“Marriage Story”, 2019
Director: Noah Baumbach
This intense drama directed by Noah Baumbach examines the emotionally grueling process of a divorce between an actress and her director husband. It highlights the complexities of their relationship, their love for their son, and the challenges of navigating life amidst separation.
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, Merritt Wever, Julia Greer, Azhy Robertson, Wallace Shawn;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 137 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Marriage Story” on the website imdb.com
“Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, 1966
Director: Mike Nichols
Directed by Mike Nichols, this film adaptation of Edward Albee's play takes an unflinching look at the volatile marriage of a middle-aged couple, Martha and George, revealing the depth of their bitterness, frustration, and deep-seated resentment through a night of harrowing games and revelations.
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal, Sandy Dennis, Agnes Flanagan, Frank Flanagan;
Production year: 1966;
Genre: drama;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” on the website imdb.com
“The War of the Roses”, 1989
Director: Danny DeVito
Directed by Danny DeVito, this dark comedy focuses on Oliver and Barbara Rose, a couple whose once-idyllic marriage turns into a bitter and vengeful battle over their home, pushing the limits of their patience and sanity.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Marianne Sägebrecht, Sean Astin, Heather Fairfield, G.D. Spradlin, Peter Donat, Dan Castellaneta, Gloria Cromwell;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: comedy, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The War of the Roses” on the website imdb.com
“Scenes from a Marriage”, 2021
Director: Hagai Levi
This Swedish miniseries directed by Ingmar Bergman, which was later re-edited into a feature film, delves into the intimate and complex relationship between Johan and Marianne, portraying the disintegration of their marriage and exploring themes of love, infidelity, and divorce.
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac, Sophia Kopera, Nicole Beharie, Corey Stoll, Tovah Feldshuh, Michael Aloni, Sunita Mani, Maury Ginsberg, Susan Pourfar;
Production year: 2021;
Genre: drama;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“Blue Valentine”, 2010
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Directed by Derek Cianfrance, this romantic drama showcases the beginning and end of a marriage, juxtaposing the sweet memories of the couple's courtship against the bitter unraveling of their union, providing a raw and poignant look at the complexities of love lost.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Faith Wladyka, John Doman, Mike Vogel, Marshall Johnson, Jen Jones, Maryann Plunkett, James Benatti, Barbara Troy;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Blue Valentine” on the website imdb.com
“The Story of Us”, 1999
Director: Rob Reiner
Directed by Rob Reiner, this film stars Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer as a married couple contemplating divorce after years of marriage. Through a series of flashbacks, the couple reflects on the highs and lows of their relationship, attempting to rediscover their love for one another.
Starring: Bruce Willis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Colleen Rennison, Jake Sandvig, Casey Boersma, Tim Matheson, Rob Reiner, Julie Hagerty, Rita Wilson, Dylan Boersma;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “The Story of Us” on the website imdb.com
These films, among many others, offer diverse narratives about the intricacies of marriage, inviting viewers to reflect on the universal truths of human connections, the challenges of intimacy, and the enduring hopeful quest for love and understanding.
In conclusion, films about marriage span a diverse spectrum of genres and narratives, serving as a poignant mirror to society's evolving perspectives on partnership, love, and commitment. From the tumultuous struggles depicted in classics such as “Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” to the nuanced portrayals of modern relationships in films like “Marriage Story,” cinema has adeptly captured the multifaceted realities of married life. These films do more than just entertain; they provoke thought, evoke empathy, and foster a deeper understanding of the human condition. Whether it's through the lens of comedy, drama, or tragedy, movies about marriage continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, offering both a reflection on societal norms and a vision of the myriad ways in which love can manifest and endure through the complexities of shared life.
