It might have started out as a small, rather arty divorce drama but Kramer vs Kramer was the biggest cinema hit of 1979. It confirmed Dustin Hoffman's status as a major star in a performance that combined his trademark twitchy intensity with deep sensitivity. And it provided Meryl Streep with a pivotal role in her rise to big-screen greatness. Both won Oscars, as did director Robert Benton and the film itself scooped the Best Picture award. Kramer vs Kramer has worn well into the 21st century. Although clearly of its time--by the late 1970s, microscopic relationship analysis had become the theme of commercial cinema--it stands on the strength of its central performances.

Hoffman's Ted Kramer is a vision of the Graduate grown up: serious, focused and thrown by anything that threatens his upwardly mobile professional trajectory. The news that his wife, who he has failed to notice teetering on the edge of a breakdown, is leaving him and their son sends him into a tailspin. The film is as much about his resilience and fulfilment as it is the story of a divorce and custody battle. Justin Henry is extraordinary as Billy, the boy caught in the middle, and turns in a remarkably complex, thoughtful performance, which is light years from the archetypal all-American kid you might anticipate. And in just a handful of scenes, Streep is mesmerising as Joanna, the deserting wife and mother who you just can't bring yourself to hate. Yes, this is soap opera. But it belongs up there with all the finest cinematic human dramas.

On the DVD: The widescreen presentation ensures a theatrically authentic experience, with some fantastic shots of New York city coming into their own. The mono sound is adequate for the relative intimacy of most of the dialogue. But the real bonus is the retrospective documentary in which director and writer Benton, producer Stanley Jaffe and the cast look back with touching satisfaction at a piece which clearly meant a great deal to them all. Hoffman's initial reluctance (he was going through a real-life divorce) to get involved, the process of working with a gifted child actor and Streep's desire to make Joanna understood are all recalled in fascinating detail. --Piers Ford

Kramer vs. Kramer is one film to hold on too and not forget. It isn't one of the most popular films ever made and is certainly one of the weakest best picture films, but it does not mean it still isn't important. I thought the movie was well done and made you just want to watch more and more of it. The performances were the best positive for the film and Dustin Hoffman played one of his best roles he's ever done as the lonely workaholic who has to take care of his son, as his wife separates from him. Billy, who is Hoffman's son, played another great performance along with Meryl Streep, playing the depressed mother of Billy. I highly recommend it.

Fantastically thought-provoking film. Incredibly moving acting by Streep, Hoffman (as always) and by the little chap who plays the son. The court scene is an emotional rollercoaster as your alliances shift from Ted to Joanne and back again. Such a beautifully crafted film. An absolute must see. The ending will stay with you long after the film had finished. A classic.

From the first scene the well-crafted story grips you, and throughout the movie the virtuoso acting and superior direction are dizzying. This is a powerful film which explores the personal and social consequences of a family break-down. It broke new ground at the time of the original release, focusing as it does on a careerist father left to cope with his young son after his wife deserts them. It is quite astonishing how relevant it all still seems; Hoffman's Ted Kramer starkly defines the work that ultimately has to go into fatherhood, family and friendship. The ending is surprising and provokes deep emotions that stay with you long after you've put the disc back in the box.

This is one truly amazing film. The acting is superb, from both Hoffman and Streep, with both characters managing to gain sympathy from the audience. You will feel Joanna's pain as she is forced to leave her child, and also her heartache of telling her husband that she wants custody. Hoffman's performance makes you cry at his misfortunes, and laugh at his beautiful moments as he learns about the joys of parenting. The ending is absolutely superb, and totally unexpected. I was crying for days afterwards!

An absolutely marvellous film, deserved winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.