Movies - The Cider House Rules

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	Movies - The Cider House Rules

This article relates to the film, The Cider House Rules (film) directed by Lasse Hallström. The Cider House Rules (novel) is also a 1985 novel by John Irving.

Plot of The Cider House Rules

Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), an un-adopted orphan, is the film's central protagonist; Homer grew up in an orphanage directed by Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine). Dr. Larch is also secretly an abortionist, and believes that he is doing "The Lord's Work" and trains Homer in the realm of gynecology/abortions in a paternal sense. The film continues as Homer decides to leave the orphanage with Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron) and her boyfriend Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd), a young couple who work at the Worthington family apple orchard. Wally leaves to fight in World War Two, but his plane is shot down over Burma. Believing Wally to be dead, Homer and Candy have an affair. Wally is found alive and brought home, much to the chagrin of Homer. Mr. Rose and his team are migrant workers who are employed seasonally at the orchard by the Worthingtons. Mr. Rose's daughter, Rose Rose, becomes pregnant with his baby, and Homer performs an abortion on her. Homer decides to return to the orphanage after the death of Dr. Larch, and works as the new director.

Due to time constraints, the film excludes many portions of the novel, including the characters Melony (another orphan) and Angel (Candy and Homer's secret child) who were main characters in the book.

Controversy

The film clearly takes a pro-choice stance on abortion. Dr. Larch, the film's primary abortion-advocate, feels strongly towards the "left" on the subject because he believes an infant who is unwanted is too emotionally painful for the mother and the child. Homer is initially reluctant with the subject, but understands Dr. Larch's perception when he must perform an abortion on Rose Rose. The film also introduces adoption as an alternative.

Many pro-life groups contend that the uncommon scenario of a father-daughter rape is not a strong argument for the legalization of all abortions. Pro-life organizations state that the film is pro-choice propaganda, and the assumption that Homer will grow up to be a moral man if he performs abortions is a poor image.

Academy Awards

Won - Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Michael Caine
Won - Best Adapted Screenplay: John Irving
Nominated - Best Picture: Richard N. Gladstein
Nominated - Best Director: Lasse Hallström
Nominated - Best Editing: Lisa Zeno Churgin
Nominated - Best Music, Original Score: Rachel Portman
Nominated - Best Art Direction: David Gropman and Beth A. Rubino

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