The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules is a dramatic movie released in 1999 which was adapted by John Irving from his 1985 novel of the same name. It was critically acclaimed, and was nominated for and won multiple Academy Awards.

Fast Facts

1. Release date: December 17, 1999
2. Directed by: Lasse Hallström
3. Written by: John Irving
4. Produced by: Richard N. Gladstein
5. Starring: Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Paul Rudd, Delroy Lindo
6. Run time: 126 min.
7. Budget: $24 million
8. MPAA rating: R
9. Tagline: "A story about how far we must travel to find the place where we belong"
10. Based on John Irving's 1985 novel, The Cider House Rules
11. Irving intentionally excised certain major characters in the interest of the movie's length
12. Was protested for allegedly portraying abortion as a necessity

Plot

The movie is a coming-of-age story set in the 1940s which revolves around Homer Welles (Tobey Maguire). He grows up in an orphanage run by Doctor Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine), who secretly provides safe abortions. When Homer gets older, he befriends a couple, Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron) and Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd), and leaves the orphanage with them. When Wally leaves to fight World War II, Homer and Candy fall in love. Shortly after Wally returns injured, Doctor Larch dies in an accident. Homer must deal not only with the love triangle, but also with the legacy that Doctor Larch left to him.

Academy Awards

Nominated

1. Best Picture - Richard N. Gladstein
2. Best Director - Lasse Hallström
3. Best Editing - Lisa Zeno Churgin
4. Best Music, Original Score - Rachel Portman
5. Best Art Direction - David Gropman and Beth A. Rubino

Won

1. Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Michael Caine
2. Best Adapted Screenplay - John Irving

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