Ok let's throw the first one out: I can't stand soap operas, nor TV movie plot archetypes, but this movie is way above all that. The direction is good, the actors make a good job and, for what is worth, the characters are nuanced and interesting. The script has some good subtle humor beneath it, what makes me happy because in a movie like this it's refreshing. There is, certainly, some talent going around this movie... but it's flawed. First of all, there is some characters I can't fully understand. The mother, Aurora, for example. Is she rude? Is she lovely? I am not sure. One moment is rude with Jack Nicholson, another moment wants to bang him... I don't get her. It's not like she's changing throughout the movie, she just is inconsistent. I know that real people behaves very strangely sometimes, but this character shift her personality too much, to the point it seems just an inconsistency in the script, not a real behavior. The same problem goes to the Jeff Daniels character. He is just a jerk who doesn't care about his family, but suddenly he does? Again, this is not a change, it's lazy writing. We the audience know he's always been like that, it's crystal clear that nobody should trust him. Debra Winger knows it as well. So, what's up with his resolution? At the end, everybody is fine with him. All this character inconsistencies come from the plot point that drives all the plot along the second half of the movie (I won't spoil it, let's say it's a sad one). Instead of putting a resolution to the characters arc, this plot point simplifies the characters and make them puppets of the plot, which I don't like. There's so much left aside. What about the relationship between Jack Nicholson and Shirley Mclaine? What about Jeff Daniels and Debra Winger discussing their issues in the relationship? The guy did little to nothing to support her until the end and tricked her in the most nasty ways! I guess it was like every soap opera all along: manipulative and phoney. Nevertheless, I recognised the talent and I guess the script is decently rounded, even with its problems. 7/10

1983 must have been a rough year for movies, because I have no idea how this film won Best Picture. It's a slow-moving slice of life film where nothing really happens and none of the characters are very endearing. It does get a little more interesting near the end, but, for the most part, this movie isn't worth watching.

Terms of Endearment (1983) is a classic dramedy film. It's really much more of a drama than it is a comedy. It was praised by critics and swept the major awards, winning five academy awards, including best picture. It stars Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Jeff Daniels, and John Lithgow. I absolutely loved the casting, every actor represented their character so well. MacLaine turns in a performance of a lifetime, she is funny and witty at times, then sharp as a tack and tough as nails in other moments. And Winger is so skilled and charming in her role, she plays Emma with a certain lovable innocence. I love how these two talented actresses commanded the screen, and had amazing chemistry together while doing it. Another Hollywood heavyweight that turns in a great performance here is Jack Nicholson, I really loved him playing Garrett, he brings something to the role that only he could do, it's something about Nicholson that is just perfect for this character. And he and Auroras connection in the film is really something fantastic, it was great to see an older mid life romance between two people with such chemistry. The writing is superb, the writing really focuses mainly on Emma and Auroras relationship, their connection as mother and daughter, but it also brings in subplots that Nicholson and Daniels. I love how the script includes all those different very important aspects of the movie, and it brings them all together to form a near perfect film. This a classic film that I recommend, but I warn that you may need a few tissues. 9/10 for Terms of Endearment.

I felt a strong urge to write a review for this film for two reasons. 1. Debra Winger and 2. Jack Nicholson. Really, this film couldn't have been nearly half as good if it weren't for the brilliant performances of these phenomenal artistes. Enough has been said about the film over the year for its teary eyed scenes (which I had to drag myself through) and its seamless blending of comedy and drama. Debra was brilliant throughout - she lived her character so cleverly that you couldn't doubt for one bit even after many years of seeing the film that she was only acting that role. So powerful. Jack Nicholson does what he does the best - being the bad boy, flare up his charms whenever he's on screen and simply, deliver some of the finest lines in the film! It seems that Jack played himself in the film, but it was a treat to watch. He rightfully earned his Academy Award while I felt bad Debra couldn't get any for that role. Shirley Mclaine, a legendary actress could easily portray the most unlikable character of the film. Danny DeVeto and John Lithgow gave some realistic portrayal in their cameos. One must also comment how beautifully the film is shot - Aurora's house and her garden is like a beautiful Renoir itself (Which is her favourite painter). The powerful scenes in the film couldn't have made a lot of people cry if it weren't for the melodious background score by Michael Gore. All in all a great film to watch. I felt sad at the end and you will too.