Le regole della casa del sidro

I was getting agitated while reading these reviews because I found it hard to believe that so many people missed the point of this movie. John Irving's main focus was not "pro-choice" in terms of abortion, but pro-choice in terms of each and every one of us making important and responsible decisions for ourselves. The fact that the title is "The Cider House Rules" reveals that the author thinks this idea sums up the whole narrative. Those rules posted in the cider house represent a more powerful, outside force attempting to control those that live within that cider house. It was also rhetorically inquired earlier at the isolated orphanage: What have their [the outside's] laws ever done for you? The intent of the film was profound in its simplicity: There are no absolute rules (in a cider house or anyplace else) which govern our lives other than those which we out of necessity construct for ourselves. One needs to "know their business," and caring human beings have the responsibility to develop rules that are appropriate to the unique circumstances in which they find themselves. The only time where imposing across the board rules that automatically prescribe responses to every situation is in a robot. We are not robots. Irving's views on abortion follow directly from this mentality, and this story is an attempt to explain the rational reasons behind them. But please realize that it is merely an example. If you were to get hung up about your own staunch views, be it pro-choice or pro-life, then you are missing out on a bigger picture that transcends both. If you can't see the forest for the trees, then you're better off watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Outstanding Features: Story, Acting

IMDb rating: 8

This is one of my favourite films (if not my favourite), so I cannot be altogether objective, but I must say I find it an eye-opener. It's a lesson on tolerance carried out by a really talented cast and crew.

Everyone fits in his/her role, although the movie is more Maguire's than anyone else's. He's definitely a natural, and while other actors in the business try to impress the audience and make the most to show their talent, Maguire acts with subtlety and thoughtfulness.

The film might seem a bit slow for some people accustomed to more pacey and epic films. However, those who have read the novel will realize just how fast everything goes.

Rachel Portman's score is truly beautiful: probably one of her best.

Sentimental but well-told, visually beautiful and enjoyable story of an orphanage and the moral dilemmas of abortion, exploring emotional issues from leaving home and fatherhood, to first love, self-discovery and the burdens of responsibility. "Sometimes you have to break the rules to make things right."

I didn't think it was possible, but one of John Irving's most difficult books was condensed by the author himself (the last third of the book is gone) into a very very good movie. All the acting is great (especially the nice low key performances by Macguire and Caine), BEAUTIFULLY shot (in Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts), a score that fits the movie like a glove and fully realized three-dimensional characters. Plot-wise there's nothing new (young man goes out to see the world, discovers himself, etc etc) but the cast makes it seem new. They all find depth in roles that have been done before--especially Caine who speaks with a very convincing Maine accent! Bring lots of tissues with you--the movie is sad and disturbing at points (all kept in the PG-13 rating however), but it has a happy ending. Well worth seeing. See it on a BIG screen--all the beautiful shoots won't work on TV.

Part of the charm of "Cider House Rules", a coming-of-age movie with Tobey Maguire at the center, is the finesse with which it presents itself as a "feel good" movie when most of the characters have precious little to feel good about. The film could easily have had a harder edge to it. However, the makers of this carefully crafted film tiptoe so adroitly around such issues as abortion, murder, infidelity, and incest as to leave the audience with an ample helping of the warm and fuzzies. The film deserves high marks for enjoyability and for bringing back the charm of Hollywood's golden years.