This is one of best films ever made about love, family, and filial relationships.It is a movie that is utterly devoid of the schmaltz, sappy dialogue, and mushy sentimentality, you usually in stories of its kind.It's the divine absence of this, combined with the presence of dark humor, and spicy plot that makes this the gem that it is.Shirley McLaine, and Jack Nicholson are brilliant in their roles as Aurora Greenway, an irascible widowed mother, and Garrett Breedlove (her neighbor), a philandering, retired astronaut.Then there's Debra Winger as Aurora's daughter (I really think this is her best role ever), who's marriage to Flap Horton (Jeff Daniels) disintegrates as the story progresses.To properly summarize a movie like this is impossible because there are so many good things to be said about it.The romance between Aurora and Garrett, for instance, provides one of the funniest, most heartfelt, most well done subplots in history.Danny DeVito adds immensely in his role as Vernon Dahlart (one of Aurora's many admirers), as does John Lithgow in the role of Sam Burns, Emma's guilt-ridden, and adorable adulterous lover.Easily at the top of its genre, this movie deserved all the recognition that it got.Originally, Review #145Posted On: November 28, 2011.

The film follows Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine), controlling, sometimes abrasive, mother to daughter Emma (Deborah Winger), as the two deal with Emma's deteriorating marriage (of which Aurora disapproves) to ineffectual and unfaithful husband Flap (Jeff Daniels) and Aurora's own relationship with her libidinous, bon-vivant neighbour, ex-astronaut Garret Breedlove (Jack Nicolson). The 'comedy' primarily comes from Aurora's reaction to Garret's ribald, teasing demeanor (and later bold courting style) and her constant belittling of Flap; the drama from the sudden, tragic turn the story takes in the 'third act'. This is a purely character-driven movie, so if you really dislike Aurora, Garret, Emma, or Flap (and they give you a variety of reasons to do so), you will probably dislike the movie. The film racked up the Oscars (winning five of 11 nominations, including four of the 'top five' awards). MacLaine and Nicolson are very good although you can tell that Nicolson's role was written for him (the character is not in Larry McMurtry's book), he plays the same sly, roguish character that made him a star. The critics (and the Academy) loved the film, but I don't find that star-driven 'relationship' films like "Terms of Endearment" age very well - I may have liked the film more if I had watched it when it was released and not 35 years afterwards.

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.

This story is about ordinary people like us...who living a normal life or a real life...whats it's about...because this movie was crowned by Oscar and of course Shirley & Nicholson....each single movie of Nicholson have an special Midas touch, changing in a simple character on a big acting a few can be comparing Nicholson nowadays....Then this movie had a special treatment by the people who love this kind of story where they...laughing...crying...suffering and fighting for life like anybody else!!!