Kramer vs. Kramer: A Quick Review

"Kramer vs. Kramer," released in 1979, was written and directed by Robert Benton.  It stars Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep.  The film won 5 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman and Best Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep.  This film is fantastic.  Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep play Ted and Joanna Kramer.  Together they have a young son.  One day Joanna decides she is going to leave Ted and their son.  A year and a half later her life is more on track and she wants her son back.  The Kramers have to go to court for custody of their son, Billy.  Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep are two of the best actors to come out of this country and are two of my personal favorites.  They give fantastic performances here...of course a solid script always helps too.  Both performances are flawless and feel so real.  The movie is incredibly emotional and moving and likely would not have had such an impact without the great casting.  The supporting cast also is great, I just won't mention them by name.  The film visually looks beautiful, with several tracking shots throughout and overall very nice composition.  "Kramer vs. Kramer" is a great, classic film...very moving and brilliantly acted.  It's in my top 10 movies of all time.


-Joseph Sbrilli