That Swede can make some pretty slow films, but boy, he knows how to make them good, or at least he did with something as solid as 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape'. Eh, to tell you the truth, I wouldn't expect all that much excitement out of a frat run by Michael Caine, because as charming as he is, and as much as he works on his American accent, he's just so British that he can sure dry a room up, even without Lasse Hallström's presence. Well, Tobey Maguire is here, so the excitement behind that frat probably fluctuates, looking at how quickly Maguire can go from subdued to all screamy and whatnot. People probably don't want to, because they don't really want to make light of an orphanage or something, and because it couldn't possibly be all that exciting of a frat house if it's themed around something as relaxing as cider or something. I would have liked more time to be spent with the characterizations, though the film has many big personalities to explore.ĭon't tell me you haven't thought of it, because I can't believe no one is joking about how much that title sounds like a generic frat house chant or something. However, I found it to be largely authentic in its execution, and often moving.

Overall, one could say that Cider House Rules does flirt with melodrama. It doesn't feel manipulative, rather it feels inquisitive in its approach, and non-judgmental in its observations. Director Lasse Hallstrom fills the screen with beautiful visuals, and a strong pace. I would count this is perhaps Tobey Maguire's best performance, with excellent chemistry between him and Charlize Theron.

The performances are very strong all around, each adding their own layer to the narrative. The films focus seems to be not so much on individual stories, rather the tapestry they form, and how these relationships form to create such a fantastical, yet brutal world. There are many story lines introduced, with Homer anchoring the entire story. This really sets the stage for the film, which has a bit of a vintage feel to it. It is simply brilliant, resonating deeply, and being enchanting, sad, and reminiscent. Uniquely, the best thing about Cider House Rules is the score. Set during World War II, Cider House Rules tells the story of a young man, Homer Wells, who spent his entire life in an Orphanage, seemingly groomed as the successor for the caretaker, only to embark on a journey of his own. Revisiting it 15 years after its release date, I couldn't help but be impressed by the shear ambition on screen and the resulting emotions. Orphans, a world war, lost souls, tragedy, and yet an underlying current of hope and love, Cider House Rules is a drama that has it all.

The cider house john irving