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The Very Best Films About Divorce to Help You Move On

Prior to the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s and 70s, divorce was not a widely-discussed topic in society, and in fact was often deemed something to be “ashamed” of. The fallout of women’s lib, however, saw divorce become a much more normalised option, with rates rising exponentially. As such, we have reached a point culturally where divorce is not only widely accepted but also talked about openly. Nowadays, it’s not shocking to hear about a marriage ending in divorce - whether it’s happening to a loved one or a celebrity - and we have learned to treat them as what they are: simply a difficult part of life, rather than something shameful.

 

Because of this important cultural shift, over time the film industry has naturally responded. Today, there are a vast number of dispatches from Hollywood that offer viewers some much-needed representation when it comes to the painful experience of separating from your partner, each with their own unique perspective on the subject. So whether it’s a hard-hitting, emotional drama that digs to the core of unsuccessful marriages, or a light-hearted, funny rom-com that provides viewers with a good laugh, here are some of the best films about divorce to help you cope with your separation.



1. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Robert Benton’s iconic, Oscar-winning drama was certainly ahead of its time in its attitudes towards divorce. In an age where legal separation was still largely considered something to be embarrassed of, Benton courageously addresses the topic head on and, more importantly, doesn’t force the viewer to pick a side in the process.

 

At the beginning of the film, we meet Ted (Dustin Hoffman): an advertising executive who's obsessed with his job and often neglects his duties as a parent and a husband as a result. Fed up with his absence and the unequal share of household duties, Ted's wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) leaves him and their son Billy (Justin Henry). Ted has to learn how to cope with being a single parent — which largely affects his work performance — and become the kind of father he's never been before. However, just as Ted and Billy get used to their new situation, Joanna returns and demands a divorce and custody over their son. This is when the situation becomes fraught and the two become locked in a tense custody battle in the courtroom.

 

Kramer vs. Kramer smartly portrays the stark realities of divorce whilst still portraying all sides with equal importance. The heartfelt performances combined with the film’s address of issues such as parental rights, feminism and single parenthood are just some of the reasons why it’s regarded as such a classic of the age.


2. Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

The endlessly charismatic Robin Williams was the perfect casting for this quintessential divorce comedy. Directed by Chris Columbus of Home Alone fame, Mrs Doubtfire is about Wiliams' attempt to patch up his shortcomings as a husband to Miranda (Sally Field). While the depiction of a marriage falling apart is apt, it's a film more aimed at kids with one last hope they can save their relationships. With Williams enlisting the help of his brother, they create the persona of an old British nanny so that he can be around his family while his wife is busy with work.

 

As unrealistic as the plot may be, beneath all of the makeup and prosthetics Mrs Doubtfire manages to depict a heartfelt portrayal of a divorced man coping with his new circumstances. Although Williams’ unmatched comedic skills went a long way to make it box office success, there is undeniably some merit to the film’s representation of a family undergoing change (however willingly) in the face of divorce. If nothing else, it’s suitable for all the family and hilarious to boot.


3. Crazy, Stupid Love (2011)

A hilarious yet endearing look at recapturing your life in the wake of a divorce, despite its relatively predictable rom-com formula, Crazy, Stupid Love nevertheless impressed audiences and critics alike upon its release. Steve Carrell portrays Cal, a middle-aged man who, after separating from his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), strikes up a friendship with the womanising Jacob (Ryan Gosling) and begins to meet women again. Yet bolstered confidence (and a new wardrobe) can’t change Cal’s longing to reconnect with Emily—and Jacob has love troubles of his own.Both plot and cast are a delight to watch in this entertaining flick, making it another sweet, light-hearted entry into the divorce film genre.


4. Marriage Story (2019)

An immediate Netflix smash-hit, it’s proven difficult to avoid Marriage Story in the four years since its release. With clear allusions to his own, real-life divorce, director Noah Baumbach meticulously portrays the end of a marriage and the separation process from both partner’s perspectives. Much like Benton’s work on Kramer vs. Kramer before him, Bambauch excels in his attempts to reconcile both sides of an ultimately brutal divorce.

 

With tour de force performances by Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern and Ray Liotta, we witness the tumult and mental breakthrough necessary to move on from the end of a marriage, the struggle to maintain a healthy relationship for the sake of keeping a family together, as well as the bureaucratic processes of legal work required to make a divorce final. Although a painful watch at times, it’s a truly fantastic drama that allows us to empathise with all parties involved - ideal for those in need of a good cry.


5. The Parent Trap (1998)

The concept of the “Parent Trap” is a well-known trope in pop culture by this point, with Nancy Meyer’s flick without question being the most popular example. Based on the 1961 movie of the same name, The Parent Trap tells the story of twin sisters, Hallie and Annie (both portrayed by Lindsay Lohan), who were separated at birth. 12 years later, they meet by chance at summer camp and decide to switch places and attempt to reunite their divorced parents and make them fall in love again.

 

Thanks to Meyers’ modernisation of the story and a brilliant cast to back it up, The Parent Trap not only became a box-office hit but also impressed critics too. Although definitely skewed towards younger audiences, the film also uniquely offers a child’s perspective on divorce, and highlights the importance of listening to your kids in difficult situations such as this one. This valuable message, combined with the light humour and happy ending make this film an uplifting watch for those seeking something a little less ‘doom and gloom’ on the subject of divorce.


6. An Unmarried Woman (1978)

A genuine depiction of heartache, treading unfamiliar terrain and the struggle of finding yourself post-divorce, combined with the delirious joy of finding new love, An Unmarried Woman is a sensitively made, hopeful look at life after the end of a marriage through the eyes of protagonist Erica Benton (Jill Clayburgh). Erica is a chic Manhattan woman cast off by her cheating husband (Michael Murphy). Yet as the hurt dissipates, Erica begins to reacquaint herself with the joys of being single - taking solace in her friends and even finding new love along the way. As another movie to pave the way for post-women’s liberation divorce media, Clayburgh became an icon of independent femininity for an entire generation of women looking to remake themselves in the wake of a life-altering change.


Seek Advice from a Trustworthy Legal Representative

As the movies listed above illustrate: there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to divorce. Sometimes they’re amicable, sometimes they’re devastating - but regardless of how you might be feeling in the wake of your separation, it’s always essential to have the help of an experienced, trustworthy divorce lawyer on your side. And if you’re looking for a legal representative in Aberdeen or North East Scotland, our team of solicitors at DJP Solicitors would be more than happy to discuss your case with you. Established in 2008, we have the experience, knowledge and compassion necessary to help you through the difficult process of legal separation and achieve your desired outcome. To learn more about our legal services, call today on 01224 590 053 or email us at info@djpsolicitors.com. Meetings can be arranged at our Aberdeen office, or alternatively, we can schedule a video or telephone consultation if you are based further afield.

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