Lasse Hallstrom's film about a Maine orphanage and the
maturation of one of its residents (Tobey Maguire) is a beautiful
and sentimental picture notable for strong performances by
Michael Caine and a score of child actors, and exceptional
performances by Maguire and Delroy Lindo. Filmed in Maine and
Massachusetts, the film's score is as heart-tugging as its milieu
(in orphanages, children leave and die and otherwise go through
life's struggles, so be prepared), but, with the exception of one
or two scenes, Hallstrom is restrained in his depiction of the
life of a Maine obstetrician and orphanage director who also
performs illegal abortions (the film is circa 1940s).
Maguire, an orphan twice-returned, becomes Caine's protege,
but as with all young men, Maguire leaves the orphanage to see
the world (or more of Maine) himself. Caine wants him back to
carry on his work. Maguire wants to find out about life, and does.
Nothing happens here that you don't expect to happen, but
everything is so well-paced and finely acted, the films works
even in the face of your foreknowledge. Maguire is particularly
affecting as a young man who has always done rather than felt -
he has not yet formed his own identity through experience. Such a
role can be easily butchered . . . you get the young Robin
Williamsesque naif who stares at wonderment at all he sees.
Maguire, however, gives a penetrating and affecting turn. Delroy
Lindo, as the crew boss of a group of migrant apple pickers, is
commanding. Lindo has an ability to convey so much in one chosen
look - violence, confusion, pride - that you find yourself
studying rather than watching him.
A few warnings. First, the film is unabashedly pro-choice in
outlook. I did not find it at all preachy, but a significant
thematic rift between Caine and Maguire centers on the issue, and
there is no question as to where the filmmakers come down. This
may not be the kind of thing you want in a film. Second, while I
was uplifted by the film, I was also completely undone, and what
I perceived as a beautiful but painful story, I concede others
may find schmaltzy and manipulative.
