I love how at the end, even after all that shitshow, he still goes down the stairs and sees her and the first thing he asks is "what's the matter?" in that concerned voice. there's still so much love between these people, and that's how you know that it doesn't matter who really gets the kid at the end because they all genuinely care about one another and that's the most important thing. If anything, they're better than they ever were before, because Ted has learned the true meaning of being a father and a caring partner and she has discovered herself and found a path in which she can be happy. It's not about being married or having custody, it's the fact that now both parents are happy and mentally healthy and so they'll be able to raise a happy and healthy child.
That's very well said, you are right. The divorce is not the center of it, in the sense that the lack of initial empathy, understanding and mutual care in them is what brings to the separation. But that's the just starting point, not the end; so tgat the divorce is, ironically, only a beginning here. it's a movie centered on growth, and learning listening, and mutual understanding. that's what makes it engaging and still so relevant.
She doesn’ t seem very mentally fit. But he understands now the value of family and I project happy end in the story, like in the Parents’ Trap… when they fall in love again, all “pros” and “againsts” disappear …
If people stick around in a marriage long enough, they'll learn all that IF both parents are good parents, and if they're good friends. I'm so glad my husband and I just formed a new marriage while we were in it. Instead of abandoning our old one.
It sort of was. They said that to each other off camera in preparation for the scene. The director liked it and asked them to say that at the end of the scene.
Meryl Streep should open a school to teach younger actresses how to cry because they all crunch up their faces without a tear dropping. Here, she cries naturally like a person would cry in real life.
Her boyfriend died one month before that....Here is little article about this moviee... "Before the take, Dustin had gone over to the witness stand to talk to Meryl. He needed her to implode on-camera, and he knew the magic words to make it happen: “John Cazale.” Out of Benton’s earshot, he started whispering the name in her ear, planting the seeds of anguish, as he had in the elevator scene. He knew she wasn’t over the loss. [...] Now, with a fat finger waving three inches from her face, Meryl heard the words “Were you a failure at the one most important relationship in your life?” Her eyes watered. Her lips tensed. Dustin had instructed her to look at him when she heard that line. When she did, he gave a little shake of his head, as if to say, “No, Meryl, you weren’t a failure.”"
It is not about this scene...But it explains why it looks so realistic....I am not saying she is bad actress....No way!She is awesome,but here it is why it looked soo realistic...
You know who's a "Champion" Crier. Heather Tom who was one of many Actresses to play Victoria Newman on The Young & The Restless who has been playing Katie on The Bold & The Beautiful since 2007. Another person is Cheryl Ann Tweedy who in 2002 was chosen to be part of Girls Aloud the most successful group to come out of Reality TV in the UK from 2002-2013. She also became a Judge on The X Factor (UK) where two of her proteges won and another became a runner up. When she hears someone sing and she knows they are a diamond in the rough, she does whatever she can to help them turn a dream into a reality.
What’s so beautiful about this film is how he didn’t realise how much he loved his son, how much he needed him and how much he couldn’t live without him. And she realised she couldn’t not only put her son through the same thing twice but she couldn’t put her ex husband through what she went through! Gah this film is so good!
As an 11-12 year old kid that saw this on HBO, I asked my dad about this scene and was disappointed they didn’t get back together, but glad she let the boy stay with Ted. I was too young to understand the complexities of divorce and child custody, but was happy she let the boy stay with him for the sake of security and stability.
Two of the GREATIST actors in the Cinema in one of the most powerful films ever. This movie had huge hit written all over it from the box office to the Academy Awards . It's a sad shame you don't see films of this caliber anymore , maybe in cable or Sundance , don't mind that it practically takes an entire paycheck for the family night at the theater ,just don't go-nothing worth it !!
They make movies like this still. Unfortunately not many people go to see them. They wanted Marvel and Star Wars for a long time. I miss the old Netflix DVD by mail subscription service-you could find all kinds of wonderfully acted films (as well as old classics). Now it's whatever crap is available on streaming.
STOP, there are still good movies, see smaller projects, not blockbusters, seek TV series, seek European movies if you don't like hollywood productions
A good director is one of the people who choose the right actors for his/her movies' roles. You can't just call a good director lucky and take away the credit from him/her. Actually, all actors, especially the main characters were mesmerizing with their acting including the kid, Billy.
I've always admired Joanna at the end of the movie. Finally, it is a dirty war between adults, where the pride of parents can be more than the love of their son. It is beautiful how the low arguments of the "past" become the noble feelings of "now." I love dustin and meryl in the movie.
Chloé Mahad I do but even metaphors and figures of speech should have considerable amount of relevance to the issue being discussed, contested or ridiculed and your suggestion of a hairstylist deserving a Nobel Peace Prize for doing an excellent/ abysmal work is pure nonsensical.
I don't know exactly how things are in America, but in South Korea, a lot of married women were forced to become selfless, meaning they were forced out of their identities. She is no longer a person, she is always called someone's wife, or someone's mother. She stays at home all the time waiting for herr husband or kids. All her old friends are gone, married off like her, and her new firends are either husband's friend's wives or kid's mothers. Her interests are now limited to cooking and cleaning. All her clothes are cheap or comfy for work, and she only wears nice clothes when she's out with her husband. Of course, things changed a lot since those times, but the idea still lingers, and haunts every Korean women whenever they try to have a little freedom from their family. So forgive me, but I think women are allowed a little selfishness.
Among quite a few more e.g. Robert Redford who Dustin starred in All the Presidents Men, Pacino, Brando, Paul Newman just to name a few. But yes Dustin is an awesome actor!
I'm not sure this is considered a "Happy Ending". We know they don't get back together - its not the best thing for them so that's that. It could be interpreted that the more 'deserving' parent got Billy. We, the audience, get to know Ted throughout the movie and grew to like him. So it's understandable we're rooting for him to 'win' in the end. And that Joanna made the best decision in the end for Billy. But hasn't she essentially permanently destroyed a bond between her and her son, that maybe beyond repair?!? She left because she had to sort through things, fair enough. But Ted stayed, therefore Billy knows, loves and trusts his father more. Hence, why he didn't wanna leave his dad to go live with his mum. In the final French toast scene, you can even see that Billy felt sad for Ted, like he knew the bond between them was about the break. Amazing how the young child felt such empathy in that scene.
Hmmm... I think much depends on how Joanna chooses to move forward. The family’s pre-divorce life and dynamics are gone. Her parent-child relationship with Billy is compromised. She can choose to remain involved with her son and develop a new relationship, or she can continue her self-discovery alone. Obviously the new relationship can’t be the traditional relationship. That doesn’t mean it can’t be good.
She destroyed everything the moment she left her son. Father or mother, irrespective of their personal ambitions, should never leave their kids. When they do, they lose every right on their children. No excuses can cover up the desertion. The same rule applies to any relationship.
@@JonyTony2018 not necessarily. She was bearing all the emotional responsibilities in the family seeing as the father was never available. On top of doing her half
This is how a divorce should be. Still a lot of love between them and decency and caring for the child. Not about custody, money, and revenge. We have sunk low as a society. In the end, being classy wins.
People seem to miss one of the most important themes in this movie, one about the nature of human nature. Joanna had to win the custody case in court before she could do the right thing for her son. If she had lost the custody case, she would never have been that mature and unselfish about Billy's staying with his father. Winning gave her the power to be the good guy. When all was said and done, that's what she was really fighting for. Power.
Disagree. If, power play were the message, there should be scenes of Dustin /Joanna acting smug or lording power or moral superiority. Instead we get only scenes of how important their son is to each of them. So you're inferring inner workings of the human mind ascribing it as the movie's theme without a scene to back you up.
They should do a sequel to this film showing all these characters 40 years later. I'd love to see what effect the divorce had on Billy as an adult and where his parents are now.
Even though Joanna won't take Billy away from Ted, will she still be part of Billy life though. Can the ending give an imply that Ted and Joanna work out a new custody agreement.
@@manjeetnirala7789 not even close , there have been much better performances by other great actors(Joe Pesci-Irishman,De niro -Irishman) his performance is very overrated in marriage story.
For real. I finally started watching Marriage Story the other night..and I turned it off in 15 minutes. Adam is not pleasant to look at or listen too. I can't. Didn't see the connection, anyway, with Scarlett. I don't know how he's even in a movie. Eww.
@@ingridarlington5745 i am not saying Adam driver was bad. He was very good but nowhere near as people say he acted. Dustin Hoffman simply demolishes Adam driver if we have to compare performances
The whole movie, we side with Ted, although feeling some kinds of sympathy for Joanna. But the dialogues and the scenes between the father and the child keep reminding us that she left her son, coloring her black. And here, in this scene, we see Joanna perform the most selfless act of motherhood - refusing to put her own needs over her son's. We can't but admire her. See? That's why this movie is eternal.
@@SPEEDNOTPOWER Up to that point, yes. As I said, we sympathize with her but then she comes back demanding her son back (which is understandable but makes the character loathsome). That's the greatness of the movie, how we're able to change opinions depending on the characters' actions. No character is black or white.
She broke Billy's heart when she left. Remember that he asked Ted if mom left because he was bad?? Ted partly fought her for custody to protect Billy from getting hurt again
I once read something along the lines of the 70s being the last great decade for film. Considering what came out in those ten years - The Last Picture Show, Network, Interiors, Kramer vs. Kramer, just to name a few - I wholeheartedly agree.
TayInTheWay oh lord today us movies industry sucks as bad as music one. No wonder the marvel movies are dominating box office. The 80's and 90's were not bad
@Froggy Noddy The mid 1990s gave us some extraordinary movies. Apollo 13, The Bridges of Madison County, Sense and Sensibility, LA Confidential, Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Hace años que vi esa película en compañía de mi mamá (q.e.p.d) y ambas nos conmovía las actuaciones de estos dos EXCELENTES actores que de verdad vivían la situación de la película. Enhorabuena!!
In reality, she should have gotten help while staying with her husband. In the end, its as though he'd take her back. I think that would have been the best scenario for everyone.
I’m here 2023 after watched a clip in Tiktok😊ts day 24/7/2023. In 1979 when this movie made I wasn’t born, its so funny how technology can keep items for many years and I’m sure 💯 yrs to come a new generation will watch it too and many of us won’t be here on earth 🌍 anymore 🥰
In the end, the answer if whether or not even though they are divorce, Billy's mother decides to stay with her ex-husband as just a friend remains a mystery.
Daisy. This film portrays the worlds of marriage, divorce, child-rearing, custody battles, and the last scene 🎬 in which the movie audience is hopeful that there might be a happy ending - but instead we realize the best possible outcome is seen through the actor’s eyes: and ours!! 🤧
I used to love Meryl Streep but in recent years I´ve reevaluated her. Is she good? Yes, but there are athousands of good actresses out there. I think Kramer vs Kramer is very much Dustin Hoffmans Picture. This whole Picture belongs to him.His take characters is so good.
This may sound mean, but I think this scene sort of reinforces what Ted's lawyer said about Joanne being unable to commit to anything long term. She stuck to the marriage for 8 years then left, then she was extremely happy to spend an afternoon with Billy, but when the realization came that she would have full custody, she effectively left him again.
It does but only by chance. The lawyer didn't really mean his cruel words, he was just being a lawyer supporting his client. Joanne's change of heart may not have had to deal with mental issues or lack of commitment but actual love for her son, knowing that he is used to NY and that apartment, as well as his most recent memories being with his dad. At that age in a child's life, 15 months is a long time. Also, not wanting to force such a drastic change in the boy's life after already going through one, may have played a role.
That's not true. She didn't want to traumatise Billy by taking away the only home he had ever known. She was putting him before her own needs, as she had already put her own needs first by leaving.
If only they’d gone for marriage counseling and actually communicated with each other before it got to crisis point they’d probably still be married now.
I'd like to watch movies like this again. I think the cinema industry is facing a new age, but a so boring age, full of frivolous and meaningless movies. Something has been happening to us, human beings, and by reflection to the cinema which is a sort of reproduction of the real world. Characters are not realistic, the screenplay doesn't usually have the task to transmitting a message.
Carla Tripoli No wonder bad movies are made because they are for these sorts of people who relish watching garbage. This generation mostly has people who are not serious about their ambitions or relationships, impatient to the core, and extremely fickle.
No. Billy even asked and he said no. When the Movie came out one critic said that Kramer Vs Kramer made The Champ starring Jon Voight and Ricky Schroder look like a "Chump". I'm sure a lot of Fathers were able to get custody of their Children. Here's another fun fact. The Lady who played Billy's Teacher was on The US Soap Opera Guiding Light, her Co-Star was Maeve Kinkead who played Vanessa on and off from 1983-2009 who is Meryl's Sister In Law.
I think the reason Joanna didn't take Billy back wasn't because her son would be better off with Ted. Joanna while right to walk out on her husband at the beginning of the film knew the bond between her and Billy was gone especially as Billy didn't want to leave with her. And even though Ted barely remembered he had a son at the beginning of the film even he of all people knew better than to abandon Billy as it takes two to create a kid and accepted it was his responsibility to look after him as a parent.
Even though she raised her son for years while the man was working and making a living, she had to perform the final act of love: letting go... The world's so harder on women. At his plea on the court he described what she built with the son. But the man... Men always steals the credits
Blatant amounts of talent aside, they both redefined attractiveness - which is no small feat for two people who at the time were mainly identified as Not Jane Fonda and Not Robert Redford in the looks department.
@@DeepScreenAnalysis My mother, not a classic beauty by any means, referred to her as "that poor asymmetrical woman, so talented though". For a generation raised on classical Hollywood, Meryl was positively alien at the time. I, on the other hand, was instantly stupid for her 😍
Here, darling, take my boy and live with him. Just don't let your new wife treat him badly. You will be remarried within a year - don't let it kill our son. Good-bye. He will be an orphan with a live Mom, but it's OK with me.
Selfishness. She found a therapist that helped her get her self-esteem back & now wants to do her own thing. She can't commit long-term...which includes raising a child full-time. The dad "got it" and embraced being a father.
What was sad about the movie to me is that they did not get back together. Ted and Joanna learned a lot about themselves in 18 months and seemed to have genuine affection for each other. So why not?
Both characters are doing wrong. They are just stretching poor kid's agony with this situation. All this back and forth is the worst thing that could happen. And Dusting Hoffman's character is really idiotic playing so nice. In the real world this way of doing would add more unnecessary drama making the kid the unwanted victim.
Marriage is not a business transaction that can be easily dissolved and forgotten, especially when there are young children involved. Once you commit yourself to your spouse, there is no delete button. I am from the old school who do not believe in divorce except for infidelity according to the Bible. The kids need the safety net of the continuity of the marriage. Kids need both parents: mom and dad. Once we bring them to the world, we owe them everything starting with a secured family. I know a lot of you may differ with me. Marriage vows should be taken seriously. Sexual gratification is a component of marriage but when you marry, you marry for better and worse. I am sure there are a lot of scenarios and justifications for why a couple should be divorced and most of them have pride in them. In most cases you hear parents claiming they do it for the kids sake. This is the exercise but not the truth. Before you get married you are free of all cares. Once you get married a big part of yourself , if not all, is shared by your spouse. You have to be mature emotionally and mentally before you say I do because once you say there should not be any way out.
She won the court case (as moms often are favored), despite being the one that walked out and abandoned her son. She actually put the best interests of the child here by keeping him with the dad.
I love how at the end, even after all that shitshow, he still goes down the stairs and sees her and the first thing he asks is "what's the matter?" in that concerned voice.
there's still so much love between these people, and that's how you know that it doesn't matter who really gets the kid at the end because they all genuinely care about one another and that's the most important thing.
If anything, they're better than they ever were before, because Ted has learned the true meaning of being a father and a caring partner and she has discovered herself and found a path in which she can be happy. It's not about being married or having custody, it's the fact that now both parents are happy and mentally healthy and so they'll be able to raise a happy and healthy child.
That's very well said, you are right. The divorce is not the center of it, in the sense that the lack of initial empathy, understanding and mutual care in them is what brings to the separation. But that's the just starting point, not the end; so tgat the divorce is, ironically, only a beginning here. it's a movie centered on growth, and learning listening, and mutual understanding. that's what makes it engaging and still so relevant.
She doesn’ t seem very mentally fit. But he understands now the value of family and I project happy end in the story, like in the Parents’ Trap… when they fall in love again, all “pros” and “againsts” disappear …
What's best for their child is the most important thing
I felt that way too when I had to make a choice. It was hard but at least we can parent the children separately.
If people stick around in a marriage long enough, they'll learn all that IF both parents are good parents, and if they're good friends. I'm so glad my husband and I just formed a new marriage while we were in it. Instead of abandoning our old one.
The way the last line is delivered and then reacted between the two is so real
It sort of was. They said that to each other off camera in preparation for the scene. The director liked it and asked them to say that at the end of the scene.
Meryl Streep should open a school to teach younger actresses how to cry because they all crunch up their faces without a tear dropping. Here, she cries naturally like a person would cry in real life.
Her boyfriend died one month before that....Here is little article about this moviee...
"Before the take, Dustin had gone over to the witness stand to talk to Meryl. He needed her to implode on-camera, and he knew the magic words to make it happen: “John Cazale.” Out of Benton’s earshot, he started whispering the name in her ear, planting the seeds of anguish, as he had in the elevator scene. He knew she wasn’t over the loss. [...] Now, with a fat finger waving three inches from her face, Meryl heard the words “Were you a failure at the one most important relationship in your life?” Her eyes watered. Her lips tensed. Dustin had instructed her to look at him when she heard that line. When she did, he gave a little shake of his head, as if to say, “No, Meryl, you weren’t a failure.”"
It is not about this scene...But it explains why it looks so realistic....I am not saying she is bad actress....No way!She is awesome,but here it is why it looked soo realistic...
Meryl knows.. she said once that the way to cry is to try not to cry.. because that’s what we do irl!!
dtv2031 you just have to really get into the scene and picture yourself in that situation. that’s how i make myself cry
You know who's a "Champion" Crier. Heather Tom who was one of many Actresses to play Victoria Newman on The Young & The Restless who has been playing Katie on The Bold & The Beautiful since 2007. Another person is Cheryl Ann Tweedy who in 2002 was chosen to be part of Girls Aloud the most successful group to come out of Reality TV in the UK from 2002-2013. She also became a Judge on The X Factor (UK) where two of her proteges won and another became a runner up. When she hears someone sing and she knows they are a diamond in the rough, she does whatever she can to help them turn a dream into a reality.
What’s so beautiful about this film is how he didn’t realise how much he loved his son, how much he needed him and how much he couldn’t live without him. And she realised she couldn’t not only put her son through the same thing twice but she couldn’t put her ex husband through what she went through! Gah this film is so good!
And in the end, as always, the only winners are the lawyers.
so true- that is why lawyers inhabit the first circle of he double hockey sticks
Went through a Divorce ITS AWFUL It was for the best 😁 I got custody of my kids and they are with me THANK GOD Life goes on😇
Lol
That is the most depressing thing I have ever read. But maybe there is still hope for Billy.
@@janellekirkland3023 Really? You mean for you. Kids need fathers, too.
This is one of Meryl Streep's best, purest performances in my view.
As an 11-12 year old kid that saw this on HBO, I asked my dad about this scene and was disappointed they didn’t get back together, but glad she let the boy stay with Ted. I was too young to understand the complexities of divorce and child custody, but was happy she let the boy stay with him for the sake of security and stability.
1:26 = Dustin Hoffman welling up right there just breaks me every time
Two of the GREATIST actors in the Cinema in one of the most powerful films ever.
This movie had huge hit written all over it from the box office to the Academy Awards .
It's a sad shame you don't see films of this caliber anymore , maybe in cable or Sundance , don't mind that it practically takes an entire paycheck for the family night at the theater ,just don't go-nothing worth it !!
hlywdplayer I love you so much
So True
They make movies like this still. Unfortunately not many people go to see them. They wanted Marvel and Star Wars for a long time. I miss the old Netflix DVD by mail subscription service-you could find all kinds of wonderfully acted films (as well as old classics). Now it's whatever crap is available on streaming.
STOP, there are still good movies, see smaller projects, not blockbusters, seek TV series, seek European movies if you don't like hollywood productions
The director is very lucky to have her in this movie because she was really amazing and great in this movie you are a truly great actress
A good director is one of the people who choose the right actors for his/her movies' roles. You can't just call a good director lucky and take away the credit from him/her.
Actually, all actors, especially the main characters were mesmerizing with their acting including the kid, Billy.
I've always admired Joanna at the end of the movie. Finally, it is a dirty war between adults, where the pride of parents can be more than the love of their son. It is beautiful how the low arguments of the "past" become the noble feelings of "now." I love dustin and meryl in the movie.
Meryl Streep is some actress.
Outstanding!
Meryl's stylist in this movie needs an Academy Award honestly a Nobel Peace Prize
Chloé Mahad Nobel Peace Prize? Do you even know what that is?
anjum ayub do you know what a hyperbole is?
Chloé Mahad I do but even metaphors and figures of speech should have considerable amount of relevance to the issue being discussed, contested or ridiculed and your suggestion of a hairstylist deserving a Nobel Peace Prize for doing an excellent/ abysmal work is pure nonsensical.
anjum ayub I don't think you know what a hyperbole is because it's literally just an exaggerated statement. Who cares anyway relax it's a joke
@@anjum2008 maybe develop a sense of humour?
This was the most touching scene in the movie.
Absolutely.
This quality is very good for the 70's.
the film was already meant to have ended by that last line "how do I look?", that was just meryl and dustin
Dustin Hoffman is legendary for ensuring the success of this film! And for Streep’s performance!!
i always get chocked up when I see this scene.
I'm so glad she didn't take the little boy in the end. For once, she didn't make a totally selfish decision to the detriment of others.
Clark Drew I’m sorry.
I don't know exactly how things are in America, but in South Korea, a lot of married women were forced to become selfless, meaning they were forced out of their identities.
She is no longer a person, she is always called someone's wife, or someone's mother. She stays at home all the time waiting for herr husband or kids. All her old friends are gone, married off like her, and her new firends are either husband's friend's wives or kid's mothers. Her interests are now limited to cooking and cleaning. All her clothes are cheap or comfy for work, and she only wears nice clothes when she's out with her husband.
Of course, things changed a lot since those times, but the idea still lingers, and haunts every Korean women whenever they try to have a little freedom from their family.
So forgive me, but I think women are allowed a little selfishness.
@@rlacksgh9673
Selfishness? Yes. Abandon your kid? No
wow! this scene makes me cry everytime
40 years later... Soooo good play!!!
Meryl Streep has me on speed dial when she weeps like that. This movie is still amazing.
Dustin Hoffman is probably the best actor ever.
He was the one that really shined in this movie. And the kid.
@@m.e.d.7997 The Graduate, Midnight Cowboy to name his best two besides this IMO
@@80steen44 He was good in “Rain Man”too 1989. That took talent.
Among quite a few more e.g. Robert Redford who Dustin starred in All the Presidents Men, Pacino, Brando, Paul Newman just to name a few. But yes Dustin is an awesome actor!
He's good but I still like Pacino
2 legendary actors in a legendary scene! Hollywood doesn't get much better than what I just saw!
I'm not sure this is considered a "Happy Ending". We know they don't get back together - its not the best thing for them so that's that. It could be interpreted that the more 'deserving' parent got Billy. We, the audience, get to know Ted throughout the movie and grew to like him. So it's understandable we're rooting for him to 'win' in the end. And that Joanna made the best decision in the end for Billy. But hasn't she essentially permanently destroyed a bond between her and her son, that maybe beyond repair?!? She left because she had to sort through things, fair enough. But Ted stayed, therefore Billy knows, loves and trusts his father more. Hence, why he didn't wanna leave his dad to go live with his mum. In the final French toast scene, you can even see that Billy felt sad for Ted, like he knew the bond between them was about the break. Amazing how the young child felt such empathy in that scene.
She destroyed that bond when she left her husband and son. When she ran away from responsibilities. When she chose selfish actions over her family.
Hmmm... I think much depends on how Joanna chooses to move forward. The family’s pre-divorce life and dynamics are gone. Her parent-child relationship with Billy is compromised. She can choose to remain involved with her son and develop a new relationship, or she can continue her self-discovery alone. Obviously the new relationship can’t be the traditional relationship. That doesn’t mean it can’t be good.
She destroyed everything the moment she left her son. Father or mother, irrespective of their personal ambitions, should never leave their kids. When they do, they lose every right on their children. No excuses can cover up the desertion. The same rule applies to any relationship.
@@JonyTony2018 not necessarily. She was bearing all the emotional responsibilities in the family seeing as the father was never available. On top of doing her half
@@swoopyeagle7102 Does it justify abandoning your child?
This is how a divorce should be. Still a lot of love between them and decency and caring for the child. Not about custody, money, and revenge. We have sunk low as a society. In the end, being classy wins.
The kid in this was unbelievably good.
That's why he nominated for the academy award for best actor in a supporting role.
Two very good looking people. Meryl Streep is just gorgeous.
What a beautiful and wonderful actress Meryl Streep is. She is one of the greatest American actresses of all time.
People seem to miss one of the most important themes in this movie, one about the nature of human nature. Joanna had to win the custody case in court before she could do the right thing for her son. If she had lost the custody case, she would never have been that mature and unselfish about Billy's staying with his father. Winning gave her the power to be the good guy. When all was said and done, that's what she was really fighting for. Power.
Disagree. If, power play were the message, there should be scenes of Dustin /Joanna acting smug or lording power or moral superiority. Instead we get only scenes of how important their son is to each of them. So you're inferring inner workings of the human mind ascribing it as the movie's theme without a scene to back you up.
@@miaotsq Not talking about Joanna's human mind, rather I was referring to human nature in those circumstances. And I have much to back me up.
Well said. If you can't control yourself you try to control other people.
This ending breaks me ...😪
I feel like there is so many ways you can interpret that final scene we don't know what's going to happen after the elevator closes
She comes back down and they bang in the elevator
@@80steen44 lol, the lost footage
It was a friendly end to their marriage, as opposed to the first elevator scene when the door slides between them in their anger.
The director has already said there is no point of them getting back together.
I believe Streep said she played Joanna with a secret-that she never loved him. they would never get back together.
First marriege story movie, now Adam driver and Scarlett Johansson
sagaf abubakar I was just thinking that
They should do a sequel to this film showing all these characters 40 years later. I'd love to see what effect the divorce had on Billy as an adult and where his parents are now.
That would be awesome but I doubt if Meryl will do it...
Even though Joanna won't take Billy away from Ted, will she still be part of Billy life though. Can the ending give an imply that Ted and Joanna work out a new custody agreement.
It's really powerful when you think of how much it took for her to give up her child who she loved so much.
~:~
She made the right choice somewhere were someone love him
No one wins.... Everyone is the LOSER in these Divorces Great movie.... A Classic 😇
Dustin hoffman OMG!!! adam driver cant even hold a candle next to him with marriage story
Still he did one of the best acting of this era
@@manjeetnirala7789 not even close , there have been much better performances by other great actors(Joe Pesci-Irishman,De niro -Irishman) his performance is very overrated in marriage story.
AGREED!
For real. I finally started watching Marriage Story the other night..and I turned it off in 15 minutes. Adam is not pleasant to look at or listen too. I can't. Didn't see the connection, anyway, with Scarlett. I don't know how he's even in a movie. Eww.
@@ingridarlington5745 i am not saying Adam driver was bad. He was very good but nowhere near as people say he acted. Dustin Hoffman simply demolishes Adam driver if we have to compare performances
It’s left for us to imagine what happens with these two.
I’d like to think that they tried again with both having learned valuable lessons.
Ya, buy two divorces and get the third free.
@@apextrollAre you talking from experience?
@@craigsimons817 Thankfully no.
The whole movie, we side with Ted, although feeling some kinds of sympathy for Joanna. But the dialogues and the scenes between the father and the child keep reminding us that she left her son, coloring her black. And here, in this scene, we see Joanna perform the most selfless act of motherhood - refusing to put her own needs over her son's. We can't but admire her. See? That's why this movie is eternal.
@@SPEEDNOTPOWER Up to that point, yes. As I said, we sympathize with her but then she comes back demanding her son back (which is understandable but makes the character loathsome). That's the greatness of the movie, how we're able to change opinions depending on the characters' actions. No character is black or white.
She broke Billy's heart when she left. Remember that he asked Ted if mom left because he was bad?? Ted partly fought her for custody to protect Billy from getting hurt again
Either this is way ahead of it's time or it's prescient. Either way, it's gold.
1:15 that little crack. gosh.
Meryl looks beautiful here.
Meryl looks so much like my dearly departed mother. Thats one reason why this movie breaks ny heart
I once read something along the lines of the 70s being the last great decade for film. Considering what came out in those ten years - The Last Picture Show, Network, Interiors, Kramer vs. Kramer, just to name a few - I wholeheartedly agree.
TayInTheWay oh lord today us movies industry sucks as bad as music one. No wonder the marvel movies are dominating box office.
The 80's and 90's were not bad
and alien
Very true. Many 70s films still hold up well today. Even much more well known films like Taxi Driver and Godfather I & II are as riveting as ever.
@Froggy Noddy The mid 1990s gave us some extraordinary movies. Apollo 13, The Bridges of Madison County, Sense and Sensibility, LA Confidential, Four Weddings and a Funeral.
What about 1993, 1994 and 1995.?
Hace años que vi esa película en compañía de mi mamá (q.e.p.d) y ambas nos conmovía las actuaciones de estos dos EXCELENTES actores que de verdad vivían la situación de la película. Enhorabuena!!
In reality, she should have gotten help while staying with her husband. In the end, its as though he'd take her back. I think that would have been the best scenario for everyone.
In the book, I guess Joanna is even worse.
I’m here 2023 after watched a clip in Tiktok😊ts day 24/7/2023. In 1979 when this movie made I wasn’t born, its so funny how technology can keep items for many years and I’m sure 💯 yrs to come a new generation will watch it too and many of us won’t be here on earth 🌍 anymore 🥰
I never knew Dustin Hoffman was so handsome I just knew him from mister morgorium’s wonder emporium 😳
I'm really disappointed that Joanna decided not to take Billy home with her.
In the end, the answer if whether or not even though they are divorce, Billy's mother decides to stay with her ex-husband as just a friend remains a mystery.
I heard the last scene , “how do I like ?” , was improvised
Oh god...that was painful to watch. Never saw the movie but this is acting at its best. Just in this one clip.
C-light
It's a great 🎥 I seen it on DVD.
2/8/2020
check out some Doubt clips
Daisy. This film portrays the worlds of marriage, divorce, child-rearing, custody battles, and the last scene 🎬 in which the movie audience is hopeful that there might be a happy ending - but instead we realize the best possible outcome is seen through the actor’s eyes: and ours!! 🤧
'I love my son even though I abandoned him' I hate people like that. When you have a child, it's not all about you anymore.
Where can I see the movie
I used to love Meryl Streep but in recent years I´ve reevaluated her. Is she good? Yes, but there are athousands of good actresses out there. I think Kramer vs Kramer is very much Dustin Hoffmans Picture. This whole Picture belongs to him.His take characters is so good.
That's why her nomination and win at the Oscars was for a supporting role
My god the acting
Unfit mother and very unstable. What was that judge thinking?
Fun Fact: With inflation she cost Ted about $69,000 in legal fees just to turn around and say just kidding.
This may sound mean, but I think this scene sort of reinforces what Ted's lawyer said about Joanne being unable to commit to anything long term. She stuck to the marriage for 8 years then left, then she was extremely happy to spend an afternoon with Billy, but when the realization came that she would have full custody, she effectively left him again.
It does but only by chance. The lawyer didn't really mean his cruel words, he was just being a lawyer supporting his client. Joanne's change of heart may not have had to deal with mental issues or lack of commitment but actual love for her son, knowing that he is used to NY and that apartment, as well as his most recent memories being with his dad. At that age in a child's life, 15 months is a long time. Also, not wanting to force such a drastic change in the boy's life after already going through one, may have played a role.
That's not true. She didn't want to traumatise Billy by taking away the only home he had ever known. She was putting him before her own needs, as she had already put her own needs first by leaving.
Meryl Streep looks like Blake Lively in this movie.
If only they’d gone for marriage counseling and actually communicated with each other before it got to crisis point they’d probably still be married now.
I'd like to watch movies like this again. I think the cinema industry is facing a new age, but a so boring age, full of frivolous and meaningless movies. Something has been happening to us, human beings, and by reflection to the cinema which is a sort of reproduction of the real world. Characters are not realistic, the screenplay doesn't usually have the task to transmitting a message.
Carla Tripoli
No wonder bad movies are made because they are for these sorts of people who relish watching garbage. This generation mostly has people who are not serious about their ambitions or relationships, impatient to the core, and extremely fickle.
I wonder if they ended up reconciling their marriage
No. Billy even asked and he said no. When the Movie came out one critic said that Kramer Vs Kramer made The Champ starring Jon Voight and Ricky Schroder look like a "Chump". I'm sure a lot of Fathers were able to get custody of their Children. Here's another fun fact. The Lady who played Billy's Teacher was on The US Soap Opera Guiding Light, her Co-Star was Maeve Kinkead who played Vanessa on and off from 1983-2009 who is Meryl's Sister In Law.
子どもからみたらどうだろうね。
父親と過ごすときと母親と過ごすときの人格の使い分け。
私の子どもの頃はキツかった。
私の息子は、私たちが離婚する前から、ママとパパの使い分けしてるって自分で言うてたときもあったけど。
こういうときはママにおねだりした方がお願い聞いてくれるとか。
でも、私が自分の子どものころ嫌な思いしただけに、父親とその血族を悪く言わないよう気をつけてたから。
離婚直前にぶちまけたら泣きそうな顔になって「俺あんたのこと嫌いになりそう」言うてたわ。
しようがないよね。
綺麗事じゃすまないから。
Goddddamnit we’ve throw thousands bucks in lawyer’s pocket for what?
I think the reason Joanna didn't take Billy back wasn't because her son would be better off with Ted.
Joanna while right to walk out on her husband at the beginning of the film knew the bond between her and Billy was gone especially as Billy didn't want to leave with her.
And even though Ted barely remembered he had a son at the beginning of the film even he of all people knew better than to abandon Billy as it takes two to create a kid and accepted it was his responsibility to look after him as a parent.
This movie deserves a remake
Este é um dos filmes que eu mais gosto
Meryl was very pregnant in this scene. Thats why shes wearing that big coat
Change of heart ❤️
So when he went downstairs to see her, *he left his 7-year-old alone in the apartment???*
Yeah and over 100 years ago, 10 year olds were trusted to protect the home with the family rifle.
Yes, he left for what he knew would be a short time. Back then, parents were not the roving helicopters that they are today.
After all that crap she put him through… smh
Even though she raised her son for years while the man was working and making a living, she had to perform the final act of love: letting go... The world's so harder on women. At his plea on the court he described what she built with the son. But the man... Men always steals the credits
Blatant amounts of talent aside, they both redefined attractiveness - which is no small feat for two people who at the time were mainly identified as Not Jane Fonda and Not Robert Redford in the looks department.
Meryl didn't redefine attractiveness, anyone could see she was a beauty. Debra Winger redefined attractive.
@@DeepScreenAnalysis My mother, not a classic beauty by any means, referred to her as "that poor asymmetrical woman, so talented though". For a generation raised on classical Hollywood, Meryl was positively alien at the time. I, on the other hand, was instantly stupid for her 😍
@@DeepScreenAnalysis early in her career, Streep was called "ugly" when she auditioned for a role.
Here, darling, take my boy and live with him. Just don't let your new wife treat him badly. You will be remarried within a year - don't let it kill our son. Good-bye. He will be an orphan with a live Mom, but it's OK with me.
This chic is all messed up in the head.
Hermoso!!
Was there a main reason and she did not want to keep her son
I think the way the movie ends is telling "The Nightmare is Not Over".
pedrojmerida In what way? If anything, they’ve reached a place of civility.
Selfishness. She found a therapist that helped her get her self-esteem back & now wants to do her own thing. She can't commit long-term...which includes raising a child full-time. The dad "got it" and embraced being a father.
What about *shared custody*
I think that’s the solution that’s implied here.
Billy is my son
Funny looking little bloke isn't he? No wonder she left him.
Jealous ogre 😂
Kramer vs. Predator
This movie is irritating to no end.
What was sad about the movie to me is that they did not get back together. Ted and Joanna learned a lot about themselves in 18 months and seemed to have genuine affection for each other. So why not?
It was a case where they got along better apart than they did together. It happens.
WOW!!!!
Both characters are doing wrong. They are just stretching poor kid's agony with this situation. All this back and forth is the worst thing that could happen. And Dusting Hoffman's character is really idiotic playing so nice. In the real world this way of doing would add more unnecessary drama making the kid the unwanted victim.
1:48
Marriage is not a business transaction that can be easily dissolved and forgotten, especially when there are young children involved. Once you commit yourself to your spouse, there is no delete button. I am from the old school who do not believe in divorce except for infidelity according to the Bible. The kids need the safety net of the continuity of the marriage. Kids need both parents: mom and dad. Once we bring them to the world, we owe them everything starting with a secured family. I know a lot of you may differ with me. Marriage vows should be taken seriously. Sexual gratification is a component of marriage but when you marry, you marry for better and worse. I am sure there are a lot of scenarios and justifications for why a couple should be divorced and most of them have pride in them. In most cases you hear parents claiming they do it for the kids sake. This is the exercise but not the truth. Before you get married you are free of all cares. Once you get married a big part of yourself , if not all, is shared by your spouse. You have to be mature emotionally and mentally before you say I do because once you say there should not be any way out.
I think the same way, I grew up in a broken home and am pretty much on my own since I turn 16, divorce is the worst thing in this world
Nice
Damn this movie is so beige 😂
cult movie
No it's a general classic and was loved by critics and audiences from jump
So she lost the court case and now the sympathy acts starts.. aren't women great
She win the court
She won the court case (as moms often are favored), despite being the one that walked out and abandoned her son. She actually put the best interests of the child here by keeping him with the dad.
@@anneb889 Exactly. Glad someone else realizes that this scene is actually a good one .
She's a Godawful actress - crying away, over-acting, maudlin. Really terrible.
Wow. You obviously don't know what good acting is.
at 1:38 Dustin Hoffman does a pre Rainman-Raymond Babbit "Yeah"