Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sensitive, truthful look at the breakup of a family.
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Kramer vs. Kramer
What's the Story?
In 1979's KRAMER VS. KRAMER (winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture), Ted Kramer (Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman) is thunderstruck when his wife, Joanna (Oscar-winner Meryl Streep) leaves him and their 6-year-old son without warning. Ted has been a single-minded advertising man, insensitive to his wife's growing depression and barely involved in raising Billy. Initially, thrown by circumstances into a new role, new priorities, and unexpectedly intense emotions, Ted agonizingly reaches deep inside himself for untapped sources of compassion and strength. Just as the Ted-Billy relationship reaches a comfortable, loving place (but not without issues that must be addressed), Joanna returns to New York City to regain custody of her little boy. Again, Ted is called upon to use his wits, his friendships, and his humanity to keep Billy in his life.
Is It Any Good?
This film is a stellar example of collaborative filmmaking. For starters, it boasts extraordinary performances from Hoffman and Streep (both of whom won their first Academy Awards for the film) and probably one of the finest child performances ever from Justin Henry. In the artful, sensitive hands of Robert Benton (winner of the Academy Award for Best Director) and with the clear commitment of the performers, this movie maintains a constant focus on truth-telling and the in-depth examination of separation at a time during which divorce was becoming a primary force in the American landscape. It's true that the people portrayed are decidedly middle and upper middle class, but the humanity and honesty are universal. Older kids and teens may be inspired to talk with their families about this sensitive subject matter, and kids and parents who've been through divorce will find much that is relatable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how expectations of fathers have changed since this movie was made in 1979. How do current movies and television programs show the involvement of dads today? Give some examples.
Did your feelings about Joanna (the mom) change by the end of the story? What techniques did the filmmakers use, and how did Meryl Streep's performance help you understand her point of view?
Why was the courtroom sequence meaningful? Was it important for the audience to hear each person's side of the story? Was it important for the characters to hear each other's side of the story?
Ted, Joanna, and Billy Kramer had few financial issues to face. How might the movie have been different if the family had had money problems?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 19, 1979
- On DVD or streaming : August 28, 2001
- Cast : Dustin Hoffman , Meryl Streep , Justin Henry
- Director : Robert Benton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : February 27, 2026
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