The Cider House Rules is a powerful movie set in the backdrop of world war II. A movie with seriousness and depth, with brilliant visuals, amazing performances and a wonderful old world feel.
Homer Wells, the central character, (played to perfection by Tobey Maguire), an orphan in St.Cloud orphanage in rural Maine (exceptionally beautiful countryside), is brought up and tutored in medicine by Dr.Larch, played by Michael Caine. While Dr Larch is a liberal thinker who talks of the rights of the Individual, Homer yet starts his journey with a rigid standpoint on rights and wrongs, and is totally against the illegal abortions performed by Dr.Larch.
He then goes out into the world with Wally and Candy (who visit the orphanage), lives in Wallys farm, working as an apple picker alongwith a negro picker team. Wally goes off to war, and there's a sweet love affair between Candy and Homer, though Candy is betrothed to Wally.
Wally returns from war, part paralysed and there's an interesting situation. Candy is in a difficult spot and yet says she wants to do nothing. We see Homer's deeper level of awareness and ability to think, when he forces thought....says 'nothing' is also a decision and do we want to live by a decision that gets taken for us. Candy makes her choice and he makes his. Poignant moments there.
Wally returns from war, part paralysed and there's an interesting situation. Candy is in a difficult spot and yet says she wants to do nothing. We see Homer's deeper level of awareness and ability to think, when he forces thought....says 'nothing' is also a decision and do we want to live by a decision that gets taken for us. Candy makes her choice and he makes his. Poignant moments there.
It's based on a book by John Irving, and just as he has in his other books, he questions and explores these odd sexual equations. This one has a father daughter relationship, where the father is actually in love with his daughter, and she gets pregnant and that again pushes Homer to see where the individual is bigger than the rule when he offers to help with the abortion.
And it's through these two intense experiences that we see him grow to question rules, and make the final choice of burning the rule book. It ends on such a high note of hope and possibilities that you can't but leave with a song in the heart. Strong recommendation to watch.
Rules made by makers who are.not in the actual situation.
ReplyDeleteRules made by makers as it brings in a sense of power.
Rules made by makers as they think they are mandated to make.
Rules followed as.it gives a false sense of definitivemess.
Rules followed as.there us lack of awareness that it need not be followed.
Rules followed as there is force.
Rules does rule our life.
Break them ,deal with consequences.
But live life as it ought to be lived.
Aha....or rather wah ! wah !
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for not just recommending, but insisting I watch the movie, loved it :)