5 Stirring Dramas about Dysfunctional Families

5. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) Directed by Robert Benton, rated PG, 105 minutes

Kramer vs. Kramer is a moving and inspiring courtroom drama about a father who must learn to take care of his son after his wife leaves him. But, when his wife comes back, the father must fight to retain custody of his son. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep play the father and mother, and they couldn't be better. The courtroom scenes are powerful mainly because of the deep characters and fantastic acting. Kramer vs. Kramer is an intelligent film that takes a fair look at both sides of a divorce. You'll like it if: You like 70's cinema, Meryl Streep or To Kill a Mocking Bird.

4. Rachel Getting Married (2008) Directed by Jonathan Demme, rated R, 113 minutes

Rachel Getting Married is a compelling and smart indie film about a young woman who comes home, after going in and out of rehab for ten years, to celebrate her sister's wedding. Anne Hathaway delivers an honest and accurate performance as the guilty sister in rehab trying to to be happy at her sister's wedding. The story is a little tedious, but the poignant and powerful scenes outweigh the bad. Rachel Getting Married is a painfully honest film with a melancholy and exuberant mood. You'll like it if: You like indie dramas, Anne Hathaway or Happy-Go-Lucky.

3. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, rated PG-13, 118 minutes
What's Eating Gilbert Grape is deep and beautiful film about a grocery store employee who falls in love with a young woman coming through town, while taking care of his mentally handicapped brother and his morbidly obese mother. Johnny Depp gives a moving and desperate performance, and Leoardo DiCaprio gives an uncommonly accurate portrayal as the mentally handicapped brother. The film honestly looks at family that has so many things going against it, but the film never takes away their dignity. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a touching film that takes place in a depressing and bleak world. You'll like it if: You like movies about small towns, Johnny Depp or The Basketball Diaries.

2. American Beauty (1999) Directed by Sam Mendes, rated R, 122 minutes

American Beauty is a complex and sad yet humorous drama about a depressed and bored suburban father who during his mid-life crisis develops feelings for one of his teenage daughter's friends. The whole cast is great, especially Kevin Spacey who perfectly embodies the frustration and passion of his character. Director Sam Mendes produces a visually masterful film with an original style, and the writing is both entertaining and challenging. American Beauty is a beautiful and original film that offers an interesting portrayal of the American family, that will last with you for a long time. You'll like it if: You like 90's cinema, Revolutionary Road or The Usual Suspects.

1. The Squid and the Whale (2005) Directed by Noah Baumbach, rated R, 81 minutes
The Squid and the Whale is a bitterly funny and sadly shocking film about two brothers difficult time dealing with their parents' divorce in 1980's Brooklyn. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney are perfect as the parents as they're both likable but far from perfect. And, the kids couldn't be better. The story is based on writer-director Noah Baumbach's childhood, and the personal nature of the film really shows. The film perfectly mixes some dark humor in with an honest and depressing story of a family torn apart. The Squid and the Whale is an uncompromising and heartbreaking film that feels more like real life than a movie. You'll like it if: You like indie dramas, Little Miss Sunshine or The Savages.