The Cider House Rules

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The Cider House Rules

PG-13

1999

2h 11m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

109 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Landon J

Toby fans will again recognize an excellent casting for this mc. Deals with some important and heavy topics, rather adeptly. It's only flaw I think is it's runtime. Points for genuine-ness, acting, and atmosphere. Disclaimer, this is certainly not a "happy" movie.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

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HMF B

A beautifully filmed movie with some budding great actors and the touching stories of the various characters. Michael Caine passing on his acting chops to the young cast of Toby McGuire, Paul Rudd, Charlise and Kieran Culkin who does not know yet he will win many awards.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/25

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Robert Z

Wonderful movie. Heart warming. ❤️the theme song is incredible. Touches you. I saw it several times.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/23/25

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John R

Great watch. Cast and scenery was incredible, Epic film

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/09/24

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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

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Ariel V

Love this film to the bone.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/24

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: Film Colony, Miramax Films
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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