Stream it now The Cider House Rules 1999

 

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Excellent, excellent movie. The film graphically depicts arguments on the issue of abortion, and just exactly where one stands on that issue may influence one's opinion of the film -- which explains the mixed reviews. To be clear: There's nothing at all wrong with the movie itself, it is splendidly written, directed, and acted, and well worth seeing.

Masterful performances by both veteran and newcomer actors, this film is a well-crafted death trap.

The writing and dialogue are top-notch, the theme is well thought out and artful, and Hollywood must be congratulated in making a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

By artfully setting up a strawman argument in favour of abortion, the production makes a strong--albeit flawed--argument for abortion being a good thing.

This is a vehicle for radical feminist ideals, and should be seen for the indoctrinating effort that it is.

John Irving wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of his novel. Great performances from an outstanding cast.

Lasse Hallstrom (What's Eating Gilbert Grape) hit another homerun with this one. John Irving would have been proud (considering that he adapted it for the screen himself years ago, and without much applause). Still, Hallstrom stuck to the original Irving script and turned out a near perfect film invoking images of the silver age of cinema. With all of the work's notable attributes, I think the movie's most glowing accomplishment was in the casting. There's not one role that I really caught myself imagining someone else playing the part. Tobey Mcquire and Charlize Therron are perfectly cast as romantic youths, leaning on each other to escape the fears and loneliness that accompany the condition of youth in isolation. He needed her because he had never been allowed to know another - she needed him because she struggled with being alone (common to the human condition)...in step worlds collide. To know surprise, Michael Caine is absolutely brilliant as the uncoof orphanage director - forever bettering the lives of the unfortunate, but in so many ways selfishly holding back Mcquire from "sowing his wild oats", so to speak. How many good performances can Caine put in before it just gets downright unlawful? As far back as I can remember (and beyond), this guy has never been anything shy of perfect. The entire cast deserves note, but there really too many solid performances to ellaborate on. This a wonderful picture in the classic sense...a must see.

The film starts out very good and makes use of a simple but interesting story. The romance in the 2nd half, however, just felt way too unrealistic, and the movie didn't really go as far as it could have gone. It seems to be going for a somewhat bittersweet ending, but I actually thought it was rather depressing.

A great story that dealt with a contriversal issue of abortion. I'd have to say that the movie sides with pro-choice which was a risk for sure... I'd have to say I loved this movie, it drew me in, I became invested with the characters and felt moved emotionally at times, and I would watch it again without hesitation... It definately leaves the viewer longing to see what happened with Homer when he returned to the orphanage as the new physician.

A great story matched with wonderful acting. It has taken me years to get around to seeing this film, but once I did I was not dissappointed. Excellent film.

Great acting, interesting and fun story, and wonderful characters. This is a good film for those not interested in drama/romance films, those who love drama/romance films, and everyone else in between. This film will not leave you feeling disappointed.

Amazing, poignant, insightful.

The acting is top-notch from all ends, especially from Michael Caine with an American accent. A solid performance which deserved an Oscar.

The story is the much touching aspect. A man (Maguire) who learns to live 'the right way' through an everyday experience, picking apples. This choice teaches him to think freely and think outside of his small, controlled world. He is told he will become a doctor but after picking apples, he questions his future as any intelligent man should. He experiences pain, happiness, sadness and love.

The brilliance of this film is that it presents many situations where the audience is forced to question 'What is ethical?' The film, of course, selects a path for its main character but we question whether that was the correct choice in the end.

Overall, this is a compelling, thought provoking drama. Maturity required to fully appreciate all this film has to offer. TERRIFIC!