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Terms of Endearment
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Terms of Endearment

1983
2h 12m
This heartwarming and heartbreaking story about the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. Aurora Greenway is a wealthy widow who is obsessed with her appearance and controlling her daughter, Emma. Emma marries against her mother's wishes, and the two have a troubled marriage.
Directed by:
James L. Brooks James L. Brooks
Written by:
James L. Brooks James L. Brooks Larry McMurtry Larry McMurtry
+1 more
Starring:
Jack Nicholson Jack Nicholson Danny DeVito Danny DeVito Jeff Daniels Jeff Daniels Debra Winger Debra Winger Shirley MacLaine Shirley MacLaine John Lithgow John Lithgow Lisa Hart Carroll
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Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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Terms of Endearment

1983
2h 12m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 57.59% from 1142 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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damildamil
Rated 15 Oct 2012
50
25th
Umm, this was okay... To be blunt, the whole thing felt like a 2-hour '80s soap opera, rather than the multi-Oscar winner it was. The melodrama was just too much for me. I found myself chuckling or shaking my head at how unbelievable it was. Especially the music! Goddamn, that was awful and obnoxious. There are several actors in this that I really like, but none of the characters felt realistic to me. I didn't hate it, but there wasn't anything in it that I particularly liked.
Rated 15 Oct 2012
dwyerdwyer
Rated 30 Sep 2017
80
66th
Here's a mini shout-out to John Lithgow, whose pathetic bank manager character is so well performed that I wanted to see a movie about him and his family. Terms of Endearment is a good movie, totally worth seeing again and possibly again for its solid performances and the joy of Nicholson and MacLaine. Its problem is that it toys with greatness and doesn't give enough of an effort to get there.
Rated 30 Sep 2017
lachapellelachapelle
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
43rd
Definition of Tear-jerker? Terms of Endearment. Having lost family members to cancer, this is a very difficult emotional experience for me. Jack Nicholson steals this movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kasperlKasperL
Rated 13 Jul 2011
70
65th
Super corny, shamelessly melodramatic, multiple Oscar-winner. In a way it makes sense. The acting is good and Brooks' script construction is smart, taking his time to do the titular lighthearted endearment only to turn the film to full-on tearjerker mode in the last act. Jack is quite amusing - and he's been stuck in the same role ever since.
Rated 13 Jul 2011
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 12 May 2013
30
17th
I didn't get it.
Rated 12 May 2013
karlsonkarlson
Rated 29 Mar 2023
40
7th
Exhaustingly overacted movie with Nicholson and MacLaine as the crownbearers. The soundtrack tries to wringle itself to the forefront while the ‘blunt but literate script’ elbows itself through too. Never been in the tropics, but it must be something like watching TOE: it appears to be one body of noisy interconnections, while every part is just struggling for its own survival and needs.
Rated 29 Mar 2023
ocelotOcelot
Rated 04 Apr 2014
45
36th
I might have actually preferred a non-linear narrative. The lack of motivation at the beginning makes the film fairly hard to be invested in when Jack Nicholson isn't on screen. Also, is it a requirement for every 80s Best Picture winner to have an unlistenable musical score? A decent watch, if not necessarily worthwhile.
Rated 04 Apr 2014
twincinematwincinema
Rated 03 May 2020
70
52nd
The decision to watch this on a Saturday afternoon was not a great one. Was not expecting that third act turn. After this was finished, I watched a PUP music video that featured Finn Wolfhard watching his dog die. I was on a roll.
Rated 03 May 2020
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
45
34th
Purely for fans of schmaltz, even though Nicholson was good.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
lonewolf2003Lonewolf2003
Rated 22 Feb 2017
48
7th
the problem is not that MacLaine character is such a bitch, it's that the movie never makes her more than that to me. It never develops and explains why she is, like she is. Or maybe it does, but I already lost interested it in all by then.
Rated 22 Feb 2017
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 12 Dec 2009
9
93rd
Simple but very effective story. Well written and even better cast. Everyone is great. Nicholson and MacLaine have some seriously great chemistry together. My biggest complaint is the score, that sappy piano started to get on my nerves after awhile.
Rated 12 Dec 2009
closer_iicloser_
Rated 20 Aug 2008
95
99th
It's a great movie, a masterpiece ... It made me laugh and cry at the same time .. I couldn't stop my tears they come automatically.. The screenwriting is wonderful and all the actors are masters .. MacLaine deserved Oscar more than anything ..
Rated 20 Aug 2008
syntheseizurSyntheseizur
Rated 13 Jul 2018
72
33rd
Like in Broadcast News, Brooks takes common character archetypes and polishes them into something special. Making use of a solid cast delivering natural performances, Brooks creates familiar characters that are uniquely well-crafted and smartly written. The movie is left down by its schmaltzy and overly repetitive score, as well as its manipulative tear-jerking turn (and some dated sexual politics), but for the most part, it's enjoyable just to hang around the characters in their world.
Rated 13 Jul 2018
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 10 Aug 2013
90
92nd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAMs1ubC9ak
Rated 10 Aug 2013
eatbeanseatbeans
Rated 13 Jul 2022
7
61st
Very melodramatic and sad but well acted.
Rated 13 Jul 2022
rufamRufam
Rated 23 Oct 2011
70
57th
Brooks' films are purposefully prim in order to appeal to a larger audience, but I like them anyway, because they always brim with sharp dialogue and sublime performances. This is the case with "Terms of Endearment", a largely superficial, but nevertheless touching and enjoyable dramedy that features exceptional turns from MacLaine, Winger, Nicholson and Co. If it feels too much like a sitcom sometimes, it compensates thanks to a strong script, witty banter and relatable characters.
Rated 23 Oct 2011
rttntomatoesrttntomatoes
Rated 22 Dec 2013
87
69th
A classic tearjerker, Terms of Endearment isn't shy about reaching for the heartstrings -- but is so well-acted and smartly scripted that it's almost impossible to resist.
Rated 22 Dec 2013
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 21 Feb 2009
7
57th
I won't lie, I watched it for Jack. Brooks relies too much on his script, with an ending and score (ooh God, that damn piano tune) feeling a bit mawkish. I enjoyed it for what it was, 1983 seemed like a boring year for films though.
Rated 21 Feb 2009
oaicoaic
Rated 06 Jan 2021
0
3rd
This is my least favourite movie of all time. Everything about it seemed like an obvious, cynical Oscar grab. You could program a computer to make an Oscar-winning movie and it would come up with something more human and honest than this. It sort of ruined good movies for me. Nowadays, I only watch big-budget action flicks, because at least those are honest about what they are.
Rated 06 Jan 2021
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 29 May 2010
75
44th
It covers all its bases well, it's funny, it's touching, it's got joys and sorrows and great performances. The whole isn't quite the sum of it's parts, however, as the most memorable parts are the most manipulative/
Rated 29 May 2010
cestmoicestmoi
Rated 18 May 2008
85
72nd
Loved it. The scene where Shirley MacLaine yells at the nurses for her daughter's meds is heartbreaking.
Rated 18 May 2008
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 06 Jul 2011
90
80th
Yo! don't spoil movies in your reviews. That's really uncool. Anyway, this is a great movie, the end of a trilogy that I like to call the "Lifetime Trilogy", which also features Kramer vs Kramer and Ordinary People. Brooks makes sure you fall in love with the characters so that when shit happens (If you want to know what that shit is just read one of these reviews because I guarantee one of them will have a spoiler), it hits on an even harder emotional level.
Rated 06 Jul 2011
jeg2jeg2
Rated 16 May 2008
60
52nd
a bit over-emoted, but still entertaining
Rated 16 May 2008
kavuKavu
Rated 15 Oct 2019
78
63rd
Does a lot of things right with character development, acting and directing. The story just needs some coherence.
Rated 15 Oct 2019
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 03 Jul 2011
79
70th
a good woman oriented drama that doesn't skimp on the star power, and heavily lays down a good enough story to push it up there. the ending is obviously crafted to jerk out the tears, but is ultimately unsucessful due it's stereotypical nature in this genre. if it would had continued on it's tracks of simply providing a good life story rather than trying to pull out the big guns for an unnecessarily sad ending we would have had a real keeper.
Rated 03 Jul 2011
1linerpixie1linerpixie
Rated 28 Dec 2008
99
91st
Big fan of this trio: Nicholson, Winger, and MacLaine.
Rated 28 Dec 2008
farzanFarzan
Rated 03 Mar 2008
87
86th
This is a great film, and I wish I had liked it more than I did, but it seemed to be a little flawed. But for the most part, Terms of Endearment is a hilarious, and yet depressing film. Nicholson and Winger are great but MacLaine steals the show in an amazing performance. A great film!
Rated 03 Mar 2008
yoshinarutoYoshinaruto
Rated 14 Feb 2018
65
55th
Great performances, and the casting of MacLaine and Nicholson is great, but making Emma a bit more likable would have helped a lot. It's because of this I wasn't exactly sold on this as a tearjerker.
Rated 14 Feb 2018
nancysidnancysid
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
25th
chick flick.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
filliganFilligan
Rated 16 Feb 2007
90
78th
It's an actor's piece, and a touching story. Thank you, Jack, for the much-needed comic relief. Another Oscar well-deserved.
Rated 16 Feb 2007
andrandr
Rated 16 Oct 2018
76
30th
bitter
Rated 16 Oct 2018
jhmclellanjhmclellan
Rated 14 Aug 2007
30
4th
I don't do funerals, and I don't go to the movies to watch what is essentially one long funeral.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
stainStain
Rated 16 Sep 2008
60
47th
Don't wave the Oscar at me, OK? I was and am still nonplussed by this movie
Rated 16 Sep 2008
angelaminxangelaminx
Rated 16 Oct 2009
100
96th
Love the mother daughter dynamic of this movie. Jack is the cherry on top.
Rated 16 Oct 2009
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 16 Jun 2022
40
3rd
Shethinkshescheatingsocheatslikingthatshedoesntknowlol+wishitwasjustaboutthemomandjack+shediesofcancer
Rated 16 Jun 2022
castlevania2Castlevania2
Rated 18 Nov 2014
65
4th
Wow... what a steaming load. It won Oscars, too!
Rated 18 Nov 2014
glm01glm01
Rated 22 Oct 2013
80
64th
80.000
Rated 22 Oct 2013
westknifewestknife
Rated 22 Sep 2009
46
15th
Sums up the cinematic shittiness of the 80s pretty well. The only good parts are Jack Nicholson hitting on various ladies.
Rated 22 Sep 2009
lady_moeLady Moe
Rated 16 Apr 2011
98
96th
I remember seeing this movie a few years ago and not having much to say about it. Now, years later, I connect with it so much more. It's so real. So very authentic. A fantastic screenplay and outstanding performances by the entire cast brings the story so close to home.
Rated 16 Apr 2011
piratejasonPirateJason
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
72nd
Not my cup of tea, but it is a good film.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
irvinejumpirvinejump
Rated 23 Jan 2009
5
3rd
oh god, NO
Rated 23 Jan 2009
schizotoastschizotoast
Rated 11 Sep 2011
49
20th
Overrated Lifetime movie with CLOUT. Also Jack Nicholson.
Rated 11 Sep 2011
kadikoykadikoy
Rated 30 Mar 2020
80
89th
Kendini iyi hisset filmi. Eşini yeni kaybeden 1 eş, kızının evlenmesini istemez. Kızı evlenip evden uzaklaşınca hayatına yeni insanlar yardımcı olur. Konu içinde konu çıkan 1 film olduğu için Oscar'ı cebine attı. Eğlenceli olduğu kadar da duygusal. Biraz pembe dizi gibi. Oyunculukların hepsi çok iyi. Filmin sonunda, kızımız hayatını kaybediyor. Yatmadan önce lambayı kapatıyoruz.
Rated 30 Mar 2020
chemical404chemical404
Rated 02 Aug 2013
51
41st
Female lead characters are supposed to be quirky, but I found them annoying more than anything. Same with the story - it left me indifferent. Although it is not a generic tearjerker, it is still melodrama, and I don't like those.
Rated 02 Aug 2013
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 01 Mar 2007
70
82nd
Great film.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
mandymandy
Rated 10 Sep 2019
6
44th
Watchable and moving but lacks a little something to be really great.
Rated 10 Sep 2019
jsteffey88jsteffey88
Rated 18 Nov 2010
85
74th
Good cast, good story, and overall good film. I adore the realistic view about a family and its long-time relationship about growing up, marriage, children, and family. I love its real humor about how life is not always, and shouldn't, by the books or movies. Shirley MacLaine Debra Winger really demonstrate examples of hard-working mothers most know or are in relation to one such. I hope James L. Brooks will direct more films like this.
Rated 18 Nov 2010
pompousasspompousass
Rated 21 May 2009
20
44th
James Brooks's first feature seems somewhat presumptuous, or maybe just overgeneralized, about the bond between a single mother and an only daughter (MacLaine and Winger, respectively), as though no special insight were called for. None is called for very often, in any event, since the movie chooses to concern itself not so much with the mother-daughter relationship as with the mother's relationships, on the one hand, and the daughter's relationships on the other.
Rated 21 May 2009
gnalkhereGnalkhere
Rated 04 May 2021
75
59th
Theme song slaps
Rated 04 May 2021
glmglm
Rated 10 Jan 2011
84
77th
83.667
Rated 10 Jan 2011
caimancaiman
Rated 22 Nov 2015
55
18th
There's nothing particularly bad about this movie - it's got decent acting and a thoughtful script. It just really did nothing for me.
Rated 22 Nov 2015
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 10 Nov 2021
73
47th
I enjoyed parts of it: MacLaine and Winger are fantastic, even if their characters are a little oddly written. Jack is good, but wins his Oscar in a weak category. It's nice to have some significant female characters after a string of misogynistic Best Picture Winners, but the melodramatic plot doesn't fully honor them. Also, the music is godawful soap opera schmaltz.
Rated 10 Nov 2021
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 20 Apr 2012
48
36th
I thought it had character at first, but it turns into a sappy melodrama. Too bad.
Rated 20 Apr 2012
childintimechildintime
Rated 24 Jan 2010
35
25th
typical hollywood bullshit .. Nicholson is the only good thing about this movie.
Rated 24 Jan 2010
filmdotfilmdot
Rated 06 Jul 2010
90
78th
Wow. A great film. I don't know why... but the only way I can describe it is an epic relationship film.
Rated 06 Jul 2010
leemarvinsleemarvins
Rated 25 Aug 2019
40
18th
Mawkish beyond belief.
Rated 25 Aug 2019
thmertensth_mertens
Rated 01 Nov 2009
78
76th
A movie which is able to grasp and entertain with such a normal story. Normal because of it's banality. ... Without falling into absurdity, Terms Of Endearment really tells a story.
Rated 01 Nov 2009
mechatiggerMechatigger
Rated 11 Dec 2009
71
50th
Superbly acted, hugely popular comedy-drama.
Rated 11 Dec 2009
frederikaFrederikA
Rated 21 Sep 2010
65
58th
For the simple reason of this being the oestrogen-soaked movie, about strong independent women and castrated men, that DIDN'T make me want to do horrible, horrible things to myself, it deserves a standing ovation. The overall story seemed a bit scattered, trying to cover the daughter's entire life while painting a complex portrait of the mother, but is brilliant acting through and through.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
dustydDustyd
Rated 16 Sep 2007
75
79th
Effective character piece.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
angliche92Angliche92
Rated 29 Apr 2013
73
45th
I almost wept because one of the characters (the second son of Emma) reminded me of my brother. Good movie
Rated 29 Apr 2013
zipsterZipster
Rated 11 Aug 2014
95
92nd
James L. Brooks' quintessentially bittersweet estrogen shot is a showbiz feat, with its high comic flair, its skill with bittersweet dramaturgy and its star turns for the cast. This is a movie with hard emotional scenes and immense laughs, and together it's so resolutely at home in its pitch that we believe we're seeing real people.
Rated 11 Aug 2014
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 08 Mar 2011
72
78th
Ohhh, dark. The film most like O Lucky Man that I least expected to be like O Lucky Man. Was any of it supposed to be taken at face value? Obviously the people thinking this was Hollywood watched a completely different movie. Perhaps the wittiest use of soundtrack encountered; even beyond Todd Solondz. Debra Winger foreshadowing Zooey Deschanel was a nice touch.
Rated 08 Mar 2011

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