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The Cider House Rules

Play trailer Poster for The Cider House Rules PG-13 1999 2h 6m Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules

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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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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/28/2010
3/5
Thought-provoking movie for teens and up. Go to Full Review
David Rooney Variety 05/30/2008
Hallstrom's film could have used more dramatic muscle but is nonetheless a touching, old-fashioned charmer that ultimately satisfies. Go to Full Review
Andrew Sarris Observer 04/27/2007
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... Go to Full Review
Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) 07/05/2018
3.5/5
While Rudd has rarely delved into the sincerely dramatic, he acquits himself well in a key role in this unorthodox weepie. Go to Full Review
Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault 07/30/2007
B
Irving's clean, economical dialogue and Hallstrom's beautifully morose direction cut the fat off of the cliches. Go to Full Review
Joe Lozito Big Picture Big Sound 07/14/2007
3/4
A bouillabaisse of all the best soap opera elements - orphans, abortion, debilitating injuries and, of course, death. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Landon J @Minxsykitty Apr 12 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. See more HMF B Feb 25 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. See more Robert Z Feb 18 Wonderful movie. Heart warming. ❤️the theme song is incredible. Touches you. I saw it several times. See more John R Dec 9 Great watch. Cast and scenery was incredible, Epic film See more 08/13/2024 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). See more Ariel V @Cinematic20 05/02/2024 Love this film to the bone. See more Read all reviews
The Cider House Rules

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Movie Info

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, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 7, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$57.5M
Runtime
2h 6m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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