Cider House Rules, The (US)

8 / 10
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A story about how far we must travel to find the place where we belong
Certificate: PG-13
Running Time: 125 mins
Retail Price: $32.99
Release Date:

Synopsis:
Honored with two Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actor Michael Caine and Best Adapted Screenplay, John Irving, The Cider House Rules tells a compelling and heartwarming story about how far a young man must travel to find the place where he truly belongs!

Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire: Pleasantville, The Ice Storm, Wonder Boys) has lived nearly his entire life within the walls of St. Cloud`s Orphanage in rural Maine. Though groomed by its proprietor, Dr. Larch (Caine), to be his successor, Homer nonetheless feels the need to strike out on his own and experience the world outside. Then, while working at an apple orchard, Homer falls for the beautiful Candy (Charlize Theron: Reindeer Games, The Devil`s Advocate) and learns some powerfully indelible lessons about life, love and home!

Based on John Irving`s best-selling American classic and featuring a sensational all-star cast including Delroy Lindo and newcomer Erykah Badu, this entertaining motion picture earned raves from critics and moviegoers everywhere!

Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Feature Commentary Track with Director Lasse Hallstrom, Screenwriter John Irving and Producer Richard N. Gladstein
Deleted Scenes
The Cider House Rules: The Making Of An American Classic
Cast and Crew Bios
TV Spots
Theatrical Trailer

Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1

Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.0 English
Dolby Digital 5.0 French

Subtitle Tracks:
Spanish
CC: English

Directed By:
Lasse Hallström

Written By:


Starring:
Michael Caine
Paul Rudd
Delroy Lindo
Charlize Theron
Tobey Maguire

Casting By:
Suzanne Smith
Billy Hopkins
Kerry Barden

Soundtrack By:
Rachel Portman

Music From:
Max Steiner

Director of Photography:
Oliver Stapleton

Editor:
Lisa Zeno Churgin

Costume Designer:
Renee Ehrlich Kalfus

Production Designer:
David Gropman

Producer:
Lila Yacoub
Michele Platt
Leslie Holleran
Richard N. Gladstein
Alan C. Blomquist

Executive Producer:
Harvey Weinstein
Bob Weinstein
Meryl Poster
Bobby Cohen

Distributor:
Buena Vista

Your Opinions and Comments

8 / 10
A sentimental and graceful movie.
Michael Caine and Tobey Maguire are really brilliant in their roles.
The video transfer is ok. While this is a 4:3 version of the movie (it`s been a while since I`ve seen a rather new movie in 4:3 format), the picture quality is satisfying. However, I`ve noticed quite a few compression marks on several scenes (and not necessarily dark scenes). Do note, that I am reviewing a special region 2 version of the movie only available in Israel. The imperfect transfer is probably due to this reason.
The DD 5.0 soundtrack is very good. While there are no effects in this movie, the surrounds help in creating a very cosy atmosphere, especially in the orphanage. The music of this movie is (as can be expected) very sentimental but is never "too much". A great soundtrack.
The menus are all static.
The extras include a rather dull behind the scenes look, which is mostly a re-cap of some key points of the story. Too bad there`s not anything (significant) else (there`s no commentary in this region 2 version).
Bottom line - despite the sometimes less than perfect presentation of the movie, it`s a must see (at least for "the princes of Maine and the kings of New England").
posted by Zvi Josef on 13/11/2000 19:24
9 / 10
I found myself just sitting still for a few minutes after seeing this one. It`s a great drama, Lasse Halmstöms best one if you ask me.
posted by NiM on 14/10/2002 17:09
8 / 10
A slow moving but astounding movie with a brilliant theme and breathtaking scenery. The movie is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by John Irving. The film follows the coming of age of Homer Wells, played brilliantly by Toby Maguire, who explores life outside the orphanage where he has spent all his life. Dr Larch, played by Michael Caine in an oscar winning role, is sad to see Homer go as he himself has raised Homer like a son and wanted him to take over at the orphanage.

The all round cast is excellent and there are a lot of great stars who perform exceptionally well including Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo and young stars Kieran Culkin and Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey from malcolm in the middle), who both play orphans.

The visuals are very good. There are some minor specks of dirt but nothing really that spoils the viewing. The picture is usually sharp and the autumn like colours of Maine are captured very well.

The sound is very sharp and clear. There is nothing really special about the sound apart from the sweeping theme that is greatly brought out of all the speakers.

The extras are plentiful. There is a making of documentary that features many of the cast and crew members. There is an audio commentary and some deleted scenes and some promo material.
A great movie that will definetly become a classic.
A must see movie
Goodnight you princes of Maine, you kings of New England
posted by dicanio on 5/2/2003 20:57