Films about fathers often explore the complex and multifaceted relationships between fathers and their children, delving into themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges of parenthood. These films offer a poignant and sometimes heartwrenching look at the impact fathers have on their families and the enduring bonds that connect them.
“Kramer vs. Kramer”, 1979
Director: Robert Benton
This film follows the story of a father, played by Dustin Hoffman, who is forced to take on the role of a single parent after his wife leaves him. The movie poignantly portrays the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood as the protagonist navigates the responsibilities of raising his young son alone.
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
“The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Will Smith stars in this inspiring film based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling father who takes on an unpaid internship while caring for his young son. The movie showcases the unwavering determination of a father to provide a better life for his child, despite facing numerous hardships.
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung, David Michael Silverman, Domenic Bove, Geoff Callan, Joyful Raven, Scott Klace, Rashida Clendening, Eric Schniewind, Peter Fitzsimmons, Maurice Sherbanee, Zuhair Haddad, Victor Raider-Wexler, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Darryl Fong, George Maguire, Joe Nunez, Adam Del Rio, Rocky LaRochelle, Erin Cahill, Rueben Grundy, Lo Ming, John Kovacevich, Bonnie Akimoto, Stu Klitsner, Esther Scott, Tina D'Elia, Rev. Cecil Williams, David Fine, George Moffatt, Amir Talai, Mike Garibaldi, Jason Frazier, Kevin Crook, David Haines, James Finnerty, Abigail Van Alyn, Bob Greene, Robert Anthony Peters, Terri Orth-Pallavicini, John Robb, Daniel Wilder!;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com
“Father of the Bride”, 1991
Director: Charles Shyer
This comedy-drama film follows a father, portrayed by Steve Martin, as he copes with the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for his daughter's wedding. The movie humorously captures the bittersweet experience of a father letting go of his little girl as she embarks on a new chapter of her life.
Starring: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kieran Culkin, George Newbern, Martin Short, B.D. Wong, Peter Michael Goetz, Kate McGregor-Stewart, Carmen Hayward, April Ortiz, Mina Vasquez, Gibby Brand, Richard Portnow, Barbara Perry, Martha Gehman, Frank Kopyc, David Pasquesi, Ira Heiden, Thomas Wagner, Marissa Lefton, Sarah Rose Karr, Amy Young, Hallie Meyers-Shyer, Annie Meyers-Shyer, Morgan Dox, Elisa Mandell, Christine Beliveau, Natasha Wieland, Eric Kay, Scott Hogan, Peter James Cooper, David Day, Ed Williams, Patricia Meyers, Irving Meyers, Mark Steen, Robert Bauer, Kevin Shaw, Peter Murnik, Chauncey Leopardi, Steve Tyrell, Tom Irish, Eugene Levy, Nicole Abramson, Kellie Hudson, Mike Knox, Britt Leach, Todd Mason;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Father of the Bride” on the website imdb.com
“Mrs. Doubtfire”, 1993
Director: Chris Columbus
In this heartwarming comedy, Robin Williams portrays a father who goes to great lengths to remain close to his children after a divorce by disguising himself as a female housekeeper. The film beautifully explores the lengths to which a father will go to maintain a connection with his kids.
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
“Big Fish”, 2003
Director: Tim Burton
Directed by Tim Burton, this fantastical film revolves around a son's attempts to understand his larger-than-life father, who has a penchant for spinning exaggerated tales. Through a series of magical and imaginative stories, the film celebrates the enduring love between a father and his son.
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, Marion Cotillard, Matthew McGrory, David Denman, Missi Pyle, Loudon Wainwright III, Ada Tai, Arlene Tai, Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito, Deep Roy, Perry Walston, Hailey Anne Nelson, Grayson Stone, R. Keith Harris, Karla Droege, Zac Gardner, John Lowell, Darrell Vanterpool, Miley Cyrus, Joseph Humphrey, Morgan Grace Jarrett, Sallie Hedrick, Charles McLawhorn, Frank Hoyt Taylor, Savanna James, Billy Redden, James DeForest Parker, Russell Hodgkinson, Don Young, Jayne Morgan, David Ramsey, Greg Hohn, Zach Hanner, George McArthur, Jeff Campbell, Lawrence Sykkmon, Bonnie Johnson, Howard Houston Jr., Joanne Pankow, Trevor Gagnon, Jacob Radford, Karlos Walkes, Cathy Berry;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Big Fish” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a diverse and touching portrayal of the father-child relationship, showcasing the depth of emotions and experiences that come with fatherhood. Each movie provides a unique perspective on the pivotal role fathers play in the lives of their children.
In exploring the selection of films about fathers, one can't help but be moved by the profound impact that fatherhood has on the human experience. From heartwarming tales of paternal love and sacrifice to complex explorations of strained relationships, these films capture the multifaceted nature of fatherhood. They remind us of the importance of familial bonds, the power of forgiveness, and the transformative journey of becoming a father. Through these stories, we witness the joys, challenges, and complexities of fatherhood, ultimately reminding us of the universal truth that a father's love can shape and define the lives of those around him. Whether celebrating the strength of the father-child bond or shedding light on the intricacies of fatherhood, these films invite us to reflect on the fundamental role that fathers play in our lives and the profound impact they have on shaping who we become.
