Lasse Hallström directs this adaptation of John Irving's bestselling novel starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron and Michael Caine. Homer Wells (Maguire) is an orphan who has been at the same orphanage all his life, under the tutorage of Dr Wilbur Larch (Caine). Dr Larch has been grooming him to be his successor when he retires but Homer wants more out of life and wishes to start out on his own. He finds work at an apple orchard and falls in love with its owner, Candy Kendall (Theron), who teaches him a few lessons in the meaning of life, love and home.