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The Cider House Rules
1999 126 min United States of America PG-13 18+
★7.9
Drama
Director: Lasse Hallström
🎭 Based on
«The Cider House Rules»
byJohn Irving
Trailers
Description
Homer is an orphan who was never adopted, becoming the favorite of orphanage director Dr. Larch. Dr. Larch imparts his full medical knowledge on Homer, who becomes a skilled, albeit unlicensed, physician. But Homer yearns for a self-chosen life outside the orphanage. What will Homer learn about life and love in the cider house? What of the destiny that Dr. Larch has planned for him?
Budget:
$24M
US Gross:
$57.55M
Worldwide:
$88.5M
Starring
Tobey Maguire
Actor
Charlize Theron
Actor
Michael Caine
Actor
Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Production Design
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Director
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Supporting Actor
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Supporting Actor
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Cast Ensemble
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Supporting Actor
BAFTA 2000
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Adapted Screenplay
Venice Film Festival 1999
— Golden Lion
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Film Editing
Key opinion
The Cider House Rules is widely regarded as a moving and life-affirming drama that effectively balances moral complexity with poignant storytelling. While some critics find its sentimental tone and directorial style predictable, most agree that the strong central performances and faithful adaptation of John Irving’s work create a resonant emotional experience.
| Acting | Michael Caine delivers a deeply charismatic and Oscar-winning performance as Dr. Larch, providing the film's moral and emotional anchor. | |
| Emotion | The orphanage setting and childhood depictions are highly effective at evoking sympathy and grounding the film's atmosphere. | |
| Adaptation | The adaptation successfully captures the spirit of John Irving's novel, effectively translating its themes of personal agency and moral ambiguity to the screen. | |
| Direction | Lasse Hallström’s direction is marked by a signature sentimentality; some viewers find this style profoundly moving, while others criticize it as overly sugary or mechanical. | |
| Acting | Tobey Maguire’s performance as Homer Wells is polarized: supporters view his understated approach as a perfect fit for a universal protagonist, while detractors find his acting stiff and lacking in emotional range. | |
| Theme | The portrayal of the abortion theme is divisive, with some appreciating the film's nuanced moral inquiry while others perceive it as covert propaganda or a biased rehabilitation of a controversial character. |