Not many movies engage audiences like a broken marriage. Since the 1970’s, stories of couples facing marriage tragedy have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s divorce lawyers, doomed lovers or child carers, the genre has produced many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about divorce that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Kramer vs. Kramer
Divorce is a devastating process that causes families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face broken marriage causing emotional damage. I recall the night when she had terrifying arguments with her husband which proved a shocking sight. In a sad incident, my aunt endured arguments with husbands causing resentment. Following separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured divorce causing couples to face disaster as powerfully as “Kramer vs. Kramer”. Ever since its release in 1979, Robert Benton’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about divorce. With the most meaningful film of his career, Benton used innovative cinematic techniques to capture broken marriages facing despair. “Kramer vs. Kramer” is a significant film because it was one of the first ever mainstream movies to capture divorce in cinematic history. Benton has always had an aptitude for using montages in his movies, and “Kramer v. Kramer” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ted becomes aware that his wife is leaving him causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied an anxiety-ridden father facing divorce. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” my favourite film about divorce of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about couples that end their marriage causing emotional damage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which engage through delivering a meaningful message.
2. Marriage Story
Couples that end marriage cause children to face damage. Years ago, my cousin saw his parents separate in a divorce causing sorrow. Following the separation, he was forced to make a difficult decision. He was forced to decide which parent he wanted to live with for the rest of life. His decision to live with his mother destroyed his relationship with his father. As someone that has witnessed the impact of divorce on children causing tragedy, I appreciated “Marriage Story”. Released in 2019, Noah Baumbach’s movie captured impact of divorce on children. Baumbach used captivating sequences of divorced couples arguing that are true to reality. For instance, the scene in which Charlie and Nicole have a tense argument in their apartment causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Adam Driver, who embodies a man in a broken marriage facing disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the negative impact of divorce on children which would resonate with everyone. A devastating depiction of the divorce process causing families to experience stress, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about marriages that achieve success.
3. A Separation
The Middle East is a misunderstood country rarely depicted accurately in movies. I recall with nostalgia memories of an Arab kid in Saudi Arabia. He always took great pride in his Arabian identity. My friend believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a country holding a precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that regarded the Middle East with affection, I appreciated “A Separation”. Released in 2011, Asghar Farhadi’s movie captured hardships faced by Iranian couples whose marriages end in tragedy. Farhadi successfully used handheld camerawork to capture broken marriages in Iran. For instance, the opening scene in which Simin and Nader have a tense argument filing for divorce causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Peyman Moaadi, who embodies an Iranian man facing marriage tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “A Separation” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Iran targeted towards citizens of the country, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. An incredible portrait of Iranian couples whose marriages deteriorate, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences appreciate.
4. Boyhood
Divorce is often misunderstood by kids in childhood. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of growing up that shaped my persona. I remember being unable to understand why couples separated in marriages facing disaster. I could never wrap my head around why my aunt had to separate from her husband bidding goodbye. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my emotions of growing up in childhood as powerfully as “Boyhood”. Released in 2014, Richard Linklater’s movie depicted a boy growing up over 12 years witnessing his parents’ divorce. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Boyhood” stand out is technique. Linklater’s decision to shoot the film over the course of 12 years is risky but paid off. For instance, the scene in which Mason witnesses his parents arguing as a child being unaware of their marriage causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ellar Coltrane, who captured a child growing up over 12 years. Ultimately, what makes “Boyhood” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of a boy growing up over childhood, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which are treasured in Hollywood.
5. Blue Valentine
Movies are broken marriages are rarely ever realistic. I remember my cousin witnessed his parents’ marriage face disaster. After the separation, he became critical of movies that depicted marriage destruction. He argued that movies intended to entertain could never capture divorce pain. Few films I’ve seen have captured marriages that decline as powerfully as “Blue Valentine”. Released in 2011, Derek Cianfrance’s movie offered a powerful portrait of divorce. Cianfrance has always had an aptitude for making realistic movies about marriage, and “Blue Valentine” showcased his strengths. Cianfrance uses handheld camerawork to capture marriages declining. For instance, the scene in which Cindy has an argument with Dean after he shows up unannounced at her workplace causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Michelle Williams, who embodied a woman in a broken marriage. Ultimately, what makes “Blue Valentine” a masterpiece is its realism. The film offers a realistic portrait of marriages which everyone can relate to. A dazzling portrait of marriages that face a decline, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies which shine.
6. Crazy Stupid Love
Humor is a rare quality seldom seen in divorce movies. Most movies about divorce are often serious in tone capturing a process that causes remorse. In a genre where humour is seldom seen with love, it’s worth praising “Crazy Stupid Love”. Released in 2011, Glenn Ficara’s movie offered a humorous take on divorce. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Crazy Stupid Love” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Ficara uses sharp humour to capture a single bachelor struggling to pick up women following divorce disaster. Assisted by Steve Carell who is amazing in the lead role, Ficara created a comedy about divorce that’s compelling. A comical portrayal of marriages that crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies which audiences consider to be special.
7. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg is a legendary filmmaker that has built a lasting legacy. A child of divorce, Spielberg witnessed his parents separate in childhood causing remorse. Spielberg has often tackled the painful theme of divorce in his movies, and it’s most evident in “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”. Released in 1982, Spielberg’s movie captured hardships children of divorce go through. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “E.T.” stand out is its stunning special effects. Spielberg used engaging animatronics to capture the strong bond with a child and alien. Assisted by Henry Thomas who is amazing in the lead role, Spielberg created a portrait of divorce that’s engaging. As strong as Elliot’s bond with E.T., it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about broken marriages that are true to reality.
8. Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna
Divorce that causes couples to face a dilemma is common in India. India has built an image of being a country where marriages face damage. The emotions felt by couples that get divorced in India are beautifully depicted in the movie “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”. Released in 2006, Karan Johar’s movie captured Indian marriages. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” stand out is its depiction of marriage in India. Johar uses stunning musical numbers to capture the tensions faced by couples in divorces that are frightening. Assisted by Shah Rukh Khan who is amazing in the lead role, Johar created a poignant Indian portrait of divorce. An incredible portrait of marriages in India, it’s an insightful reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
9. Manchester by the Sea
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His devastating passing left my family mourning. As someone haunted by an uncle that died in a tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured marriages affected by grief. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” stand out is its emotional power. Lonergan used flashbacks to capture a couple whose marriage is impacted by a tragedy. Assisted by an extraordinary performance from Casey Affleck, Lonergan captured family tragedy. A phenomenal portrait of grief causing marriages of janitors in Manchester to fall apart, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured precious art with abilities to mend a broken heart.
10. Mrs. Doubtfire
Few films ever made about couples facing dire divorce are as beloved as “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Since its release in 1993, Chris Columbus’ movie has become a classic. Columbus used humour to capture fathers dressing up as housekeepers. Assisted by Robin Williams who is remarkable in the lead role, Columbus created a captivating divorce comedy. Although I’m a huge fan of the movie, its comedy has aged poorly. The film’s outdated jokes about a father dressing up as a housekeeper to deal with divorce have tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Daniel’s desire to become Mrs. Doubtfire, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to inspire making memorable movies about dire challenges of divorce which I will forever treasure for motivating my lifelong love of filmmaking that I admire.
The Film Buff 