Kramer vs. Kramer

89%

Tomatometer

102 Reviews

89%

Audience Score

25,000+ Ratings

On the same day Manhattan advertising executive Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) lands the biggest account of his career, he learns that his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), is leaving him and their young son, Billy (Justin Henry). Forced to raise his son alone, Ted loses his job but gains a stronger relationship with the child with the help of another single parent, Margaret (Jane Alexander). When Joanna returns to claim custody of Billy, the ensuing court battle takes a toll on everyone concerned. Read More Read Less

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Kramer vs. Kramer

What to Know

Critics Consensus

The divorce subject isn't as shocking, but the film is still a thoughtful, well-acted drama that resists the urge to take sides or give easy answers.

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Critics Reviews

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Michael Blowen

Boston Globe

Hoffman, Streep and Henry persuade you that they are "real" people in a "real" situation, and that is a rare phenomenon in contemporary movies.

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Michael Maza

Arizona Republic

In concept, in casting, but especially in execution, it is easily the year's most successful motion picture and probably one of the decade's. In assessing credit one hardly knows where to begin.

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Kramer vs. Kramer never loses its low-key, realistic touch. You will sit at the end of the film wondering why we don't see more pictures like this.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

The film remains a masterclass in marital (and masculine) anxiety, with precisely observed details across the board.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 22, 2024

Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman are extraordinary in this timely tale of marital divorce and the problematic battles of child custody.

Jun 27, 2023

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a solid drama that benefits substantially from the top-tier efforts of its various performers...

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 22, 2023

Full Review

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Audience Reviews

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Christian K A very genuine and grounded look at a hard situation for all involved, it feels real but doesn't get there in the end for me on impact and entertainment. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/12/24 Full Review David H I like a film which keeps me engaged, a film in which I become invested in the characters. This was such a film. I was never bored, and I felt a genuine sympathy for all the characters. Even the lawyers who, after all, were just doing the job they had been paid to do.I also enjoyed the New York scenes from the late 1970s. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/08/24 Full Review Gertrude F Wonderful film. It's simple and it's construction is well composed and cleverly designed. The actors were brilliant- of course. It is a feel good film, but beyond that, it touches on greater issues and thrives on the complexity of it's characters. Also, that child actor is great. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/01/24 Full Review Dave C I love ‘early Hoffman', and he is great in this, but the movie isn't the tour de force it yearns to be. It's a nice enough story, but it lacks the emotional connection to the drama being told Rated 3/5 Stars • Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/29/24 Full Review matthias s "Kramer vs. Kramer" is a heartfelt rollercoaster of emotions that strikes a chord with anyone who's experienced the complexities of divorce. The father-son chemistry between Dustin Hoffman and young Justin Henry is nothing short of magic. As the child of divorced parents, this film resonated deeply with me, and it beautifully portrays the struggles, sacrifices, and ultimate redemption that can emerge from such a situation.The acting in this movie is a tour de force. Dustin Hoffman's transformation from a workaholic to a devoted father is a masterclass in acting, while Meryl Streep's performance as his estranged wife is equally powerful. Their emotional turmoil feels genuinely palpable.The plot and screenplay are crafted with finesse, keeping you engaged from start to finish. It's a bittersweet exploration of love, parenting, and personal growth. "Kramer vs. Kramer" is a timeless classic that reminds us that even in the toughest of battles, the power of love can mend the deepest wounds. It's a must-see for its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/16/23 Full Review Suruga D the ending is kinda rushed Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Kramer vs. Kramer

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Cast & Crew

Robert Benton Director Dustin Hoffman Ted Kramer Meryl Streep Joanna Kramer Justin Henry Billy Kramer Jane Alexander Margaret Phelps Howard Duff John Shaunessy

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Kramer vs. Kramer

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Change of Heart