Michael Caine was making a comeback, I imagined him in Cock-er-nee tones, threatening people and saying “bladdy ‘ell!” Again, the stars are to be thanked. This is not a typical ... ...Maine, New England. Larch is the head honcho at this establishment, and not only takes in strays, but (illegally) assists women with unwanted pregnancies. One day, a baby named Homer Wells catches his attention, after he is brought back by a couple for being “too quiet”. The next couple solve that problem – he cries all the time, through them beating him. Larch is not pleased, and takes Homer into his personal care, moulding him ...
peppersinclaire 16.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Cider House Rules (DVD)
Advantages: True to the book, excellent cast, beautiful settings Disadvantages: Problematic topic, sometimes confusing (just like an Irving story)
...ever completely lived up to the expectations of readers who loved the books. On the other hand, sometimes if one sees a movie first and then reads the book because they loved the film, the book might be a disappointment. However, with "Cider House Rules", I'm not sure that we haven't come as close to equals in both a great read and great watch as is humanly possible.
I'm a long-standing (and good faith) fan of John Irving. Many would have started ... ...House Rules was actually only the second book of Irving's I read.
One of the most important things to remember about Irving is his love of the absurd. He has an ability to look at a situation and find, not only what we can all find in common with it, but also what makes it strange and unusual. And it is in this, that Irving finds the real beauty and truths in life. Cider House Rules looks first into the truths of life as Irving sees it, and tries ...
TheChocolateLady 21.08.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Cider House Rules (DVD)
The story of Homer Wells, a young man who strives to find where he belongs. He has lived nearly all his life in St. Cloud's Orphanage under the watchful eye of Dr. Larch. Based on John Irving's best-selling classic.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINM; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Release date
12/03/2001
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
BED 888153
Barcode
5017188881531
Production Designer
David Gropman
Screenwriter
John Irving
Editor
Lisa Zeno Churgin
Composer
Rachel Portman
Executive Producer
Richard N. Gladstein, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein, Bobby Cohen, Meryl Poster
"...[THE CIDER HOUSE RULES] is a stunning achievement--lovingly photographed and emotionally transcendent..." (Movieline, p.33, 01/02/2000)
"...Fine, subtle work from Caine and the ever-impressive Maguire..." -- 3 out of 5 stars (Premiere, p.85, 01/09/2000)
"...Earnest, well-acted....[Caine is] a masterful actor in peak form..." (Rolling Stone, p.68-9, 03/02/2000)
"...A touching, old-fashioned charmer that ultimately satisfies..." (Variety, p.48-50, 13/09/1999)
DVD Description
THE CIDER HOUSE RUES, an expertly crafted and intelligent adapation 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.
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