Films about custody explore the complex and emotional themes surrounding the legal, emotional, and psychological battles that can arise when determining the custody of a child. These films often delve into the struggles, sacrifices, and dilemmas faced by parents, as well as the impact on the children involved. Here are some existing films about custody:
“Kramer vs. Kramer”, 1979
Director: Robert Benton
This Academy Award-winning film tells the story of a couple going through a bitter divorce and custody battle over their young son. It explores the challenges of single parenthood, personal growth, and the complexities of love and sacrifice.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry, Howard Duff, George Coe, JoBeth Williams, Bill Moor, Howland Chamberlain, Jack Ramage, Jess Osuna, Nicholas Hormann, Ellen Parker, Shelby Brammer, Carol Nadell, Donald Gantry, Judith Calder, Peter Lownds, Kathleen Keller, Ingeborg Sørensen, Iris Klein, Richard Barris, Evelyn Hope Bunn, Joann Friedman, Quentin J. Hruska, Joe Seneca, Dan Tyra, David Golden, Petra King, Melissa Morell, Frederick W. Hand, Scott Kuney, Sean Albertson, Matteo Cafiso, Llewellyn Lafford, Marisa Petroro, Conrad Pomerleau;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Kramer vs. Kramer” on the website imdb.com
“Little Children”, 2006
Director: Todd Field
Set in a suburban community, this film follows the lives of several characters, including a married couple going through a separation and a single mother dealing with a custody battle. It delves into themes of desire, societal conformity, and the consequences of one's actions.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Noah Emmerich, Gregg Edelman, Phyllis Somerville, Raymond J. Barry, Jane Adams, Ty Simpkins, Sadie Goldstein, Helen Carey, Sarah Buxton, Mary B. McCann, Trini Alvarado, Marsha Dietlein, Will Lyman, Catherine Wolf, Thomas Greaney, Anna Audia, Celestial Hakim, Hunter Reid, Chadwick Brown, Phil McGlaston, Bruce Kirkpatrick, Adam Mucci, Chance Kelly, Rebecca Schull, Crystal Field, Lola Pashalinski, Walker Ryan, David Cole, Weston Elrod, Erica Berg, Christopher Nicholas Smith, Adam Sietz, Stan Carp, Sandra Berrios, Ivar Brogger, Myra Turley, David Rowden, Paul Mott, Margaret Pace, Beatrice Rigaud, Mary Goggin, Jillian Lindig, William Harvey, Casper Andreas;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Little Children” on the website imdb.com
“Losing Isaiah”, 1995
Director: Stephen Gyllenhaal
Starring Halle Berry and Jessica Lange, this film centers around a custody battle between a birth mother and an adoptive mother over a young boy named Isaiah. It examines the racial and social dynamics of adoption, as well as the complexities of identity and love.
Starring: Jessica Lange, Halle Berry, David Strathairn, Cuba Gooding Jr., Daisy Eagan, Marc John Jefferies, Samuel L. Jackson, Joie Lee, Regina Taylor, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Jacqueline Brookes, Donovon Ian H. McKnight, Rikkia A. Smith, Paulette McDaniels, Velma Austin, Glenda Starr Kelly, Joan Kohn, Patrick Clear, Gaby Santinelli, Mike Bacarella, Michael Houlihan, John Beasley, James «Ike» Eichling, James F. Tillett, John Judd, Cheryl Hamada, Jackie Taylor, Valerie Shull, Laura Cerón, Jackie Samuel, Deanna Dunagan, Mike Nussbaum, Margaret Travolta, Eddie Bo Smith Jr., Jaqueline Fleming, Sibyl Offutt, Greg Hollimon, Rick Worthy, Torrence W. Murphy, Crystal Barnes, Shelia-Marie Robinson, LaTaunya Bounds, Tamara Rutledge, Valeri Ross, Jacqueline Williams, Ora Jones, Nicholas Foster, Thomica Laquice Simmons, Evan Lionel, Jennifer Crystal;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Losing Isaiah” on the website imdb.com
“Mrs. Doubtfire”, 1993
Director: Chris Columbus
In this heartwarming comedy, a divorced father disguises himself as a British nanny to spend time with his children, who are in the custody of his ex-wife. The film explores the lengths parents will go to maintain a relationship with their children and the importance of understanding and compromise.
Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Polly Holliday, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson, Robert Prosky, Anne Haney, Scott Capurro, Sydney Walker, Joe Bellan, Martin Mull, Terence McGovern, Karen Kahn, Eva Gholson, James Cunningham, Ralph Peduto, Scott Beach, Juliette Marshall, Drew Letchworth, Jessica Myerson, Sharon Lockwood, Jim Cullen, Kenneth Loo, Jeff Loo, Betsy Monroe, Joseph Narducci, James Cranna, Dr. Toad, Adele Proom, Rick Overton, Dan Spencer, Paul Guilfoyle, Molly McClure, Andy Prosky, William Newman, Christopher Pray, Geoff Bolt, Dick Bright, Adam Bryant, Tavia Cathcart, C. Beau Fitzsimons, Jeff Moeller, Benne Alder, Dotty Davies, Margaret de Jesus, Garrett Griffin;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Mrs. Doubtfire” on the website imdb.com
“A Separation”, 2019
Director: Yalan Hu
Set in Iran, this critically acclaimed drama revolves around a couple going through a divorce and a subsequent custody battle over their daughter. The film examines societal pressures, moral dilemmas, and the impact of choices on individuals and their relationships.
Starring: Michelle Sun, Yao Zhen, Carlee Soeder;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 15 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,8;
More information about the film “A Separation” on the website imdb.com
“The Squid and the Whale”, 2005
Director: Noah Baumbach
This indie film tells the story of two young boys dealing with their parents' divorce and custody battle. It explores the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the impact of parental conflicts on children.
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney, Jesse Eisenberg, Owen Kline, William Baldwin, David Benger, Anna Paquin, Molly Barton, Bo Berkman, Matthew Kaplan, Simon Kaplan, Matthew Kirsch, Daniella Markowicz, Elizabeth Meriwether, Ben Schrank, Amy Srebnick, Josh Srebnick, Emma Straub, Alan Wilkis, James Hamilton, Adam Rose, Henry Glovinsky, Eli Gelb, Halley Feiffer, Wayne Lawson, Michael Santiago, Juan Torriente, Patricia Towers, Peggy Gormley, Greta Kline, Melissa Meyer, Benjamin Smolen, Michael Countryman, Alexandra Daddario, Nico Baumbach, Maryann Plunkett, Hector Otero, Ken Leung, Jo Yang, Jonathan Baumbach, Andrew Kaempfer, Bobby Shue;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 81 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “The Squid and the Whale” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a range of perspectives on the topic of custody, highlighting the emotional turmoil and difficult decisions that can arise when parents fight for the love and care of their children.
The selection of films about custody delves into the complexities of human relationships, the emotional turmoil of separation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. From heart-wrenching dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, these films offer a poignant exploration of the legal, moral, and emotional dimensions of custody battles. Each story unfolds with gripping intensity, shining a light on the profound impact of custody disputes on families and individuals. Through compelling narratives and powerful performances, these films remind us of the enduring power of love, the struggle for justice, and the profound significance of familial bonds in our lives.
