Kramer vs. Kramer

Plot

Ted Kramer is a career man for whom his work comes before his family. His wife Joanna cannot take this anymore, so she decides to leave him. Ted is now faced with the tasks of housekeeping and taking care of himself and their young son Billy. When he has learned to adjust his life to these new responsibilities, Joanna resurfaces and wants Billy back. Ted, however, refuses to give him up, so they go to court to fight for the custody of their son.

Why watch

Ted Kramer is thrust into the role of a single father when his wife Joanna leaves him, forcing him to confront the emotional and practical challenges of parenthood. As he navigates the complexities of raising his son Billy, the re-emergence of Joanna complicates their fragile new life. Watching this film is like peeling back layers of emotional turmoil, revealing the deep-seated fears and desires that shape their lives.

Talking points

• the impact of divorce on children
• the evolution of masculinity
• the role of societal expectations in family dynamics

Cultural context

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