The Kramers are getting a divorce.  What ensues is an ugly custody battle between them. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander.

The only thing I kept thinking throughout this film was, why would we reward a woman for making the selfish choice to leave her family? Throughout the film, the mother understood that she wasn’t mentally able to take care of her son.  Even in the end, when she thought she could, she realized that she couldn’t. It is the father who stands up for his son when the mother refuses to, even taking a lower paying job so he could care for their son.

The film doesn’t go into the heart of the problem that led to the divorce, but it does glorify the woman for making decisions that suit only her needs and not those of her family. I know it sounds like I disliked the film, but I actually did appreciate it.  I was satisfied with the ending, and who can fault the excellent script and actors? It is definitely worth a watch; I just didn’t agree with the overall message of the film.  I’d be curious to hear your thoughts.