Customer Reviews

The Cider House Rules: Music from the Miramax Motion Picture

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have listened to the score from "The Cider House Rules" perhaps a hundred times. Each time I ask myself, "What is so compelling about this score? Why do I keep coming back to it and finding something new with each listening?"

I believe it is simple elegance. The music is truly moving and the themes are beautiful. However, it is something more. It touches to the heart all the complex emotion, the love, the confusion, the excitement and in the end the acceptance and understanding of the deep and sometimes dark story of the film. The themes are All American. The emotion is universal.

For me, the test of a good film score is when it works both as an integral part of the film and can stand alone as an individual composition. In this regard, "The Cider House Rules" is a remarkable achievement.

I have collected dramatic score soundtracks for over 15 years. This soundtrack ranks in the top 5%. The piano and orchestral accompaniment make this recording a must for all serious collectors. It will uplift and inspire you, as well as invite you to see the film again and again.

I heard portions of this score played on local public radio and immediately had to have the CD. It is one of the most beautiful film soundtracks I have heard. Rachel Portman has written as masterpiece with Cider House. I do believe that she will receive an Academy Award nomination for this piece.

Listening to Portman's score is simply a pleasure. Some might critique her for being a little too repetitious, but like I've always said, if something sounds great (as her reoccuring theme does), why change things? I walked out of this film and immediately had to have the score because it was so beautiful (incedentally, I bought it the next day before heading back into the theatre to see the movie again). And the surprising thing is that Portman uses only a few orchestral instruments and a piano, yet she has created a very stirring and moving work of music. If you loved the movie like I did (it is truly one of the most beautiful movies to come out of Hollywood in recent years), then this CD is a must-have. If you haven't seen "Cider House" yet, see it as soon as you can as well as purchasing this score. It's perfect background music for anything you can imagine--homework, dinner parties, relaxing, driving, anything! (And DO NOT read the track listings if you do not want to know every plot detail contained in the film) I'm positive that Portman's exquisite score will remain in my ever-expanding collection for eternity. "The Cider House Rules" score will make even the coldest heart melt and make anyone feel like a prince of Maine, a king of New England.

Being raised in a home that included music on a daily basis (father is a composer/arranger)has always made me 'aware' of what I hear and in particular, the score I hear behind a particular movie. Rachel Portman's score affected me like no other I've heard in a long time (not since "Schindler's List" and even that was on a totally different plane). In fact, in just the first few seconds of the film (as the opening credits were running), I leaned over to the person I was with and said "What beautiful music!" I purchased the CD shortly thereafter and it just so happens that the day it arrived, I was going through a particularly difficult time. All I can say is that as soon as I began listening to it, I was immediately 'centered'. Ms. Portman's score evokes such emotion in me and the fact that she can use the time-honored technique of taking a recurring 'theme' and make it project every emotion from happiness to sadness, places her at the top of my list. THAT is truly 'talent'. I have recommended this CD to everyone and told them that I doubt I could ever tire of listening to it. BRAVO!

I bought this CD on impulse decision and of course my faith in Miramax Motion Picture choices. I have never come across Rachel Portman pieces but I can say more will come after this. Truly exceptional pieces that soothe a person's mind. I am glad that I acted on my impulse and bought this truly beautiful soundtrack. 2 words.. powerful and moving.

This is a pretty score. I never saw the movie but, I read the book. I really like Rachel Portman's work on "Emma" so, I bought this and I am satisified.

I have seen this film no less than 4 times since it has come out at the end of December. I simply had to have this soundtrack as it has some of the most beautiful music ever played. You could never tire of hearing this over and over again. Different parts remind you of different scenes of the film. Absolutely Stunning!

I don't know what to say. This soundtrack is simply beautiful, touching and extraordinarily expressive. I'm sure Rachel Portman is one of the best hollywood composer's. If you like soft music, you'll like it. This music is now soft now vehement, playng by piano and orchestra. This soundtrack had an oscar nomination, had ONLY an oscar nomination, because It must win an oscar!

P.S. Excuse for my english:I'm Italian

I was bowled over by this soundtrack. It is absolutely stunning. Simple yet lush, unpretentious yet poignant. Words are just inadequate to describe the beauty and emotional impact of this music. Easily my favorite soundtrack of all time.