Breaking the rules by Lisa Aland, Outpost staff  Rules are a part of life but many have trouble living by them. The Cider House Rules communicates this message through the life of an orphan who finally learns where he belongs after breaking some rules. The film deals with a few serious issues --abortion, incest and infidelity. Winning two Academy Awards, The Cider House Rules entertains and forces the audience to reflect on the process of becoming an adult. Photo courtesy of Miramax Films   Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) wants every child in the orphanage at St. Clouds, Maine to become something special, especially Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire). Every night when the children are in bed, Dr. Larch reads a bedtime story and wishes them sweet dreams by saying, "Goodnight you princes of Maine, you kings of New England." Dr. Larch trains Homer to be like him, but Homer wants more than to stay at the orphanage his entire life. Frustrated by Dr. Larch's opinions Homer decides to explore the world. He finds the perfect opportunity when a WWII officer, Wally (Paul Rudd) and his girlfriend, Candy (Charlize Theron), come to St. Clouds to have an abortion. Shaped to fit a mold that does not appeal to him, Homer leaves the orphanage to work on Wally's apple farm.   Wally learns a lot from working on the apple farm -- how to love, how to hate, how to stay out of people's business and when to get involved. "I'm not good at being alone," Candy says. When Wally returns to war Candy turns to Homer for companionship. The two have an exciting, almost innocent love affair. As time goes on, Homer recognizes his feelings for Candy but realizes he will never have her.   "If we didn't write the rules then we don't have to live by them," Mr. Rose (Delroy Lindo) says. Mr. Rose runs the team of apple pickers at the farm. Homer learns the harsh reality of life when Rosie Rose, Mr. Rose's daughter, becomes pregnant. When Homer finds out Mr. Rose is the baby's father he decides to take action. He performs his first abortion in the back room of the leaky, old cider house. Homer finally knows his place in life is to help others avoid the loneliness and pain of being an orphan or unwanted child.   On the Web  Official Cider House Website Oscars 2000 The Cider House Rules is an enchanting coming-of-age story based on the novel by John Irving. It won Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine), and was nominated for five others including Best Picture. The film is produced by Miramax.                         Posted March 31, 2000 Copyright 2000 Nevada Oupost TOP Outpost | Metro | Lifestyle | Travel | Dining | Outdoors Specials | Links | About us | Mail us