'Good night you princes of Maine, you kings of New England'- that's what Dr. Larch says every night to the children in the orphanage before they fall asleep. One of these children is not actually a child. His name is Homer Wells, who has about 20 years old and live in the orphanage since he was born. While growing up, he learns some medicine technics. His life can be resumed to this. He has never seen the ocean and has met only the people who went to the orphanage to adopt a child or to do an abortion. One day, a young couple goes to the place trying to give an end to the girl's pregnancy. Suddenly, Homer decides to take a ride with them to somewhere. What happens after that will literally change his life.
This is the story of "The Cider House Rules", which surprised everyone (including me) because of its 7 Oscar nominations, including best picture. If it didn't deserve the nomination in the main category, it doesn't affect on its quality. It is a great film, with important messages about life. And director Lasse Hallstrom could pass this to the audience in a very beautiful way.
Everything in our life needs some rules. The rules have to be established in infinite situations, even in a cider house. But what happens when we break this rules? Well, that's what this film answers, and very well. What could have been a soapy drama is one of the most beautiful and touching films of last year. It is impossible not to be touched by the story of Homer Wells. The film mixes drama, romance and some mild laughs, resulting in a delightful experience.
All the cast gives great performances, specially Michael Caine, who is being nominated as best supporting actor. This great acting wouldn't have been possible without a good screenplay- not just good, nearly perfect. John Irving adapts his own novel using good sense and discussing some polemic subjects, as abortion, incest, adultery. And he does this very well.
"The Cider House Rules" may not be the best film of '99, or a masterpiece, but it is a great film. That thing of "The Haunting", 'home is where the heart is', would serve better to this. And while its 2 hours, our heart is Homer Well's heart. Go see this one!
9/10
This is the story of "The Cider House Rules", which surprised everyone (including me) because of its 7 Oscar nominations, including best picture. If it didn't deserve the nomination in the main category, it doesn't affect on its quality. It is a great film, with important messages about life. And director Lasse Hallstrom could pass this to the audience in a very beautiful way.
Everything in our life needs some rules. The rules have to be established in infinite situations, even in a cider house. But what happens when we break this rules? Well, that's what this film answers, and very well. What could have been a soapy drama is one of the most beautiful and touching films of last year. It is impossible not to be touched by the story of Homer Wells. The film mixes drama, romance and some mild laughs, resulting in a delightful experience.
All the cast gives great performances, specially Michael Caine, who is being nominated as best supporting actor. This great acting wouldn't have been possible without a good screenplay- not just good, nearly perfect. John Irving adapts his own novel using good sense and discussing some polemic subjects, as abortion, incest, adultery. And he does this very well.
"The Cider House Rules" may not be the best film of '99, or a masterpiece, but it is a great film. That thing of "The Haunting", 'home is where the heart is', would serve better to this. And while its 2 hours, our heart is Homer Well's heart. Go see this one!
9/10