My first impressions of this film after watching the trailer was one of disinterest. I avoided watching at the cinema which, in hindsight, I later came to regret because when I did finally give the film a chance and watched it on DVD I was amazed and suprised by how brilliant this film is.
Seldom do I watch films that are affective on so many levels and can induce a strong emotional response within me. The blend of great performances from a fantastic cast, exceptional direction, a thought-provoking, emotional storyline and a brilliant soundtract all come together to create a film of genuine quality and substance.
The story is essentially of a coming of age drama, set in the 1940's, that centres around the life of Homer Wells, an orphan who has spent his entire life in a New England orphanage. The story is wonderfully narrated by the orphanage director and doctor Larch who has developed a special bond with Homer and whom he takes under his wing and teaches. Homer leaves the orphange to see the world and embarks on a life altering journey where he is faced with moral and emotional dilemas.
The plot moves along at a good pace with strong character development and engaging narration by Michael Caine (who gives an outstanding performance in the film).
The film has character and appeal and one who's brilliance stands out. I would recommend this film without hesitation.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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: 2004 - Drama - Director: John Duigan - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend, Penelope Cruz
Re-rated based on Ciao's insistence that such reviews are no longer considered "Off Topic"
Soho_Black 04.08.2008 12:56
I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD features. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
Judgee 09.06.2008 23:56
Yup a fine film indeed. Its a bit slow to get going but definitely worth sticking with. Only Caines overcooked american accent spoils it a little for me ;)
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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...
Honored with two Academy Awards - Best Supporting Actor for Michael Caine and Best Adapted ... more
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 tru...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire Disadvantages: None
christianfilmcritic 22.02.2006 (22.02.2006)
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Review of The Cider House Rules (DVD)