The Cider House Rules Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sheltered orphan learns about life, love, and the morally grey world of apple-picking and ether addiction.

🍿 The Cider House Rules: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life at St. Cloud’s Orphanage

Homer Wells grows up at St. Cloud’s Orphanage under the care of Dr. Wilbur Larch. Dr. Larch imparts his medical knowledge to Homer, making him a skilled, albeit unlicensed, physician. The orphanage also serves as a place where Dr. Larch performs abortions, a point of contention between him and Homer.

Leaving the Nest: The Apple Orchard

Homer yearns for a life beyond the orphanage. He leaves with Wally and Candy to work at Wally’s family’s apple orchard. This experience exposes him to a world he never knew, including the migrant workers who live and work in the cider house. He experiences love, loss and begins to question the values he learned at the orphanage.

Moral Dilemmas and Personal Growth

While at the orchard, Homer grapples with complex moral issues, including his relationship with Candy and the realities faced by the migrant workers. The stark contrast between the idyllic setting and the harsh realities forces him to re-evaluate his beliefs about right and wrong. His journey challenges him to find his own path and purpose.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire): An orphan raised in an orphanage who grapples with his own moral compass as he ventures into the outside world.
• Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine): The ether-addicted, compassionate doctor who runs the orphanage and mentors Homer, performing illegal abortions.
• Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron): A young woman who comes to the orphanage for an abortion and becomes romantically involved with Homer.
• Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd): Candy’s boyfriend, a pilot who goes off to war, leaving Candy and Homer alone, and later returns as a paraplegic.
• Mr. Rose (Delroy Lindo): The foreman of the apple pickers at the Worthington orchard whose actions lead to tragedy.
• Nurse Edna (Jane Alexander): A caring nurse at the orphanage and a trusted confidante to Dr. Larch, providing a sense of stability.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Wilbur Larch: “Goodnight, you princes of Maine, you kings of New England.” – Dr. Larch says this to the orphans every night, offering them comfort and a sense of belonging.
• Dr. Wilbur Larch: “You must be compassionate, Homer, even when it’s inconvenient.” – Dr. Larch explains the importance of empathy when faced with difficult situations.
• Homer Wells: “I wanna know what I’m supposed to do, what I’m supposed to want.” – Homer expresses his confusion about his purpose and desires in life.
• Arthur Rose: “Not our rules.” – Arthur Rose explains to Homer why the black apple pickers are ignoring the rules in the cider house.
• Dr. Wilbur Larch: “In the words of my favorite author, Charles Dickens, ‘It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known’.” – Dr. Larch expresses that life is good, and that the end of his is not the end of something special.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $57,545,092
• Worldwide Gross: $88,545,092

💥 The Cider House Rules Reviews

Personal Review

I watched it late one night, thinking it would be a quiet little drama, but it stirred up all sorts of emotions. Michael Caine’s portrayal of Dr. Larch broke my heart, and Tobey Maguire really nailed the innocence and eventual growth of Homer. That scene where the kids are packing waiting to be adopted just killed me. It is not a movie you easily forget. I will be thinking about this movie for a while.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in dramas with complex moral themes”
  • “Admirers of Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire, and Charlize Theron”
  • “Those who appreciate films set in historical periods”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of abortion”
  • “Brief female nudity”
  • “Premarital sex”
  • “Themes of incest and abuse”
  • “Mature themes unsuitable for young children”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A deeply moving and beautifully crafted film, ‘The Cider House Rules’ navigates complex moral issues with sensitivity and grace. Hallström’s direction and the strong performances, especially from Caine, create a memorable cinematic experience.
• Roger Ebert: “Ebert hailed it a worthwhile exploration into the human condition and family values: ‘The Cider House Rules’ is a film that touches upon important issues without ever feeling preachy or moralizing. The beautiful performances make it an experience worth seeking out.

Audience Reactions

The powerful performances of the cast moved many viewers to tears.: Viewers overwhelmingly praised the movie’s ability to evoke strong emotions and present complex moral questions.

Most viewers found the film profound in its portrayal of love, loss, and moral dilemmas.: Many people agreed the movie explores complex societal and moral issues.

Overall Consensus: Critically acclaimed for its performances and handling of sensitive themes, ‘The Cider House Rules’ resonated with audiences despite some controversy over its narrative choices.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 2000
2. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Irving adapted his own novel for the screenplay, which significantly streamlined the original story.”
• “The film was shot in various locations, including Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine, to capture the authentic New England setting.”
• “Several scenes were filmed at an abandoned mental asylum in Northampton, Massachusetts to depict the orphanage.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Cider House Rules?

The Cider House Rules is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as it may be included in subscription services periodically.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Cider House Rules, you might like these similar films:

• What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993): Directed by Lasse Hallström, explores themes of family, responsibility, and small-town life with a similar sensitivity.
• The World According to Garp (1982): Based on another John Irving novel, it shares the author’s quirky storytelling and exploration of unconventional families and social issues.
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975): Explores themes of institutional control, individual freedom, and the human spirit, though in a more rebellious and confrontational manner.
• Brooklyn (2015): A coming-of-age story about a young woman leaving her home to forge a new life for herself, reminiscent of Homer’s journey.
• Angela’s Ashes (1999): A coming-of-age story about a young man who comes of age in a society where the main character deals with issues such as poverty, but he is offered an escape.

🛒 The Cider House Rules Related Products

• The Cider House Rules (John Irving): John Irving’s novel – A compelling read with deeper insights into the characters and the story. Explore the full narrative that inspired the film.
• The World According to Garp: Another great read by John Irving with many of the same themes.
• Michael Caine: Acting in Film: Acting in Film book by Michael Caine
• Tobey Maguire Poster: Vintage 24×36 Tobey Maguire Poster

🎧 Soundtrack

The Cider House Rules features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Cider House Rules” – performed by Rachel Portman
• “Ukulele Lady” – performed by Vaughn De Leath

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How to Tell if You’re a Writer | John Irving | Big Think

Curious about what makes a writer? Join John Irving, the renowned author behind ‘The Cider House Rules,’ as he shares his insights on the early signs and motivations that shaped his writing journey. This interview is a must-watch for aspiring writers and fans of the film adaptation.

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