Drama
United States of America
Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 American drama film directed by Robert Benton and starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Avery Corman. The story starts with Ted Kramer and his wife Joanna living in a luxurious apartment in Manhattan with their son Billy. Ted works as an advertising executive, and his job consumes most of his time and energy. Joanna, who has been feeling neglected and unappreciated for a long time, decides to leave Ted and Billy and seek a more fulfilling life on her own.
Ted, who has always been more focused on his career than his family, is suddenly thrust into the role of a single parent. He struggles to balance his job and taking care of his son, but he does his best to be a good father. Initially, their relationship is rocky as Ted struggles to adjust to his new responsibilities, but over time, he develops a close bond with Billy.
However, just as Ted and Billy are beginning to adjust to their new life, Joanna returns and demands custody of their son. Ted fights back, and a bitter legal battle ensues. Both parents are portrayed sympathetically, and the film explores the difficulties of balancing work and family life, as well as the challenges of single parenthood.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is considered one of the defining films of its era and is widely regarded as a classic of American cinema.
