Kramer vs. Kramer

Even a divorce and custody drama can be devoid of all kitsch and intriguing to watch when acted out by a couple of the greatest actors ever. Case in point: Mr and Mrs Kramer portrayed by Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep.

Joanna Kramer one day up and leaves her husband Ted, who pays more attention to his job than his family, and their small son Billy. Ted is left to take over a role he never had to fulfill, that of single parent. It is trying and difficult at first, but Ted adapts his priorities, which leads him to be more available to Billy but costs him his job.

In the midst of that particular struggle Joanna sweeps back into town because she now feels fit to take over custody of her child again, which leads to bitter and sad court appearances. The judge sides - like judges often do - with the mother. Eventually however, Joanna decides to not heed the court's decision and lets Billy stay with his father.

from Roger Ebert's review: The movie has encouraged us to realize that these people are deep enough and complex enough, as all people are, that we can't assign moral labels to them.

The film won five Oscars, incl. best picture, best director, both best actor awards. The little kid who played Billy was nominated for best supporting actor, making him one of the youngest nominees ever.

8/10

Quartet

At Beecham house, a home for retired musician, the annual concert celebrating Verdi's music is organized by the residents themselves.

Among them is a trio of singers, famed for their rendition of "Bella figlia dell' amore" from Rigoletto. The piece is a quartet and the fourth member of their group, the diva-esque Jean (former wife of one of the male voices in the quartet), has just waltzed into Beecham House. Her arrival has upset her former husband Reggie, who at first tries to avoid her whenever possible.

The concert this year is of particular importance, as any revenues are crucial in keeping Beecham House funded. The head organizer Cedric suggests that the quartet should perform their Rigoletto piece, which will surely increase interest in the concert. It does take some convincing, though, as Jean does not want to sing because some of her higher notes may break.

She changes her mind, however, when she learns that her former rival on the opera scene will perform an aria from Tosca ("Vissi d'arte", if you're intersted).

This is Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut and the cast is phenomenal. It includes Billy Connelly, Michael Gambon and the wonderful Maggie Smith as the ageing diva Jean.

I wanted to love the film and hoped for some more comedy, I guess. In the end, I merely liked it.

6/10