The Cider House Rules

Main Plot

The Cider House Rules follows the life of Homer Wells, an orphan raised in a Maine orphanage run by Dr. Wilbur Larch, who is both a physician and an abortionist. As Homer grows up, he learns about the complexities of life, love, and morality under Larch's guidance. Despite his education in medicine, Homer struggles with the ethical implications of Larch's practices and the societal norms surrounding them. When he decides to leave the orphanage to explore the world, he encounters a young couple, Candy and her boyfriend, who introduce him to new experiences and challenges. As Homer navigates his newfound freedom, he grapples with his beliefs about family, responsibility, and the choices people make. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the cider apple harvest, symbolizing growth and the bittersweet nature of life’s decisions.

Characters

• Tobey Maguire plays Homer Wells, an orphan trained in medicine by Dr. Larch, who struggles with his own moral beliefs and life choices.
• Charlize Theron plays Candy Kendall, a young woman who forms a romantic relationship with the protagonist, Homer Wells, significantly impacting his life decisions and personal growth.
• Dr. Wilbur Larch, played by Michael Caine, is an orphanage director and abortionist who mentors the protagonist, Homer Wells, in both medical practices and moral dilemmas.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Cider House Rules, the protagonist, Homer Wells, makes a pivotal decision that reflects his growth and the culmination of the film's themes. After grappling with his upbringing in an orphanage and the moral complexities surrounding abortion, Homer ultimately chooses to leave the comfort of the only home he has known. He recognizes the importance of personal choice and the need to forge his own path. The climax occurs when Homer confronts Dr. Larch, who has been a father figure to him. Their relationship is tested as Homer decides to reject Larch's expectations and the life of a caretaker. Instead, he opts to follow his heart and pursue a life outside the confines of the orphanage. This decision symbolizes his embrace of freedom and responsibility. In the final scenes, Homer returns to the cider house, where he finds a sense of belonging and connection with the people he has come to care for. The film concludes with a sense of hope and continuity, as Homer embraces both the joys and challenges of life, embodying the film's exploration of choice, love, and the complexities of human relationships. The resolution highlights the importance of individual agency in shaping one's destiny.