normally and movie stay out of the realm of domestic drama and and for good reason represent who want to intentionally seek entertainment from a story about what they or those close to them have to deal with in real life . divorce hurt an incredible percentage of american family of all class and custody battle be ugly and necessary part of it . that not escapism the number one reason the average person turn to movie that sad reality . normally and divorce or custody be simply part of a great story and affect the way we understand it or relate to it character . kramer vs. kramer focus on it and ask u to understand why we do it and why that make it so trouble . that a challenge for both this film and it audience represent turn something so real into something that can capture our attention and then make u not feel spiteful a the mirror be hold up to our face . writer or director robert benton definitely achieve both and in impressive fashion in adapt this novel by avery corman . the story and a one would expect and be quite simple represent big business advertising man ted kramer ( dustin hoffman ) come home to find his wife joanna ( meryl streep ) be leave him and their 7 year old son billy ( justin henry ) . ted then must quickly learn to be an active father in the boys life and as soon a he do and joanna bring a custody suit upon him . to make an oscar win drama about something so generic and particularly dialogue heavy first take tremendous act talent . you do not get much good than hoffman and streep . hoffman be in his prime in this role represent his first oscar win after three other notable nomination . he create a thorough character and one whose self center and quick temper way clearly change a he learn to be a good father and the sole care giver . streep win her first oscar in only the second major role of her career a a woman who doesn not get much screen time but must communicate both inner torment at her decision to leave as well a renew sense of identity when she return to take custody . streep do so effortlessly . the young boy and justin henry and who at his age be the young competitive category nominee in academy award history and play the embodiment of all 7 year old child exceptionally well . benton writing and direction take these performance to the level where we see deep into this family trouble than we do our own and thus reconsider our thought about love and raise a family . benton previous notable credit ( bonnie and clyde and superman ) wouldn not indicate a strong command of family drama and but the man can flat out write . numerous scene give u strong visuals that show u much more than the typical family scenario they depict . the first morning that joanna be go and ted make billy french toast be a classic that perfectly demonstrate all the talent go into this movie in a scene that happen in american kitchen every morning . you will rarely see a story as straightforward a kramer vs. kramer do well . there aren not any surprise at the end or twist and turn that will keep u desperately glue to the screen . the film then have to rely on it talent and they be all sure fire and deliver a new understanding of a subject that so familiar .