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Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
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Movie Review by Rodney 
July 8th, 2006
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Fatherly Love
Never before has a film, with such depth, grasped the effects of divorce and single-parenthood that Robert Benton delivers with Kramer vs. Kramer.
When Ted (Dustin Hoffman), an overworked advertiser, comes home from another late night at work, his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), walks out on both him and her 7 year-old son. Frustrated and unhappy, Joanna flees to California claiming she is incapable of being a mother and must find out who she is. Ted must deal with these repercussions, give 110% at the office and take care of his little boy. After 2 years, Ted is settled into routine and grown immensely close with the one thing he neglected the most: his son. But Joanna has come back to town and even though she walked out on her son, she wants him back. Ted must fight hard and fight dirty to win an uphill battle at keeping custody of his son.
Dustin Hoffman is perhaps the greatest American actor of our time. We truly feel for his character. We see him change from a work-a-holic to a loving father who would risk everything for his son. The love that he brings to the screen is rare in films these days. Meryl Streep does what she does best -- being a heartless b*tch. Her characters bring about a hatred that viewers everywhere love to hate. Her talent excels everyone in the business. Her aura builds tension and keeps us glued to the screen.
Robert Benton's adapted screenplay is the best aspect of an already well-stacked piece of art. Its dialogue succeeds where most fail miserably: its real. Its characters are every day people, with realistic problems and reactions. We suffer with these characters and cheer when they triumph.
The 70's was a time frame of film revolution and a turning point for filmmakers to say what they mean and for audience members to feel instead of just watch. Kramer vs. Kramer is an exclamation point on that era.
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 | Joe
Jul 9, 2006 10:27 AM
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| You know Borf had this movie but I never watched the whole thing. I think I might now. When I get it, of course. |
 | Seth C
Jul 9, 2006 12:15 PM
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Wow - I couldn't agree more. I have only seen "Kramer vs. Kramer" once, on a friend's recomendation, and I truly believe it may just be one of the best films ever made, if not the greatest. I never watched the film a second time (or at least not yet) because I don't want to begin picking it apart and possibably finding it's flaws. Than again, hundreds of viewings later and I still don't see anything wrong with "It's a Wondeful Life," the film I 100% believe to be the greatest film ever made.
You nailed this review in ever way, however I will say that I didn't hate Streep's character as much as you. I actually found the final scenes in the courtroom to be hard to watch, as I felt for both characters in some ways. Hoffman is outstanding and this film is perfect through and through.
Of course, then again, I have only seen it once - Thank you the perfect review.
SCF |
 | Justin
Jul 9, 2006 4:32 PM
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What can I say? Right on!! Its screenplay is structurally one of the best of all time, and you are right about the performances -- they are fine, emotional centerpieces in a beautifully crafted film.
Great review! |
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