The Cider House Rules (1999)

The Cider House Rules is a 1999 American drama film directed by Lasse Hallström and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures. It was written by John Irving and is based on his novel of the same name. Its story follows Homer Wells, who lives in a World War II–era Maine orphanage run by a doctor who trained him, and his journey after leaving the orphanage. The film stars Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, Kieran Culkin, Heavy D, Kate Nelligan, and Erykah Badu.

The film was produced by Miramax Films and FilmColony and premiered at the 56th Venice Film Festival. It grossed $110,098 in its opening weekend and $88.5 million worldwide, against a budget of $24 million. It was positively reviewed and has a 71% approval rating based on 112 votes on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film won two Academy Awards: Irving won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published, while Michael Caine won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, along with four other nominations at the 72nd Academy Awards. Irving documented his involvement in bringing the novel to the screen in his book, My Movie Business.