The Cider House Rules (1999)-"PG-13"

Run Time:125 minutes

3 and 1/2 stars out of 4

The Cider House Rules (1999), directed by Lasse Halstrom (also known for Chocolat & What's Eating Gilbert Grape?), surprised me by coming across as a very strong supporter of abortion rights. Had I read the John Irving novel it was based on, I probably would have already known this, but that doesn't mean that Halstrom couldn't have changed it to be not so opinionated. Not that I think opinionated films are bad, but I was just surprised of the lack of fear the distributor had about making a film about such a bitterly argued topic. Social issues aside, I can say that I truly liked watching this movie, despite it being difficult to watch at times. Beautifully shot on a vivid color palette and against gorgeous New England scenery, the cinematography and visuals are breath-taking. The story takes place at a state orphanage in rural St. Cloud, Maine during World War II and opens with narration by Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine), showing the sad circumstances of a lot of the children there. Larch focuses on one child in particular, Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), who was adopted but returned twice, while still in infancy. Homer comes to adolescence without being adopted and becomes a sort of protege to Dr. Larch, helping him in exams, deliveries, and even learning how to perform abortions. Homer is kept in the shelter of the State-run orphanage in a loving and healthy environment until he becomes a young adult (and also a gifted, if not licensed, doctor), but is lacking love and adventure in his life. When a young unwed couple, Wally Worthington and Candy Kendall (Paul Rudd and Charlize Theron) visit for an abortion, which are at the time illegal in Maine, Homer befriends them and winds up returning to Wally's parents' apple farm near the coast to become an apple picker. When Wally has to return to active duty in Asia, Homer falls in love with Candy, and they carry on a highly romantic affair behind the backs of Wally's family. When Wally is shot down and paralyzed, Homer is conflicted over whether to return to St. Cloud and take over the aging Larch's position, or to stay with his first love. Like I mentioned before, this film is visually beautiful, but is also emotionally draining and even heart-breaking at times. Both Caine and Maguire give superior performances, followed closely by Theron, but at times the film seems a tad over-dramatic. Overall, The Cider House Rules is an excellent and very emotional drama, and with an outstanding visuals and well-worth looking into.