The Cider House Rules (07 September 1999)
directed by Lasse Hallström
starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Michael Caine, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, Kieran Culkin, Erykah Badu, K. Todd Freeman
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MPAA rating: Studio: FilmColony, Miramax Script: John Irving Based on the book by: John Irving Music: Rachel Portman Running time: 125 minutes Suggested retail price: $32.99 (US) Tags: abortion; apples; coming-of-age; Drama; novel adaptation; orphans; war Tactical strength: [6/10]
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for mature thematic elements, sexuality, nudity, substance abuse and some violence
If you want sympathetic characters without much work, you can always use kids. The Cider House Rules offers an entire orphanage of sympathetic characters, a quaint country doctor, and his cute teenage apprentice, Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire). Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) believes in providing abortions for women who ask for them, but Homer refuses to perform abortions, believing that people should restrain themselves before getting pregnant. Homer also longs to see more of the world than St. Cloud, Maine, and he gets an opportunity when a couple come for an abortion. Homer gets a ride with the couple, and gets a job working as a picker on an apple orchard.
Movies often use an innocent outsider like Homer to bring the viewer a new perspective of contemporary issues. The Cider House Rules effectively uses this cliched character to present its pro-abortion agenda. As Homer falls in love (and has sex), he must adjust his views on abortion, especially when faced with the implications of the unwanted pregnancies of Rose, a fellow apple picker.
The name "Cider House Rules" refers to a set of typewritten rules posted in the pickers bunkhouse, or cider house. Twice, Mr. Rose (Delroy Lindo), the crew boss, emphatically states that the rules were written by someone else who doesn't live in the cider house, thus the rules don't apply. This, of course, provides a blatant parallel to the abortion laws written by people who aren't living with an unwanted pregnancy.
In spite of the heavy handed, pro-abortion message, you feel that in the end Homer makes the best choice for himself and his future happiness.
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