Not many characters make movies that are as engaging as dysfunctional families. Broken families often make for memorable movies. Whether it’s suspects of murders, ordinary people or men with mental disorders, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite dysfunctional family films that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Kramer vs. Kramer
Divorce is a devastating process that caused families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage that caused grim damage. I recall the sad night when she had a heated argument with her great husband that had proved to be a shocking sight. In a sad incident, my aunt had tense arguments with her dire husband that caused feelings of resentment. Following the sad separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to easily move on. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big impact of divorce on broken families that 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 broken families. With the greatest film of his career, Benton used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a marriage ending in despair. “Kramer v. Kramer” was a bold film in cinematic history becoming one of the first mainstream movies to address divorce. Benton has always had an aptitude for using montages in his movies, and “Kramer v. Kramer” showcased her strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Ted is aware that his wife is leaving him causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodies a man stuck in a broken marriage facing destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Kramer vs. Kramer” my favourite film about broken families of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about marriage which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about couples ending marriage causing grim damage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which engage by giving a meaningful message.
2. Ordinary People
Family tragedy can often cause people to face depression. Several years ago, my family faced grief when my uncle passed away causing sorrow. His devastating death left my grandfather emotionally affected. Adopting a pessimistic attitude, my grandfather lost interest in activities that he had once valued. As someone that has seen families facing emotions that are painful, I adored “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured impact of depression on ordinary families. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture a family haunted by the loss of a loved one causing depression. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who embodied a father unable to overcome painful loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” an extraordinary film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of painful grief faced by ordinary people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made great films audiences consider extremely special.
3. Manchester by the Sea
Grief is an emotion that has impacted my friend deeply. Several years ago, my friend’s mother passed away from Cancer causing sorrow. Left devastated, my friend couldn’t cope with a terrifying tragedy that left him affected. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move on from the death of his mother that left him terrified. As someone that witnessed a friend face grief following family tragedy, I adored “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a grieving janitor affected by a family tragedy. Lonergan has always had an aptitude for making compelling family dramas, and “Manchester by the Sea” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Lonergan uses captivating flashbacks to capture a grieving janitor. For instance, the scene in which Lee Chandler reunites with his wife several years after a tragic accident causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who embodies a grieving man impacted by family tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about depression which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of grief that causes fragile families to fall apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has commonly produced meaningful art.
4. Knives Out
Social class has impacted my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember he was a generous housekeeper regarding my grandparents in a kind manner. However, my grandparents were shocked to discover he had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper taking knives out, I adored “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson’s murder mystery captured a dysfunctional family. Johnson effectively uses humour to capture a dysfunctional family impacted by murder. For instance, the scene in which the members of the Thrombey family have a tense meeting causing a dilemma following the death of their patriarch is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who embodies a dedicated detective investigating a dysfunctional family. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most murder mysteries, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about broken families which definitely deserve to be talked about.
5. Hereditary
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I have always shared a complicated bond with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things has often been irritating. Despite her strict parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. As someone treasuring a mother that shaped my identity, I adored “Hereditary”. Released in 2018, Ari Aster’s horror movie captured broken families facing adversity. Aster used captivating montages capturing hardships that a broken family haunted by supernatural spirits is facing. For instance, the scene in which Annie becomes aware that her family is haunted by supernatural forces causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Toni Collette, who embodied the mother of a broken family facing regret. Ultimately, what makes “Hereditary” a horror masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about family trauma which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrayal of trauma causing dysfunctional families to decline, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly consider extremely divine.
6. Silver Linings Playbook
Bipolar is a devastating disease that causes families to face adversities. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative life outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured the impact of Bipolar on a dysfunctional family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Russell uses captivating montages capturing hardships a man with Bipolar is facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is remarkable in the lead role, Russell created a compelling portrait of Bipolar disorder. A powerful portrait of mental illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies raising awareness for disorders causing immense sadness.
7. The Personal History of David Copperfield
Few authors in English literature that wrote poetry are as beloved as Charles Dickens. Broken families have often been a common theme in Charles Dickens’ timeless stories. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the legendary poet in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” stand out is its satire. Iannucci effectively uses satire to honour a legendary poet that created stories readers admire. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Iannucci honoured Charles Dickens’ legendary legacy. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about broken families audiences treasure.
8. Matilda
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about dysfunctional families facing a dilemma, it’s worth discussing Matilda. Since its publication in 1988, Roald Dahl’s book has become a literary classic. With its compelling story, colourful characters and strong themes, the book earned a huge following. In 1996, Danny DeVito honoured the book about orphans facing trauma in his movie “Matilda”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Matilda” stand out is its depiction of gifted children. DeVito uses captivating voice-over narration to capture an orphan girl with special abilities. Assisted by Mara Wilson who is amazing in the lead role, DeVito created a compelling orphan drama. As strong as Matilda’s love for Miss Honey, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences appreciate dearly.
9. The Farewell
Families follow unique traditions in China. In Chinese culture, families confront death in a different way than in the West. When relatives are about to die, the family must keep it a secret from them. The way in which Chinese families deal with relatives that are unwell is beautifully depicted in “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a Chinese family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its strong depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages to capture hardships families in China are facing. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang honours families in China. A fantastic portrait of hardships Chinese families face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about broken families audiences embrace.
10. American Beauty
Few movies ever made about broken families facing adversity are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a classic. Mendes’ film forever changed the genre through its depiction of suburban families facing trauma. Mendes effectively used voice-over narration to capture a dysfunctional American family facing tension. Although I’ve always loved the movie, it has aged poorly. Sexual assault allegations levelled against Kevin Spacey have forever tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. As strong as beauty sought by Lester Burnham, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies offering wisdom about broken families that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my precious dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 