Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

The film is as nearly perfect as can be in its size, with masterful performances and emotional wallop that make it the most satisfying picture of the year.

The critic hails the film for its wisdom, insight, compassion, and sensitivity to contemporary family issues. Benton’s screenplay and direction, along with standout performances from Hoffman, Streep, and young Justin Henry, are singled out as making it an emotionally and dramatically satisfying event.

The critic finds Benton's adaptation fine, witty, moving and intelligent, a Manhattan story that speaks for a generation about fathers, sons, husbands and wives, with a central focus on the muddled mother.

The article calls the film great and an acting clinic, crediting Hoffman, Streep, and supporting players for its impact. It highlights the story’s emotional depth and the child actor’s performance as key strengths amid its discussion of the film’s box-office success.

The film excels in its attention to realistic detail and performances that chart major character changes; it is a nearly perfect miniature that is deeply moving despite modest ambitions.

The perceptive, touching and intelligent film about family dissolution is a tribute to Benton and the leads, focusing on credible people rather than stereotypes with strong box-office appeal.

The piece positions the film as a culturally resonant divorce drama that balances emotional intensity with brisk pacing and strong performances. It singles out Streep’s nuanced portrayal of Joanna and the film’s effective depiction of family rupture and reconciliation for praise, despite noting some dated elements.

The critic views the film as a flawed but deserving classic with immense sensitivity and heart about parenthood and divorce. They single out the father-son bonding scenes and Nestor Almendros's cinematography for praise while noting issues with the court portrayal and ending.

The film is viewed in retrospect as little more than a glossy soap opera passed off as serious drama, despite its initial popularity and strong performances from Hoffman and Streep.

The critic praises the film's enduring emotional power and intelligence in depicting divorce, single parenting, and family upheaval, highlighting Dustin Hoffman's transformative performance as the heart of the story. They note that while it may no longer be a frequent topic of conversation, its impact and relevance remain undiminished.