![Kramer Vs Kramer [DVD] [2011]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71PU0WZgWoL.jpg)
Product Description Winner of 5 Academy Awards®, Kramer vs. Kramer is a ground- breaking drama about the heartbreak of divorce and the struggle between work and family. Young husband and father Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) loves his family - and his job, which is where he spends most of his time. When he returns home late one evening from work, his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) confronts him and then leaves him, forcing Ted to become the sole caregiver to their six-year-old son. Now, Ted must learn to be a father while balancing the demands of his high-pressure career. But just as Ted adapts to his new role and begins to feel like a fulfilled parent, Joanna returns. And now she wants her son back. From .co.uk It might have started out as a small, rather arty divorce drama but Kramer vs Kramer was the biggest cinema hit of 1979. It confirmed Dustin Hoffman's status as a major star in a performance that combined his trademark twitchy intensity with deep sensitivity. And it provided Meryl Streep with a pivotal role in her rise to big-screen greatness. Both won Oscars, as did director Robert Benton and the film itself scooped the Best Picture award. Kramer vs Kramer has worn well into the 21st century. Although clearly of its time--by the late 1970s, microscopic relationship analysis had become the theme of commercial cinema--it stands on the strength of its central performances. Hoffman's Ted Kramer is a vision of the Graduate grown up: serious, focused and thrown by anything that threatens his upwardly mobile professional trajectory. The news that his wife, who he has failed to notice teetering on the edge of a breakdown, is leaving him and their son sends him into a tailspin. The film is as much about his resilience and fulfilment as it is the story of a divorce and custody battle. Justin Henry is extraordinary as Billy, the boy caught in the middle, and turns in a remarkably complex, thoughtful performance, which is light years from the archetypal all-American kid you might anticipate. And in just a handful of scenes, Streep is mesmerising as Joanna, the deserting wife and mother who you just can't bring yourself to hate. Yes, this is soap opera. But it belongs up there with all the finest cinematic human dramas. On the DVD: The widescreen presentation ensures a theatrically authentic experience, with some fantastic shots of New York city coming into their own. The mono sound is adequate for the relative intimacy of most of the dialogue. But the real bonus is the retrospective documentary in which director and writer Benton, producer Stanley Jaffe and the cast look back with touching satisfaction at a piece which clearly meant a great deal to them all. Hoffman's initial reluctance (he was going through a real-life divorce) to get involved, the process of working with a gifted child actor and Streep's desire to make Joanna understood are all recalled in fascinating detail. --Piers Ford
A**R
A Divorce Or Not A Divorce ?.
Mum ( Meryl Streep ) decides to walk out on husband Dustin Hoffman. The problem is they have a young son. Hoffman tries his very best to keep his job. Meryl Streep plays a very good do I really want to be a mother, do I really want to be in this relationship, who the devil am I really ?. She goes away and comes back watching her husband dropping of their young son at school every day. But he is unaware of this. Quite tense and gripping at times. Especially when they meet up in the restaurant. This scene is highly charged. Eventually she wants to see her son. Even going through the divorce courts as well. Did they actually get back together or not ?. This is where I find the ending rather strange. The ending is well. no ending at all. Very odd I thought. Or maybe I was missing the point. Very good to watch, although the ending if you can call it that should have been planned better. PC. 14. 12. 2017.
T**C
A Reasonable Watch but a Little Dated Now?
This is yet another film that as a young man passed me by first time around. A film about a ‘custody battle’ was not really my kind of thing in my twenties? So, some 35 years later I decided to catch up with it.It does look a little dated now – as one would expect. – the clothes, the décor etc. Today of course a custody battle is hardly news. The film is not long at 105 minutes and the finale in some ways leaves you guessing as to what may eventually transpire – which is always a nice way to leave a film?Any ‘tug of love’ film is always going to be a bit mushy and full of sentimentality. But whilst it’s certainly present here, it’s not overly done as to bring on the sick bag at regular intervals! Both main protagonists do a fine job, as do the rest of the cast. An 'AA' nomination for the child - Justin Henry, was quite ridiculous - he was good but not outstandingly good.The film won 5 AA’s, as well turning an $8 million budget into a gross taking of $65 million. I found it a reasonable film to watch considering that the content these days is rather run of the mill and hardly anything out of the ordinary? I’m glad that I’ve covered it but it won’t stay on the memory for too long.
A**D
A Poignant Experience
I have now , over the years, watched this film three times. I am always very moved and saddened by the story of the couple who each want their son to live with them ---after their separation. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep play their parts superbly, and the film is a real tear-jerker.
D**A
Beautifully made
The story is quite sad and tough, the three characters suffer the ups and downs of a divorce and custody battle. But it is so beautifully told, the actors are outstanding, the photography is neat and every detail is taken care of. The couple struggles to understand each other but gets there in the end, reaching a much more mature level of communication and empathy. Just the way Dustin Hoffman kindly looks at her in the last part of the film are worth gold.
R**N
What a terrific acting movie
I consider myself lucky that I got to view a wonderful movie with two marvellous actors. I would recommend this for a lot of people, because I think most can relate in some way. There are funny, sad, happy, and relieving moments that are carried away terrifically by these great actors. It's a good movie and deserves more credit.9/10
M**L
a classic film.
this film really stands up considering it was made in 1979. dustin hoffman plays a devoted dad who suddenly istold by his wife she has to leave. this means trying to juggle his work with bringing up his son. outstanding performances allround. when solicitors and lawyers get involved it all turns very unpleasant and you start to think how much easier itwould be to try and communicate with each other.
J**E
Acclaimed film, no subtitles, oh dear!
Apparently no subtitles available, so no use to me, I have wasted the money. I’m sad because I have wanted to see this acclaimed film for years.
M**D
Heart rendering
Classic film, heart rendering story of divorce and impact of a custody battle on children. A bit dated but works.
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