It's often a strange experience to revisit a film that made a big splash decades earlier. I remember enjoying it enormously and enjoyed it enormously again last night but the reasons for the enjoyment have changed. The film as a film has remained solidly planted in 1983, specially the score but what will lead this film into the forever ever are the writing of course and the performances. Shirley MacLaine's truthfulness warts an all is a work of art. She is present one hundred per cent of the time and let's remember, Shirley MacLaine didn't start as an actress, she was a dancer who became a star thanks to a twist of fate and she has remained there as an example of honesty and courage ever since. Her Aurora in Terms Of Endearment is a monumental treat. Debra Winger's performance is a revolution of sorts. Every detail confirms and/or challenges our feelings for her but she's never less that one hundred per cent truthful. It's impossible not to love her even if she doesn't make it easy for you. Jack Nicholson is a terrific interference and every one of his moments have a pleasure of their own. So, a 35 year old movie with a teenager's heart.
245 Reviews
Quirky characters who eventually grow on you
moonspinner5530 November 2002
The shifty, funny/serious tone of "Terms Of Endearment" caught a lot of people off guard in 1983 and word-of-mouth about it being a seriously good tearjerker/comedy was strong (opening near Christmas probably didn't hurt it come Oscar time either!). But since then, TV sitcoms have been mining this kind of flippant, edgy, raw sense of dynamics ("Roseanne" comes to mind), and "Terms" doesn't seem as fresh. Watching it again the other night, I couldn't help feeling some of the juice was missing, or that Shirley MacLaine's Aurora Greenway was actually more of an irritant than a sympathetic harridan. But on closer inspection, the lives of these characters are quite endearing, and the tender music on the soundtrack always underlines a poignant scene at just the right moment. Vivid Debra Winger is incredible as MacLaine's daughter, as are John Lithgow, Jeff Daniels, Jack Nicholson and, in a small but telling part, Danny DeVito. As for MacLaine, I think she makes a few missteps in her characterization, and I didn't like the scene where she leaves her own birthday party in a huff and finds herself at Nicholson's door--it feels put on--or her famous scene with Jack driving on the beach, which is highly improbable. However, her determined will and loving possessiveness/detachment towards her daughter makes her a complicated and colorful bundle of nerves. The picture is flawed, yet has scenes of worth and love, many memorable lines of dialogue, and shows a real skill for balancing different moods. *** from ****
Mother & Daughter
bkoganbing25 August 2019
Terms Of Endearment is a story of what happens when life does not go as planned and how you deal with it. In one way or another we are flawed humans,
but most of us can rise to the occasion if the situation calls for it. It gained an
Oscar at last for Shirley MacLaine and a second for Jack Nicholson though in the
Supporting character category.
The story stretches out over a 30 year period and it starts with the death of MacLaine's husband early on and she's left to raise her daughter on her own. As the daughter who grows up to be Debby Winger the two fight constantly. She really doesn't approve of her choice of husband Jeff Daniels who is a struggling academic who in the course of the movie has several teaching positions and rises slowly in his profession. Not fast enough for MacLaine. She reminds me of Madge Wallace the mother-in-law of Harry S. Truman who never thought her son-in-law would amount to anything. She died in the White House just before the Trumans left for Independence permanently.
Winger has three children, but she's beset by doubts about Daniels's infidelity as he does have nubile coeds all about. Both of them misread signals about each other and MacLaine's hectoring doesn't help.
As for Shirley, her neighbor is a retired astronaut Jack Nicholson who is still looking for space groupies. He's an unlikely candidate to thaw MacLaine out, but they find out they have more in common than they think. And Nicholson has more character than we first suspect.
Terms Of Endearment is a film that places people who are very much like the people who pay to see this film in real universal situations we can all understand. Not hard to understand how this became such a critical and popular hit.
Terms Of Endearment won for Best Picture in 1983 and Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for James Brooks. It got a flock more nominations as well. It's an enduring classic and will remain so.
The finale with MacLaine is sublimely beautiful.
The story stretches out over a 30 year period and it starts with the death of MacLaine's husband early on and she's left to raise her daughter on her own. As the daughter who grows up to be Debby Winger the two fight constantly. She really doesn't approve of her choice of husband Jeff Daniels who is a struggling academic who in the course of the movie has several teaching positions and rises slowly in his profession. Not fast enough for MacLaine. She reminds me of Madge Wallace the mother-in-law of Harry S. Truman who never thought her son-in-law would amount to anything. She died in the White House just before the Trumans left for Independence permanently.
Winger has three children, but she's beset by doubts about Daniels's infidelity as he does have nubile coeds all about. Both of them misread signals about each other and MacLaine's hectoring doesn't help.
As for Shirley, her neighbor is a retired astronaut Jack Nicholson who is still looking for space groupies. He's an unlikely candidate to thaw MacLaine out, but they find out they have more in common than they think. And Nicholson has more character than we first suspect.
Terms Of Endearment is a film that places people who are very much like the people who pay to see this film in real universal situations we can all understand. Not hard to understand how this became such a critical and popular hit.
Terms Of Endearment won for Best Picture in 1983 and Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for James Brooks. It got a flock more nominations as well. It's an enduring classic and will remain so.
The finale with MacLaine is sublimely beautiful.
Stop Trying To Pretend Like You Hate Me
Chrysanthepop6 March 2012
I've heard many good things about James L. Brooks's 'Terms of Endearment' and finally I decided to give it ago. Honestly speaking I was expecting a typical melodramatic tearjerker that's sole aim is to emotionally manipulate the viewer. I was wrong. 'Terms of Endearment' is a slice of life that centres around a mother, her daughter and their respective lives. The film looks very authentic. The sets, makeup, costumes and art direction look genuine.
This is very much a character driven film. The dialogues are full of humour and wit but what's also striking is how deeply layered the words are. While the visuals are quite simplistic it's the characters that shine especially through the actors' natural performances. Their excellent non-verbal gestures, spot on line delivery and restrained performances are superb.
A sassy Shirley Maclaine and bubbly Debra Winger are spellbinding. Both actresses beautifully carry the film and they are brilliantly supported by fine actors like Danny DeVito, Jack Nicholson, John Lithgow and Jeff Daniels.
What particularly appealed to me about 'Terms of Endearment' is the depiction of the mother-daughter relationship and the dynamic of it. It definitely has its ups and downs and it does not involve the use of clichéd lines like 'I love you' etc but at the same time the unconditional love between them is wonderfully conveyed.
This is very much a character driven film. The dialogues are full of humour and wit but what's also striking is how deeply layered the words are. While the visuals are quite simplistic it's the characters that shine especially through the actors' natural performances. Their excellent non-verbal gestures, spot on line delivery and restrained performances are superb.
A sassy Shirley Maclaine and bubbly Debra Winger are spellbinding. Both actresses beautifully carry the film and they are brilliantly supported by fine actors like Danny DeVito, Jack Nicholson, John Lithgow and Jeff Daniels.
What particularly appealed to me about 'Terms of Endearment' is the depiction of the mother-daughter relationship and the dynamic of it. It definitely has its ups and downs and it does not involve the use of clichéd lines like 'I love you' etc but at the same time the unconditional love between them is wonderfully conveyed.
Classic
taylork177623 March 2013
Terms of Endearment stands the test of time. This film was released in 1983 and is defiantly a classic. Shirley MacLaine as Aurora Greenway and Debra Winger as Emma Horton are two of the best actresses of this generation. Not to mention, Jack Nicholson as the "Astronaut" Garrett Breedlove, his characters are always memorable no matter how big or small his role in a film.
This film is about the lifelong relationship between a daughter, Emma, her slightly neurotic mother, Aurora and the men in their lives. From the beginning of the film you see Aurora's dependence on Emma, even though Aurora is slightly cold towards her at first. You also see that Emma, as a daughter, doesn't care, she loves her mother unconditionally for who she is, as a child does. The film goes on to tell a realistic tale about how life is funny, exciting, disappointing and just plain sad.
Very few films have the ability to tell such a heart warming yet heart wrenching tale so realistically. The director's focus in this film is on the emotional effect, he wants to make you feel as if you are living life with these women. The use of natural lighting and the use of a subjective view point keep you sitting next to these woman as they experience dating "the astronaut" and having children with a spouse who is not always there for you.
I have to say my favorite part of the film was being transported back in time to the place where I grew up. A place of Laura Ashley furniture and phones that had a cords. The setting to this movie was so authentic that it made me wish for a simpler time before all the technology came along and children used to play outside. You really do feel that you are widowed housewife in Texas, trying to figure out that "astronaut" next door and what you may want from him. Maybe you're also the mother of three trying to figure out where your husband is; of course he is probably trying to figure out where you are.
One of the nicest things in life is being able to share your whole self with someone who will love you anyway. That is what this story conveys. It may not always be happy and rosy, but it is funny and real. It reminds me of the movie Steel Magnolias which Shirley MacLaine also does a terrific job. This is a must see movie for anyone.
This film is about the lifelong relationship between a daughter, Emma, her slightly neurotic mother, Aurora and the men in their lives. From the beginning of the film you see Aurora's dependence on Emma, even though Aurora is slightly cold towards her at first. You also see that Emma, as a daughter, doesn't care, she loves her mother unconditionally for who she is, as a child does. The film goes on to tell a realistic tale about how life is funny, exciting, disappointing and just plain sad.
Very few films have the ability to tell such a heart warming yet heart wrenching tale so realistically. The director's focus in this film is on the emotional effect, he wants to make you feel as if you are living life with these women. The use of natural lighting and the use of a subjective view point keep you sitting next to these woman as they experience dating "the astronaut" and having children with a spouse who is not always there for you.
I have to say my favorite part of the film was being transported back in time to the place where I grew up. A place of Laura Ashley furniture and phones that had a cords. The setting to this movie was so authentic that it made me wish for a simpler time before all the technology came along and children used to play outside. You really do feel that you are widowed housewife in Texas, trying to figure out that "astronaut" next door and what you may want from him. Maybe you're also the mother of three trying to figure out where your husband is; of course he is probably trying to figure out where you are.
One of the nicest things in life is being able to share your whole self with someone who will love you anyway. That is what this story conveys. It may not always be happy and rosy, but it is funny and real. It reminds me of the movie Steel Magnolias which Shirley MacLaine also does a terrific job. This is a must see movie for anyone.
Another near perfect blending of the smile and the tear...
Isaac585524 July 2006
TERMS OF ENDEARMENT is an undeniably gripping and emotional film experience that will have you rolling on the floor during one scene and weeping uncontrollably during the next. This film follows the complicated relationship between an icy, Texan widow named Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine)and her slightly-off-the-wall daughter, Emma (Debra Winger), who at the beginning of the film is marrying a man named Flap Horton (Jeff Daniels), whom her mother clearly hates, seemingly just to get away from her. The film follows Emma's marriage through three children, infidelity, and unexpected tragedy but it never lets go of the unspoken bond between Aurora and Emma...a bond so strong that it transcends telephone lines, geography, and even dialogue at times...there are moments in the story where you see Aurora and Emma communicate without saying a word to each other. Writer-director James L. Brooks won a pair of Oscars for writing and directing this funny and heartbreaking story that stretches over a long period of time but never fails to hold interest and trust me, the last 20-30 minutes of this film will have you weeping. Shirley MacLaine finally won her long-overdue Best Actress Oscar for her controlled performance as Aurora and Jack Nicholson won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as a retired astronaut who moves in next door to Aurora after Emma moves out and begins a hilarious and touching relationship with Aurora. Debra Winger is explosive and unpredictable as Emma and Jeff Daniels is fully invested in the unsympathetic role of Flap. A truly unique motion picture experience that will leave you limp.
Quite good, but overrated
Tito-824 March 1999
After looking forward to seeing this film for many years, I finally have watched it, and was left a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but I expected so very much more. I found the plot to be rather thin for a movie this long, and after some thought, I'd have to say that the script was average at best. With a weaker cast, I suspect that I wouldn't have even liked it. Fortunately, this film is blessed with a spectacular cast, and this film deservedly received Oscar recognition in the acting categories. It just didn't deserve the best picture Oscar that it also won.
I laughed! I cried! I laughed! And then I starting sobbing!
Bgb21711 November 2002
Exactly how in the world did I never see this movie before? I rented it on DVD the other night because I heard it was good, but I didn't expect it to be as good as it was. Incredible story, such powerful and passionate acting, it's just such a great film.
I don't think I need to say anything about the acting in it, if you've seen Terms of Endearment you know that Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson bring their characters to a life rarely seen in movies. I just can't get over how great this movie was. The story is so good, it's so funny and at times among some of the saddest moments I've ever seen portrayed in the movies. I don't want to go any further for fear that I might spoil it for those who haven't seen this incredible story about life and love and laughter among family. Oh, and if you haven't seen one of the greatest movies ever made, go do so now.
Wrapping up, if you can't tell I loved Terms of Enderament. I guess I had always stayed away from it because it seemed like THE chick flick, but it's not. It's such a great story, great acting, everything of a great movie. 10 out of 10.
I don't think I need to say anything about the acting in it, if you've seen Terms of Endearment you know that Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson bring their characters to a life rarely seen in movies. I just can't get over how great this movie was. The story is so good, it's so funny and at times among some of the saddest moments I've ever seen portrayed in the movies. I don't want to go any further for fear that I might spoil it for those who haven't seen this incredible story about life and love and laughter among family. Oh, and if you haven't seen one of the greatest movies ever made, go do so now.
Wrapping up, if you can't tell I loved Terms of Enderament. I guess I had always stayed away from it because it seemed like THE chick flick, but it's not. It's such a great story, great acting, everything of a great movie. 10 out of 10.
A little heavy, but with astonishing performances.
gridoon10 April 2001
A well-observed, well-made drama (with occasional comedic moments), that may not be exactly "high art" (it's neither profound nor original), but DOES feature some great acting and manages to pull you in.
Debra Winger gives an extraordinary performance; she has a naturalness and expressiveness that you rarely see on the screen. When her character is happy, her whole face brightens up and her joy becomes infectious; when she's sad or confused or embarrassed, the emotions come across strongly, although she never goes over the top. Considering that she lost the Oscar to her co-star, Shirley MacLaine, who is reasonably good but far more one-note, I'd say we had a major Academy Award injustice there. Jack Nicholson is fun to watch and has some amusing lines, and most supporting roles, like those played by John Lithgow and Danny De Vito, are also first-rate and completely believable.
So overall it's a good film, directed almost flawlessly, although in the final 20 minutes it needlessly wallows in melodrama. (***)
Debra Winger gives an extraordinary performance; she has a naturalness and expressiveness that you rarely see on the screen. When her character is happy, her whole face brightens up and her joy becomes infectious; when she's sad or confused or embarrassed, the emotions come across strongly, although she never goes over the top. Considering that she lost the Oscar to her co-star, Shirley MacLaine, who is reasonably good but far more one-note, I'd say we had a major Academy Award injustice there. Jack Nicholson is fun to watch and has some amusing lines, and most supporting roles, like those played by John Lithgow and Danny De Vito, are also first-rate and completely believable.
So overall it's a good film, directed almost flawlessly, although in the final 20 minutes it needlessly wallows in melodrama. (***)
Life is a gap
eroviravalls31 May 2018
Life is a gap between what we expect to happen and what really occurs.
Aurora doesn't accept the gap and she closes herself in her "daughter & home" micro-world.
Life turns up to be more cruel to her than the average, but she proves to be ready and faces all obstacles that come with outstanding integrity and brave.
So, accept the gap but bé ready.
Memmorable Shirley MacLaine in a universal classic movie.
It has its flaws, but to resist this film you'd have to be made of stone
luke-a-mcgowan26 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
A movie's opening scenes are often its most telling and important, and so it was with Terms of Endearment. The first few scenes of James L. Brooks' family drama are probably the best in the film. A widow who wants badly for her daughter to need her for comfort accepts her daughter's invitation to share her bed, because the daughter knows who is really in need. The sharing of the bed really establishes the relationships between Emma and her mother Aurora early on, which is vital because that's the focus of the entire movie. For every scene in which Aurora is interfering or disapproving, we can remember the very first scene where Aurora was so desperately protective of her daughter that she would wake her up to ensure she was still alive.
Shirley Maclaine is a delight to watch in this movie, especially in the opening and closing moments of the film. An unconscious smile comes over Shirley's face when her daughter fights with the husband she so strongly disapproves of. A man familiarly lays his hand on her and she looks at him with pointed indignation of someone whose been through this far too many times. She is sassy but deeply loving of her daughter Emma, which becomes a core of the movie. Towards the middle of the film, Aurora enters a forgettable and slightly forced romance with the aptly named Garrett Breedlove (Nicholson), which sidelines a lot of Maclaine's talent. Nicholson is a master class actor, but this is definitely not one of the best performances on his resume.
Emma, also played unforgettably by Debra Winger, was just as mesmerising as Maclaine. She is utterly charming and shares great chemistry with her husband, mother and children. Winger (along with Jeff Daniels and director James L. Brooks) is so effective that the mere mention of her mother can kill the mood in a moment, which is as authentic as real life can be.
Throughout the film, Emma's marriage with Flap falls apart because she suspects he is having an affair, so she jumps along with Sam (a performance that John Lithgow somehow got an Oscar nomination for). This is about where the film lost me, because even when Flap's infidelity is confirmed, I could hardly sympathise or support her because I knew she cheated on him first. However, Lithgow and Winger have one of my favourite scenes in the film - each tries to hold the other's hand and both miss by a few seconds as the other doesn't notice. Its beautifully awkward.
Towards the end, Terms of Endearment takes is famous turn for the tissues as Emma is diagnosed with terminal cancer. James L. Brooks is at the top of his game in creating beautiful, affecting moments, fully and ably supported by Winger and Maclaine. Shirley Maclaine wins the Oscar in a single scene where she shrieks for someone to manage her daughter's pain. Winger (and the actors playing her children, especially Huckleberry Fox) delivers one of the saddest movie farewells I have ever seen. You have to be made of stone not to be affected by young Fox's tears as he hugs his mother goodbye.
James L. Brooks' script has some great moments of comedy and even more of drama. For example, see where Emma's friend Patsy is trying to get around talking about cancer. Emma directly says to Patsy "Its OK to talk about the cancer" and then Brooks cuts to a new friend saying almost verbatim "so Patsy says you have cancer!" as if it were a new fishbowl or garage door mechanism. The reaction of Patsy (to spit out her food in shock) completely mirrored my own. Brooks is also masterful at directing such scenes, but throughout the film I couldn't shake the feeling that most of the scenes were strung together without making a cohesive narrative. I also found Patsy's attempt to adopt just Emma's daughter to be a poorly chosen subplot towards the end, especially where Patsy tearfully wishes she could take the little girl away. Not tasteful or effective.
But for the most part, Terms of Endearment sets out to tell a beautiful small scale family story, and it does it remarkably well. As I said, you'd have to be made of stone not to be affected by the end.
Shirley Maclaine is a delight to watch in this movie, especially in the opening and closing moments of the film. An unconscious smile comes over Shirley's face when her daughter fights with the husband she so strongly disapproves of. A man familiarly lays his hand on her and she looks at him with pointed indignation of someone whose been through this far too many times. She is sassy but deeply loving of her daughter Emma, which becomes a core of the movie. Towards the middle of the film, Aurora enters a forgettable and slightly forced romance with the aptly named Garrett Breedlove (Nicholson), which sidelines a lot of Maclaine's talent. Nicholson is a master class actor, but this is definitely not one of the best performances on his resume.
Emma, also played unforgettably by Debra Winger, was just as mesmerising as Maclaine. She is utterly charming and shares great chemistry with her husband, mother and children. Winger (along with Jeff Daniels and director James L. Brooks) is so effective that the mere mention of her mother can kill the mood in a moment, which is as authentic as real life can be.
Throughout the film, Emma's marriage with Flap falls apart because she suspects he is having an affair, so she jumps along with Sam (a performance that John Lithgow somehow got an Oscar nomination for). This is about where the film lost me, because even when Flap's infidelity is confirmed, I could hardly sympathise or support her because I knew she cheated on him first. However, Lithgow and Winger have one of my favourite scenes in the film - each tries to hold the other's hand and both miss by a few seconds as the other doesn't notice. Its beautifully awkward.
Towards the end, Terms of Endearment takes is famous turn for the tissues as Emma is diagnosed with terminal cancer. James L. Brooks is at the top of his game in creating beautiful, affecting moments, fully and ably supported by Winger and Maclaine. Shirley Maclaine wins the Oscar in a single scene where she shrieks for someone to manage her daughter's pain. Winger (and the actors playing her children, especially Huckleberry Fox) delivers one of the saddest movie farewells I have ever seen. You have to be made of stone not to be affected by young Fox's tears as he hugs his mother goodbye.
James L. Brooks' script has some great moments of comedy and even more of drama. For example, see where Emma's friend Patsy is trying to get around talking about cancer. Emma directly says to Patsy "Its OK to talk about the cancer" and then Brooks cuts to a new friend saying almost verbatim "so Patsy says you have cancer!" as if it were a new fishbowl or garage door mechanism. The reaction of Patsy (to spit out her food in shock) completely mirrored my own. Brooks is also masterful at directing such scenes, but throughout the film I couldn't shake the feeling that most of the scenes were strung together without making a cohesive narrative. I also found Patsy's attempt to adopt just Emma's daughter to be a poorly chosen subplot towards the end, especially where Patsy tearfully wishes she could take the little girl away. Not tasteful or effective.
But for the most part, Terms of Endearment sets out to tell a beautiful small scale family story, and it does it remarkably well. As I said, you'd have to be made of stone not to be affected by the end.
One of the best of all time
aldonna424 February 2005
What can I say about this film other than it is, in my opinion flawless. Every performance, every character, every scene... Debra Winger should have shared the Oscar with Shirley MacLaine. Few movies can make you laugh and cry OVER and OVER again, but this one does it for me. Even when I catch a scene on cable, I find myself drawn in emotionally and grabbing for my box of tissues. The mother-daughter relationship is so true-to-life and the chemistry between Debra and Shirley and Shirley and Jack is palpable. It is one of the greatest films ever made and should be required viewing for all mothers and daughters. This is an AMAZING and moving film!
Talented cast , unsatisfactory script
kellielulu19 June 2022
I know it won several Oscars including screenplay but it's one of those movies where the performances are better than the story. Having said that I think I would have gone with Winger for best actress ( or Jane Alexander for Testament ) possibly a tie . MacLaine should have won for The Apartment or something else not this . Supporting actor should have gone to John Lithgow between this film and The World According to Garp he put in some great supporting work. Nicholson is fine here for what he's given to do but he's better in A Few Good Men and The Departed .
It's meant to be a tearjerker and heartfelt and in a way it is . I think though it's better in parts than as a whole. Watching certain clips like the famous driving on the beach scene plays better in the clips then it does in the movie.
It's too bad Winger retired although I respect her for her choice and her focus on family and charity work. I just think she has something you don't find in other actresses . We are the ones missing out not her .
It's meant to be a tearjerker and heartfelt and in a way it is . I think though it's better in parts than as a whole. Watching certain clips like the famous driving on the beach scene plays better in the clips then it does in the movie.
It's too bad Winger retired although I respect her for her choice and her focus on family and charity work. I just think she has something you don't find in other actresses . We are the ones missing out not her .
Cannot believe THIS won the Oscar
curlyscloset3 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This movie came out before I was born, but I finally caught it on TV last night and couldn't believe THIS won the Oscar!! I'm usually the biggest sap there is, I love sentimental movies but this movie made me HATE every character. Where is the development of the relationships between mother and daughter? We meet Aurora as a very overprotective, neurotic mother, and before we know it, the daughter is getting married to...someone. And the mother doesn't like him....why? Apparently, he's an unmotivated louse but the movie never lets us get to KNOW Flap. We see the couple become parents and struggle and fight, for some reason. i still don't know why i'm supposed to care about these people, but then we learn the husband is a cheater...maybe. So what does Emma do? Why, have her own affair, of course! Except, um, that relationship comes out of the blue as well. this guy pops out of nowhere and offers to pay for her groceries, and in the next scene she's going off to have sex with him? I couldn't believe what I was watching. Then, when Emma SEES Flip with another woman, she becomes enraged!! Because, HE shouldn't be potentially cheating on her!! Poor Emma...she then goes off with her supposed best friend (who we only saw in one scene in the beginning of the movie) but, decides to go home and uproot her kids and stay with her husband....because that makes sense. then, the tears come...Emma has cancer!! but it is the shortest, most unemotional illness i've ever seen in a movie. Her "best friend" is there for her, but only offers to take care of the daughter, not the two older sons. So the natural decision Emma makes is to take her children away from their FATHER and give them to her mother. Because that makes sense. I barely noticed when she died, until Aurora starts crying. I couldn't believe I spent two hours watching this people, and didn't care about them at all. How could I, when the movie never lets the audience gets to know these people? Classic case of "telling", not "showing" us these people. Absolutely ridiculous movie that is truly one of the worst I have ever seen.
Wow
MJJLWolf728 October 2004
Wow was my first reaction to seeing the film back in February 2003. I had bought it on a whim and watched it one night when I was bored. The rest is history. Terms remains one of my favorite films and I really can't say why. Reputation has made this out to be "the ultimate chick flick" upon which every other tear-jerker is judged. But it's definitely more of a character study than a weepy mushy movie. In fact, it's anything but mushy. Where it could of been over-sentimental, it was poignant. Where it could of been boring, it was insightful. And where it could of been corny, it was tongue-in-cheek.
Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger give career performances as mother and daughter. Both characters are polar opposites and in real life the actresses despised each other, but on screen their chemistry sizzles. Jack Nicholson is his usual suave self and John Lithgow is perfect as the wimpy banker. Danny Devito also has a quirky cameo.
James L. Brooks is definitely an "actor's director". To him, the performances are clearly more important than set pieces or flashy camera work. Each of the three main performances are brilliant (especially MacLaine's). It has been decades since a movie about illness has been made like this that is so achingly real. Two scenes to look for: Aurora walking across a seedy hotel (heat-breaking) and Emma telling her mother that she's pregnant (hilarious).
Terms of Endearment is a triumph!
Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger give career performances as mother and daughter. Both characters are polar opposites and in real life the actresses despised each other, but on screen their chemistry sizzles. Jack Nicholson is his usual suave self and John Lithgow is perfect as the wimpy banker. Danny Devito also has a quirky cameo.
James L. Brooks is definitely an "actor's director". To him, the performances are clearly more important than set pieces or flashy camera work. Each of the three main performances are brilliant (especially MacLaine's). It has been decades since a movie about illness has been made like this that is so achingly real. Two scenes to look for: Aurora walking across a seedy hotel (heat-breaking) and Emma telling her mother that she's pregnant (hilarious).
Terms of Endearment is a triumph!
The best of the best
nfischetti16 May 2006
If you're making a list of the greatest films ever made during the course of the 1980s, you have got to put this on top of your list. This movie deals with all the issues we have to deal with during our lives from affairs to fights to coming to terms, this movie tackles all of those issues in spectacular fashion. Shirley Maclaine gives the performance of a lifetime as Aurora Greenway a high strung mother who does her best to make sure that her daughter played by Debra Winger has the best life she can possibly have while falling in love with a boozed up astronaut played to perfection by Jack Nicholson who deserved the supporting actor Oscar for his performance. When you're talking about a film that deals with family issues, this is number 1. Shirley, Debra, Jack, Danny, John and Jeff, they're all perfect in this movie. James L. Brooks gives us his best piece of work in his movie career, this work of his overshadows his development of the Simpsons, his direction of As good as it gets, and all of his other works. If you want a great movie, go get this movie, it's the best of the best!
Heartfelt Cries
Thaleia8 September 1999
A touching story of mother and daughter, this movie explores the complexities in this relationship making you laugh and cry during the process. Filled with Academy caliber performances, this film takes hold of your heart strings and refuses to let go. Jack Nicholson lends the strength necessary to keep it from becoming a morass of teary women and adds the light touches that make the emotional scenes so much more powerful. Every movie fan should see it.
Not nearly as good as its accolades would suggest
atripp-3718310 May 2020
I didn't read this (McMurtry is very good), so I don't know how the screenplay compares to the book. But the script is pretty weak for a Best Picture. Way too melodramatic at the end, and all of the characters are extremely shallow. The cast is excellent, although not all at once in this one. Winger was in high stride in this particular time in the 80s, and she doesn't disappoint here. She makes soap opera level material somewhat palatable, giving a good approximation of a harried mom raising a young family with an errant manbaby husband goofing off in the background (and her own extracurricular activities). She might be one of the best actresses at using intonation to punch up lines. McClain has done better work, but she does a determined job here. Wilson does his best with his cardboard role of a pathetic wimp. No one does nerdy angst better than Lithgow. Emma really knew how to pick em. For all his talent, I thought Nicholson mailed it in a bit (and he still commanded attention in his scenes, that's how great Nicholson is). He's much better when he brings an edge to his character. Although again, not much to work with. The setting was totally off too. It's supposed to take place over decades, but is pretty much early 80s all the way through.
Genuine masterpiece - Well deserving of the 5 Oscar wins!
UniqueParticle25 August 2019
Only seen this once before not to long ago and rewatched with family. Such a wonderful heartwarming and sad movie while also hilarious! Debra Winger, Shirley McLain, and Jack Nicolson were and still are fantastic actors! This film has many levels of emotions and incredible acting plus the music is so different and magical. I love this film very much!
A dissenting view from an old curmudgeon.
planktonrules30 March 2013
Well, perhaps I am not that old (it depends who you ask), but I am a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to this film. I know that TONS of people love this movie and it won the Best Picture Oscar, but it left me cold. In fact, the only part of the movie I really liked was the bizarre scene where Jack Nicholson was driving along the beach (you just have to see it). I never really felt much about the rest of the film. So, as folks weeped during the sequences where Deborah Winger played a woman battling cancer, I didn't particularly care. The film felt, to me, manipulative and I didn't think much about the characters or the mother-daughter relationship. But, as I said, I am a curmudgeon...and I also didn't like "Steel Magnolias", either. It isn't that I won't watch 'disease films' (after all, I am a cancer survivor), but not ones where I am not invested in the folks in the film. Sorry, but that's just my two-cents worth.
I love it on the rare occasion that the movie is better than the book.
tailsofthewind15 April 2020
In the book, the husband is physically abusive, if I remember correctly, which just instantly shut me down; and here we have Jack Nicholson's astronaut. Bravo!
They serve as better, stronger framework for the women's storytelling than the original novel's cast of characters.
Even decades later, this is an excellent flick.
They serve as better, stronger framework for the women's storytelling than the original novel's cast of characters.
Even decades later, this is an excellent flick.
The Most Overrated Oscar Winner Ever..? Probably YES !
SAMTHEBESTEST21 May 2020
Terms Of Endearment (1983) :
Brief Review -
The Most Overrated Oscar Winner Ever..? Probably Yes. The first thing came in my mind before watching the film was, yes i am gonna watch a Best Picture winner at Oscar so i prepped myself up for a good film in worst case and then the First thing came in my mind after finishing this film is the first line you read at the beginning. This crap won Best Picture at Oscars? Seriously? I would have hesitated to give it even a nomination. Terms of Endearment was potentially a good emotional story but heavily spoiled and completely destroyed by wild characterisation. The story of a mother and a daughter and 2 other important supporting characters doesn't have a single sensible character in the film. I don't understand what kind of American culture it was. I never accepted shameless affairs in any film, doesn't matter even if it's a popular film. I was a just looking for some sense out there but it came to disappoint me again and again. The mother, the daughter both were so wild and open that i never cared for them. Both can have affairs out there with zero shame, both are shameless, both are idiots actually. Then why would have i cared about their lives and problems? Because as a sensible human you connect to sensible characters, not to insensible ones. Even those 2 supporting characters in the film were insensible. I meam how can a woman fall in love for someone who doesn't love her just fir the sake of sex and then ask for love? How can a married woman have an affair with other married man and then bash her own husband for having an affair? Does it really make sense? How come not single character in the film is living happily married life? Such idiotic characterisation was never meant to make emotional connect with me and so Terms of Endearment went rough, dry and unnoticed for me. I hope it had sensible characterisations or even simple in worst case would have done it to fulfill strong performances of all the actors. Now just because of bad writing i had to hate the actors even if they were reasonable. I don't understand how on earth James Brooks finalised this film and it even won him Oscars. I just feel like wasting 2 hours 10 minutes of my life to watch this nonsense emotions. If I will ever make a list of Most Overrated Films that won Oscars then Terms Of Endearment might just top the list.
RATING - 5/10*
By - #samthebestest
The Most Overrated Oscar Winner Ever..? Probably Yes. The first thing came in my mind before watching the film was, yes i am gonna watch a Best Picture winner at Oscar so i prepped myself up for a good film in worst case and then the First thing came in my mind after finishing this film is the first line you read at the beginning. This crap won Best Picture at Oscars? Seriously? I would have hesitated to give it even a nomination. Terms of Endearment was potentially a good emotional story but heavily spoiled and completely destroyed by wild characterisation. The story of a mother and a daughter and 2 other important supporting characters doesn't have a single sensible character in the film. I don't understand what kind of American culture it was. I never accepted shameless affairs in any film, doesn't matter even if it's a popular film. I was a just looking for some sense out there but it came to disappoint me again and again. The mother, the daughter both were so wild and open that i never cared for them. Both can have affairs out there with zero shame, both are shameless, both are idiots actually. Then why would have i cared about their lives and problems? Because as a sensible human you connect to sensible characters, not to insensible ones. Even those 2 supporting characters in the film were insensible. I meam how can a woman fall in love for someone who doesn't love her just fir the sake of sex and then ask for love? How can a married woman have an affair with other married man and then bash her own husband for having an affair? Does it really make sense? How come not single character in the film is living happily married life? Such idiotic characterisation was never meant to make emotional connect with me and so Terms of Endearment went rough, dry and unnoticed for me. I hope it had sensible characterisations or even simple in worst case would have done it to fulfill strong performances of all the actors. Now just because of bad writing i had to hate the actors even if they were reasonable. I don't understand how on earth James Brooks finalised this film and it even won him Oscars. I just feel like wasting 2 hours 10 minutes of my life to watch this nonsense emotions. If I will ever make a list of Most Overrated Films that won Oscars then Terms Of Endearment might just top the list.
RATING - 5/10*
By - #samthebestest
Don't let the drama fool you -- one of the funniest movies ever made!
superbu13 December 2000
How could anyone not love this movie? The acting is marvelous, the writing is brilliant -- sharp, witty and so carefully textured. It walks such a skilled, fine line between comedy and tragedy. The characters are unforgettable. I can't count how many times I've seen this movie, but I'm sure it's been at least fifteen. Some people are puzzled when I refer to "Terms of Endearment" as a comedy. While it technically is a drama because of its "sad" ending, almost everything leading up to that ending is deliriously funny. From that snotty cashier at the grocery store to MacLaine's fiasco of a date with Jack Nicholson -- so much hilarity, so much LIFE. And it's much funnier than some of James Brooks' other films ("Broadcast News" and "As Good As It Gets"). But then the drama comes out of nowhere, catching you off guard, giving it all the more impact. I highly recommend this one.
Beautiful film in many ways
nimstic15 April 2017
I felt a strong urge to write a review for this film for two reasons. 1. Debra Winger and 2. Jack Nicholson. Really, this film couldn't have been nearly half as good if it weren't for the brilliant performances of these phenomenal artistes. Enough has been said about the film over the year for its teary eyed scenes (which I had to drag myself through) and its seamless blending of comedy and drama. Debra was brilliant throughout - she lived her character so cleverly that you couldn't doubt for one bit even after many years of seeing the film that she was only acting that role. So powerful. Jack Nicholson does what he does the best - being the bad boy, flare up his charms whenever he's on screen and simply, deliver some of the finest lines in the film! It seems that Jack played himself in the film, but it was a treat to watch. He rightfully earned his Academy Award while I felt bad Debra couldn't get any for that role. Shirley Mclaine, a legendary actress could easily portray the most unlikable character of the film. Danny DeVeto and John Lithgow gave some realistic portrayal in their cameos. One must also comment how beautifully the film is shot - Aurora's house and her garden is like a beautiful Renoir itself (Which is her favourite painter). The powerful scenes in the film couldn't have made a lot of people cry if it weren't for the melodious background score by Michael Gore. All in all a great film to watch. I felt sad at the end and you will too.
Overrated and manipulative
lauraeileen8949 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I am a heterosexual, red-blooded woman who hates "Terms of Endearment". There, I said it, and I don't care who knows. "Terms of Endearment" is one of those insufferable movies aimed for women, even though it is clearly written by men who clearly don't know anything about real women. It's also a disjointed, plot less, excruciatingly dull story with some of the most poorly written characters to ever disgrace the screen.
I didn't know which female protagonist I found more insufferable: Aurora (Shirley McClaine), an overbearing mother who clings to her daughter Emma (Debra Winger) like a leach but doesn't appear to actually love her. Aurora is one of those people who refuse to let go and let God, as evidenced where she happily wakes her sleeping baby daughter up because she's convinced that Emma has suffered "crib death". Emma is so sick of her mother's nagging ways, she marries the first loser who shows interest, much to her mother's chagrin ("You are not special enough to overcome a bad marriage," Aurora bluntly tells her).
Then there's Emma herself, who I desperately wanted to root for, having an overprotective mom myself. Emma could have been written with a certain amount of dignity, passion, and endearing insecurities and intelligence that emerge in spite of Aurora's crappy parenting. Instead, Emma is an immature, petulant, flighty ninny who goes from having a backbone of steel one moment to being a complete pushover the next. She firmly calls her ne'er-do-well husband Flap (Jeff Daniels) on his infidelity, and yet stays with the cheating bastard for no clear reason whatsoever. Not to mention Winger plays Emma the way one would a mentally unstable 3-year-old and who sounds she doing the world's worst Joan Cusack impression. I got the feeling her children would be like the type of kids who have to raise and clean up after their alcoholic parents.
I knew something was wrong when the only character I even remotely liked was Jack Nicholson's aging womanizer character. Considering that I don't even like Jack Nicholson, that's really something.
Worst of all, "Terms of Endearment" is responsible for starting the trend of manipulative tearjerkers that involve families coming closer because of death ("Stepmom", "The Family Stone", "One True Thing"). Not only is it reprehensible to treat death so lightly, but it is unfair to the audience. It's as if filmmakers are punishing them for not being emotionally invested enough in the characters by creating latent feelings of guilt by killing them off. And it's always with Hollywood Cancer, the type of cancer where vomiting and chemotherapy somehow never come into play.
I have nothing against chick flicks, I really don't. Just this one.
I didn't know which female protagonist I found more insufferable: Aurora (Shirley McClaine), an overbearing mother who clings to her daughter Emma (Debra Winger) like a leach but doesn't appear to actually love her. Aurora is one of those people who refuse to let go and let God, as evidenced where she happily wakes her sleeping baby daughter up because she's convinced that Emma has suffered "crib death". Emma is so sick of her mother's nagging ways, she marries the first loser who shows interest, much to her mother's chagrin ("You are not special enough to overcome a bad marriage," Aurora bluntly tells her).
Then there's Emma herself, who I desperately wanted to root for, having an overprotective mom myself. Emma could have been written with a certain amount of dignity, passion, and endearing insecurities and intelligence that emerge in spite of Aurora's crappy parenting. Instead, Emma is an immature, petulant, flighty ninny who goes from having a backbone of steel one moment to being a complete pushover the next. She firmly calls her ne'er-do-well husband Flap (Jeff Daniels) on his infidelity, and yet stays with the cheating bastard for no clear reason whatsoever. Not to mention Winger plays Emma the way one would a mentally unstable 3-year-old and who sounds she doing the world's worst Joan Cusack impression. I got the feeling her children would be like the type of kids who have to raise and clean up after their alcoholic parents.
I knew something was wrong when the only character I even remotely liked was Jack Nicholson's aging womanizer character. Considering that I don't even like Jack Nicholson, that's really something.
Worst of all, "Terms of Endearment" is responsible for starting the trend of manipulative tearjerkers that involve families coming closer because of death ("Stepmom", "The Family Stone", "One True Thing"). Not only is it reprehensible to treat death so lightly, but it is unfair to the audience. It's as if filmmakers are punishing them for not being emotionally invested enough in the characters by creating latent feelings of guilt by killing them off. And it's always with Hollywood Cancer, the type of cancer where vomiting and chemotherapy somehow never come into play.
I have nothing against chick flicks, I really don't. Just this one.
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