Directed by:
Robert BentonScreenplay:
Robert BentonCinematography:
Néstor AlmendrosCast:
Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry, Howard Duff, George Coe, JoBeth Williams, Bill Moor, Jack Ramage, Howland Chamberlain, Ellen Parker (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
Joanna Kramer, a Manhattan housewife, can no longer face life with her husband Ted. She walks out leaving her son Billy in Ted's charge. Ted has to adjust his life and face up to his new found responsibilities. Just as he starts to find his feet, Joanna returns, intent on fighting for custody of her son. Based on the best-selling novel by Avery Coleman. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (6)
A timeless relationship drama whose ideas and expressions transcend all generations. Minimum space, maximum acting, brilliant script and unusually dynamic direction for the time. A retro version of Marriage Story, where mobile phones and computers may be missing, but the main idea and relationship problems are portrayed brilliantly.
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With the exception of one slightly exaggerated scene (when Ted and Billy are preparing breakfast for the first time, it reminded me – and I’m not joking – to the Czech film Pánská Jízda), this film is flawless. I was expecting it to be solid, but I didn’t think Kramer vs. Kramer would be so touching. 10/10
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I would say that this time the authors put together the best they could and were so full of confidence that they put the best of their time into a family drama, which ends in a trial, which is something I really hate. Luckily, the result is not so bad and that is mostly because Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep show their usual maximum.
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I categorically declare that this melodrama is too melodramatic and shallow at the same time, despite all the effort put into it. It does touch on the serious topic of family breakdown and conflicts over raising a child, as well as the fact that the film features the most significant actors of their generation in the main roles. However, I simply feel that it is a flat film that lacks the rawness it truly needs and is afraid to show the conflict in all its complexity and hopelessness. I know several cases where painful reality far surpassed a Hollywood script. This film manipulates the viewer's emotions skillfully and its craftsmanship cannot be denied, but it did not evoke any emotional catharsis in me. Overall impression: 65%.
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In the group of films that try to explore the issue of crumbling marriage from any perspective, this particular masterpiece remains unwaveringly at the top. And the proverbial medal of merit goes especially to Dustin Hoffman, who once again confirms his acting genius, and of course also to his counterpart Meryl Streep, whose performance is very intense and strong even in a small space. But the Oscar winner in a year when Coppola not only hit the movie world with his legendary and fantastic Apocalypse Now? No way! That seems to be the only blemish on the beauty of this thought-provoking dramatic tale. 85%
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The acting performances are absolutely fantastic, even the child roles, where you might not expect as much from them compared to the seasoned actors. But the whole trio really works incredibly well, even though it's quite easy to dislike Meryl Streep's character. If it had a slightly different ending, I'd give the film 100%. This way, it has to settle for a slightly lower rating from me. The ending just doesn't sit right with me.
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