The Cider House Rules

PG-13

Released Sep 7, 1999

2h 11m

Drama

List

71%

Tomatometer

111 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

The film follows the life of Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), a precocious orphan who leaves his lifelong home and his loving tutor, Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) to explore the world. While Homer struggles to make a life for himself on his own, he must make monumental decisions that will change the course of his future and deeply affect the lives of those around him.

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Critics Consensus

The Cider House Rules derives affecting drama from wonderful performances, lovely visuals, and an old-fashioned feel.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Thought-provoking movie for teens and up.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 28, 2010

Full Review

David Rooney

Variety

Hallstrom's film could have used more dramatic muscle but is nonetheless a touching, old-fashioned charmer that ultimately satisfies.

May 30, 2008

Full Review

Andrew Sarris

Observer

Mr. Irving remains a disturbingly facile spinner of yarns in which the most sordid facts of life are glossed over into comfortably didactic homilies about the innate goodness of people. Yet, I was somehow moved...

Apr 27, 2007

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

While Rudd has rarely delved into the sincerely dramatic, he acquits himself well in a key role in this unorthodox weepie.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 5, 2018

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Irving's clean, economical dialogue and Hallstrom's beautifully morose direction cut the fat off of the cliches.

Rated: B

Jul 30, 2007

Full Review

Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

A bouillabaisse of all the best soap opera elements - orphans, abortion, debilitating injuries and, of course, death.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 14, 2007

Full Review

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Audience Member

Based on the title, for years I thought it was some pretentious period piece with a yawn-inducing love story. Late to the game, I finally gave it a chance. What a reward I got. Though the movie does has a love story, it's beautifully crafted into the plot. Tobey Maguire has never been better. The rest of the cast is STELLAR- Michael Caine, Charlize Theron, Paul Rudd, Kathy Baker, Jane Alexander, Kate Nelligan, Ezykah Badu, JK Simmons, Kiernan Culkin, and others. Michael Caine won an Oscar for his performance here; well deserved. The film was nominated for 5 Academy Awards (including Best Picture), winning two. Such a beautiful film with an outstanding cast and excellent story, I waited far too long to see it. Just goes to show you can't judge a film by it's title (except maybe Psycho).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/24

Full Review

Ariel V

Love this film to the bone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/24

Full Review

Audience Member

The story seems interesting, but not exciting and out of touch with our life.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It’s a movie that gives me all the feels very special to my heart. A little biased but I’ll tell you want this movie gets me every time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/22/23

Full Review

Kris C

A sick take on a sick topic.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/05/23

Full Review

christina h

Amazing emersive experience of the period and the individuals dealing with day to day life. Good characterisations, not often seen today.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Lasse Hallström

Director

Tobey Maguire

Homer Wells

Charlize Theron

Candy Kendall

Delroy Lindo

Mr. Rose

Paul Rudd

Wally Worthington

Michael Caine

Dr. Wilbur Larch

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Synopsis

The film follows the life of Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), a precocious orphan who leaves his lifelong home and his loving tutor, Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) to explore the world. While Homer struggles to make a life for himself on his own, he must make monumental decisions that will change the course of his future and deeply affect the lives of those around him.

Director: Lasse Hallström
Producer: Richard N. Gladstein
Screenwriter: John Irving, John Irving
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax Films, Film Colony
Rating: PG-13 (Nudity|Mature Themes|Sexuality|Substance Abuse|Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 7, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $57.5M
Runtime: 2h 11m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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