The Cider House Rules (1999) PG13 - 3½ Stars

This is one long ass movie but still pretty good about apple pickers, orphans and abortions, during World War II. The movie made me really feel for all characters involved. I loved the line, "Good night you princes of Maine, you kings of New England", what Dr. Larch says to the orphans as they go to bed each night.

Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), is an orphan who grew up with Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine) at the St. Cloud Orphanage in Maine. He has been with Dr. Larch for so long, he's highly trained in the medical profession and helps preform many tasks for Dr. Larch. The child in the orphanage, adore Homer and he brings them inspiration that they'll be adopted soon. His life is happy until he refuses to help Dr. Larch with his illegal abortions, performed on the side.

When Homer sees women so eager to get rid of their children, he knows he must get away and see what else lies out there in the world. The children don't want Homer to leave and Dr. Larch won't show it and refuses to speak with him, but deep down he doesn't want him to go either.

Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd) brings his girlfriend Candy (Charlize Theron) to see Dr. Larch for an abortion. Homer sees this as his opportunity to leave with the couple plus he thinks Candy is beautiful. Wally is a soldier and Homer feels comfortable to hitch a ride with them. They don't get far and end up at the apple orchard and cider mill that Wally's mother Olive (Kate Nelligan)owns. A group of African Americans work the orchard lead by the foreman, Mr. Rose (Delroy Lindo). Wally ends up being shipped off to war and Homer falls in love, for the first time, with Candy and stays to help pick apples.

Homer sleeps in the local barn with the other black workers. He becomes friends with the group and helps them read The Cider House Rules which have been posted on the wall. Thus far no one has been able to read them. Rose Rose (Erykah Badu) is one of the field workers and she becomes pregnant by her own father Mr. Rose. Faced with her incested pregancy and after learning of Dr. Larch's death, Homer must battle his morals about abortion and decide what's the next step on the course of his life.

1999 - The Cider House Rules - National Board of Review - Best Screenplay
1999 - The Cider House Rules - Screen Actors Guild - Best Supporting Actor

Miramax Films
Director: Lasse Hallström
Writer: John Irving
Producer: Richard N. Gladstein

I viewed 3/07