The Cider House Rules (1999) by John Sylva Rating: A
What is the true purpose of film? If you ask me, the true goal of a film is to affect the viewer to no end, letting them feel the storyline and the characters, making them feel what they are watching is genuine. No genre of film affects me, or succeeds at this, more than one, that being the priceless coming of age story. If well executed, a coming of age film will soak you in its plot, absorb you in its characters, deliver a satisfying, often heart warming resolution, and leave you hypnotized, dying for more of its magnificent treasures. Director Lasse Hallstrom ("What's Eating Gilbert Gape") brings us "The Cider House Rules", an uplifting, inspirational tale about finding yourself, finding yourself and discovering to truly live for the first time. Based on his novel of the same name, John Irving pens the screenplay of this warm drama, filling his masterful script with unspeakable emotion, power, and three-dimensional characters who are put to life by a stellar cast. All of the characteristics I named that should be included within a wonderful coming of age drama are gone above and beyond in "Cider," which stands as one of the, if not the, best films of 1999.
Set in the war stricken mid 1940's, the beginning scenes of "The Cider House Rules", which play like a first chapter to the film of sorts, set up the magical story at a peaceful, isolated St. Clouds, Maine orphanage, where Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire) has resided his entire life. He was born in that orphanage, left to be up for adoption, but through his childhood years, he never found a permanent family other than the family he had at the busy, large, cozy building where he had grown up in. The only mother or father figure Homer ever has had is the caring, gentle Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine) who has worked as a doctor in the orphanage for decades. As he has grown, Dr. Larch teaches Homer the basics of being a doctor, and gives him the honor of delivering a number of babies, and being his assistant. In the film's opening minutes, we get to know a number of children who await their adoption, and we are allowed to feel the close bond that they have with Homer, and in turn a close bond with the viewer, as they look up to him as a father figure, for he's been with them their entire lives, and win the audience's hearts with their attractive personalities and wonderful dialogue.
In the film's second "chapter," soldier Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd) and Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron), a high class couple, arrive at the orphanage to have an abortion performed, but after this task is finished, the welcoming couple instantly befriend Homer, taking him with them back to their hometown. Thus begins a new chapter in Homer's life, leaving the one place he could call home to see the world for the first time. From here, Homer looks for his place in life, something different than the life that he left, which was somewhat restricted. Eventually, after Wally is called to duty for the War, a romance is sparked between Candy and Homer, resulting in Homer's first true love. As the relationship between Candy and Homer strengthens, Homer becomes a pro apple picker with number of African American workers who don't accept the first timer at first, but end up becoming close to him.
The character of Homer Wells is an amusing, curious one, much like the characters were in last year's coming of age drama "Pleasantville." Like the characters in the underrated ‘98 flick, Homer is a stranger to the world. He's never seen a lobster, never seen the ocean. "Cider" takes Homer on an extraordinary journey about getting a taste of life for the first time, and becoming a man.
At the ripe age of 24, Tobey Maguire is undoubtedly the most natural male actor under the age of thirty, rehearsing his characters effortlessly. Robbed of any recognition for his role in last year's splendid "Pleasantville," Maguire shines in "The Cider House Rules," letting you relate and feel for his character who grows mentally throughout the powerful course of the film. Michael Caine gives a strong, Oscar worthy performance as his sickly character, rehearsing his lines boldly and realistically. The standout performance is from Charlize Theron, who has that old fashioned movie star look and feel about her, giving her strongest, most memorable and likable turn as an actress yet.
"The Cider House Rules" is beautifully shot, capturing the true beauty of fine Massachusetts landscapes. (It was filmed in Massachusetts, but set in Maine.) Set against some of the most memorable, hauntingly beautiful settings in a film this year, "The Cider House Rules" is an uplifting film that couldn't have been better. The musical score helps to give "Cider" an old fashioned, inspirational feel to it that leaves a smile spread across your face once the credits start rolling. Within its 131 minute running time, the film tells the story of finding your place in life, finding close friendships from those who you would least expect, bonding with a different race, doing the right thing, and eventually letting go of things you've experienced. But over all of its high qualities, perhaps the element I admire most about "The Cider House Rules" is the fact that it portrays characters as wonderful people, although they make some bad choices along the way. "Cider" will open your mind to letting individuals into your life, even if they have done a bad thing or two, as the film shows that good people do mess up, but if given a chance, they can shine just as much as anyone else in the world could. Rarely does a film pack so much into it that it comes off as an awesomely overwhelming experience. "The Cider House Rules" blends comedy, drama, and romance into a rather short running time for its kind, becoming one of the most admirable, memorable films of 1999.
The Bottom Line: Corny I know, but this "Cider" really does, "rule."
Film reviewed January 5, 2000.
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