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.
Benton gives his film its depth and complexity by challenging the audience's preconceptions and snap opinions at every turn.
– Frank Rich,
TIME Magazine,
24 Feb 2010
fresh:
Benton's direction must first be praised for his choice of actors and his collaboration with them.
– Stanley Kauffmann,
The New Republic,
6 Feb 2013
fresh:
Kramer Vs. Kramer is a perceptive, touching, intelligent film about one of the raw sores of contemporary America, the dissolution of the family unit.
– Dale Pollock,
Variety,
6 Feb 2013
rotten:
It's an interesting movie to look back on for its attitudes: In the guise of being a consciousness-raiser it plumps for male tenderness and demonizes the mother who can't recognize how far her workaholic ex-hubbie has come.
– Peter Rainer,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb 2013
fresh:
Kramer vs. Kramer is greatly enriched by its exceptional cast.