Review of Terms of Endearment (1983) by Luke M — 10 Aug 2015

This film, for me, is a perfect 10. It destroyed me in the most satisfying way possible and stayed with me for days. I don't usually go for the alleged "chick flick" genre, but this is a classic, a must-see.

My praise is solely due to the electrifying performance of Debra Winger. She is so alive as Emma. So quirky. So magnetic. As her character moves through the ups and downs of life, her heartbreaking optimism never falters.

When life brings her down, and it seriously does, the hopeful gaze never leaves her face. Truly have never been so blown away by a single performance in my life, nor have I ever wanted to hug a fictional character more.

I just cared for her so much. Watch her closely when she meets Patsy's New York City friends, when she doesn't have enough money at the supermarket, and when she has to say her final goodbyes.

She brings out such a huge abundance of emotion with just a single facial expression, or a line delivered with her husky voice, she'll break your heart. She laughs and cries with her entire body. Debra Winger's "Emma" is a performance for the ages.

It elevated the entire film.