1.
The War of the Roses: Michael Douglas, Kathleen turner, Danny DeVito
The granddaddy of divorce movies-the underlying theme is that success breeds contempt and that whatever looks like "ours" is really "mine." The spouses don't communicate, don't value each other, and are out for revenge. Dark humor brings out the ugliness of shattered relationships. If you are considering revenge, see this flick, and then think again.
2.
Kramer vs. Kramer: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep
Mom decides that there is another life to be led and leaves the kids with an awkward dad, who learns how to become a terrific parent. The movie features communication issues, value of self, and the impact of divorce on kids. It's sure to stir up your emotions in a divorce where kids are involved.
3. Liar, Liar: Jim Carey
At his fifth birthday party, a boy wishes his divorced dad would just show up for visits and stop lying to him, to his mom, to everyone . His wish comes true, forcing his lawyer dad to tell the truth for a whole day. The movie tackles issues of old, new, and unfinished relationships. A funny and thoughtful movie.
4. Mrs. Doubtfire: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Estranged from his kids, goofy dad finally gets his parenting act together (there's more to parenting than being a buddy to the kids) through a series of events around child care, new relationships, self-evaluation, and redirecting misdirected talents. Robin Williams' schtick will leave you laughing out loud.
5. The First Wives' Club: Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Bette Midler
The underlying theme of FWC is, don't get mad-get even. Laced with humor, this movie starts with the three women's drive to turn a former schoolmate's suicide into a statement of value, and along the way tackles trophy wives, hidden assets, kids, and getting back on track for self. Women howl at and many men shrink from this movie.
6. Scenes From a Mall: Woody Allen, Bette Midler
Couple spends the day at the mall on their anniversary and look back at what should have been and wasn't; and what is, and they don't like. Relationships look in the mirror and reveal aspects that aren't so nice.
7. Three Men and a Baby: Tom Selleck, Ted Danson, Steve Guttenberg
Three bachelors end up with a baby at their doorstep. One of them is the father. They attempt to care for the baby (and fall into some stereotypical problems with infant care and responsibility and all comes our well.
8. The Truth about Cats and Dogs: Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman, Ben Chaplin
On-air radio veterinarian talks listeners through problems and relationships with their pets. From pets, they move on to people and their miscommunications and misconceptions about themselves and others. Dialogue is sharp, fun, and realistic.
9.
Dead Poet's Society: Robin Williams
Ideal for parents who think their kids should be or have a specific occupation as an adult. Focuses on two themes: "To your own self be true" and "Seize the day"-strong messages for adults to heed, and share with their kids and themselves.
10.
The Doctor: William Hurt, Elizabeth Perkins
Regarding Henry: Harrison Ford, Annette Bening
You may wonder why these two movies are included in a book about divorce. Both Hurt and Ford have marriages that aren't so hot; both treat other people like they are paper boxes-kept around just in case you might need them, then discarded when falling apart or no longer needed. Only a personal crisis delivers a wake-up call.
11.
Not Without My Daughter: Sally Field
Based on a true story, Sally Field's character goes through a divorce. The catch is that she has moved to her physician husband's homeland in the Middle East. The culture is not female-friendly. Field fights for her life, and for her daughter's, as they try to escape.
12.
Starting Over: Burt Reynolds, Jill Clayburgh, Candace Bergen
Not letting go before diving into another emotional relationship is the theme delivered in this fun probe of a divorced man's confusion over falling in love.
13. The Full Monty: Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy, Steve Hulson
The Full Monty is one of the wackiest English movies of 1997. Out of work, down and out, and trying to raise back child support funds, six men decide to overcome their obstacles and become England's answer to the Chippendale dancers. This fun flick is full of belly laughs-the perfect antidote for just about anything.
-popcorn-bonus!
14. As Good As It Gets: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Multiple awards were delivered for this sharp, poignant, and witty romp through an unlikely trio (plus a neat dog) that get thrown together. From obsessive-compulsive disorders, to downward-spiraling self-worths, to distrust and disbelief, this movie is as good as it gets!