Review of Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) by Uditha D — 28 Dec 2011

A well thought out, planned and balanced family drama that I really enjoyed a lot. Kramer vs Kramer dealt with its main subjects - divorce, and a father left alone with his son - in a poignant though realistic manner.

That means it never, for one moment even, lingered on any unwanted melodrama. It swiftly and deftly intermixed drama, conflict and comedy to a very heart-warming and convincing level. However, its two top notch performances - given by Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep - were, in my opinion, deep sources of strength for this major point.

Hoffman really brightened the scenes with his initially comic trial and error episodes at acting as a properly functioning father and caretaker, and later (on a more poignant level) as a selfless and deeply caring figure to his son (played jubilantly by Justin Henry).

Not that Meryl Streep wasn't bad: she was awesome too. But I had to admit in the end, that what this film explored - the male perspective of the 70s feminist movement - wouldn't have been possible on an effective platform without Hoffman's superb performance.

This I think is also what made Kramer vs Kramer a very enjoyable thirst quencher. It succeeds greatly as a convincing and refreshing family classic, that I firmly believe should be a must-watch.