Cider House Rules

Both of us enjoyed this DVD. We liked how the story unfolded, and didn't presume to tell the entire story for any of the characters. Just like in real life, there are all sorts of unresolved issues left hanging. No schmaltzy Hollywood happy ending here. There are a number of issues all intertwined. Some other reviewers have focussed on the abortion issue, and made claims that the movie is on one side or another of the debate. Lets get a life here, it's only a movie. An enjoyable, interesting, thoughtful movie, but a movie none the less.

It's been adapted from the book, and my general comment is that the book is always better than the movie. However, I haven't read this book, so I don't know if it's true this time. Certainly the movie jumps back and forth following several characters. The whole point of the movie for me is watching Toby Maguire's character mature, realize what his business really is, and where home really is. As all of us must, he learns that life is more complex and decisions aren't so black or white as he first believed.

I was a little surprised at some of the decisions made by Maguire's character. Leaving the orphanage seemed to be an impulsive, unpremeditated act. If he wanted to see the world a little, why did he stay at the apple farm when he could have continued to move on? One of his major decisions (no spoiler details) seems quite contrary to his previously stated position.

Race relations are also touched on in the movie. Black pickers are addressed respectfully and their expertise deferred to. Yet the statement that history is being made here implies this is the first time a white man has worked for a black man and that racial tensions exist. They aren't portrayed overtly, but two white characters seem to think it's their right to take care of a problem faced by a black girl, even though they are told in no uncertain terms my her and her father that it isn't any of their business. The black characters also state that they are not bound by the rules of the cider house, and indirectly the rules of the white world.

As with most DVD's there is some bonus material. The short-short about the making of the movie is a self indulgent love in, and the deleted scenes are only mildly interesting. I don't know if I'd watch this movie again. Not that it was bad, or that I didn't enjoy it, but the soundtrack was beginning to get on my nerves by the end of the movie. Maguire's character is so subdued throughout, except at the end, that there doesn't appear to be anything further to be gained by another watching.