Review of Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) by Alyssa P — 26 Aug 2008
This is an emotional, powerful and moving film that deserved every one of the Oscars it earned in 1980. Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a working man who is starting to work his way up to high places in his job.
That is until he comes home one day and his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) tells him that she's leaving. When she does, Ted has to figure out what to do with his son with her being gone. Slowly but surely he learns how to be the parent that his child needs.
It is then when Joanna decides that she wants her son back. The impressive thing that I noticed while writing this review is that when Ted Kramer rises to the occasion and becomes the super parent it is never cheesy.
It's not a corny movie of the week plot. Everything in this film feels wholly authentic. That's why it works so well. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep hit every note of their performance with ease.
Jane Alexander is also very good as the supporting friend. Justin Henry turns in possibly one of the best child performances i've ever seen. He's natural and every time he's crying, he's really crying.
He talks like a kid, acts like a kid, everything he does is authentic. It's hard to watch this movie and not get emotional or be moved. The heartbreak of divorce is very real here. It's almost like a cautionary tale that people chose not to listen to.
The most difficult thing about this movie is watching the son have to deal with the divorce of his parents. We see the terrible toll it takes on the kids. And even the end of the movie which is fairly happy doesn't seem formulaic.
It feels real. I loved this film.
This review of Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) was written by Alyssa P on 26 Aug 2008.
Kramer vs. Kramer has generally received very positive reviews.
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