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If there's one film you should make sure you see this year, it would have to be The Cider House Rules. The movie tells the story of 20-year-old Homer Wells, a young man who has spent most of his life in an orphanage in 1940s rural Maine. Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and pediatrician at the orphanage, has served as a father figure and mentor to Homer, and the dozens of other children there. Dr. Larch also performs illegal abortions, which Homer objects to and refuses to take part in, despite Dr. Larch's insistance that it is necessary... that if he doesn't do it, someone less qualified will, risking the lives of the women involved. Dr. Larch is also addicted to ether. One day a soldier named Wally Worthington brings his girlfriend, Candy Kendall, to Dr. Larch for an abortion. While they are there, Homer asks if he may join them when they leave, hoping to see the world outside the orphanage. Wally agrees, and takes Homer to his mother's house and gives him a job working at her cider mill. Wally goes off to fight in the Second World War and while he is gone Homer and Candy begin an affair. At the same time, Homer continues to work at the cider mill with his all-black co-workers. Meanwhile, Dr. Larch is heartbroken that Homer has left. He had hoped he would stay, if not to fill his position at the orphanage one day, then because he regarded him as his own son. His addiction begins to worse especially following the death of one of the orphans due to heart failure. Just as Homer is beginning to enjoy life in the outside world, several key events occur, forcing him to realize where he belongs. To discuss them here would be an injustice to anyone who hasn't seen the film. The performances in The Cider House Rules are first rate. Tobey Maguire's (Pleasantville, Wonder Boys) portrayal of Homer is excellent. Charlize Theron and Paul Rudd are both very good as Candy and Wally. Michael Caine, who just received his fifth Oscar nomination for his work in this film, revels in the role of Dr. Larch, adding another fine characterization to an already flourishing gallery of performances. Delroy Lindo, Kate Nelligan, Kathy Baker, Jane Alexander, Erykah Badu and Kieran Culkin are all excellent in supporting roles. Swedish director Lasse Hallström, whose previous credits include My Life as a Dog, What's Eating Gilbert Grape? and the Julia Roberts comedy Something to Talk About, directs John Irving's screenplay (based on his 1985 novel of the same title) with an eye for detail, giving the film the flavour of its story's era. The Cider House Rules is among the five films nominated for this year's best picture Oscar. It would be a very worthy winner.
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