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