Terms of Endearment Poster
Drama
Romance

Terms of Endearment (1983) Review in 2025

8.5/10
Blockbuster

A heart-wrenching drama about the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

2 hours 32 minutes
English (Dubbed: None)
Age group: 13-45, Interests: Drama, Romance
Director:
James L. Brooks
Budget: 8 million USD
Gross: 108 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

This movie is not suitable for young children due to mature themes and some strong language.

CineReview Recommendation

This movie is worth watching, especially for fans of drama and romance. It's a well-crafted story with complex characters and themes, and the acting is superb.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The film follows Aurora Greenway, a strong-willed and manipulative mother, and her daughter Emma, who struggles to find her place in the world. As the story unfolds, the complexities of their relationship are revealed, leading to a tragic and emotional conclusion.

Review Details

story9.00/10

The story is well-structured and engaging, exploring complex themes and relationships in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

acting9.50/10

The acting is superb, with all three leads delivering outstanding performances that bring the characters to life.

characters9.50/10

The characters are multi-dimensional and well-developed, with complex motivations and backstories that add depth to the story.

direction9.00/10

The direction is excellent, with a clear vision and a keen sense of pacing that keeps the story moving at a good clip.

cinematography8.00/10

The cinematography is good, but not outstanding, with some nice shots and a good use of lighting, but nothing that really stands out.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The movie's complex characters, engaging story, and superb acting make it a standout film. The themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are timely and relatable.

Cons

The cinematography is not outstanding, and some viewers may find the story a bit too long or slow-paced.

Notable Quotes

"I'm not a failure, I'm just between failures."
"I'm not a has-been, I'm a wish-was."
"You're not a failure, you're just not a success yet."

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