Kramer vs Kramer | What to Watch

Unhappy Meryl Streep walks out on her workaholic husband Dustin Hoffman and their little son Justin Henry

Unhappy Meryl Streep walks out on her workaholic husband Dustin Hoffman and their little son Justin Henry.

Then, as dad and son, at first virtual strangers, gradually start to bond, Streep regrets her decision and a bitter custody battle ensues.

Filmed in sequence so Hoffman and Henry got to know each other and cleverly making both Hoffman and Streep sympathetic characters, this weepie is riveting, heartfelt entertainment of the highest order.

Using short, poignant scenes to illustrate the way all three are affected by the trauma of separation is a master stroke - the scenes at the beginning and end of the movie when Hoffman makes Henry breakfast are particularly touching.

The film won five Oscars, for Hoffman and Streep (in her first major role), director and screenplay for Robert Benton and Best Picture. Henry was nominated, still the youngest ever nominee in Academy Awards history.