Today, I’ve chosen the 1983 drama, “Terms of Endearment,” which was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, and won five, including best picture.  Written, directed and produced by James L. Brooks, this tearjerker left an indelible impression on me when I was a kid, and now, as an adult and mom of two young boys, this film moves me in a way that only a parent can relate to.  In fact, the most poignant memories of this movie conjure up feelings that bring tears to my eyes as I write this review.

The story revolves around Aurora (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter, Emma (Debra Winger) who have a loving, yet volatile, relationship that is pushed to the brink as they’re faced with the trials and heartache of life.

Things become even more tense with this mother-daughter bond when Emma gets married, immediately upon graduating high school, to Flap Horton (Jeff Daniels), a man Aurora completely rejects, evidenced by the fact that she refuses to attend her daughter’s wedding.

As time passes, Emma and Flap find themselves struggling in Iowa, on Flap’s college professor’s salary.  And, when Emma gets pregnant with their third child she reaches out to her mom for money.  Not realizing Emma is several months pregnant, Aurora, tells her to get an abortion, further driving a wedge into their relationship.  Time passes, but, the financial problems and Flap’s brazen infidelity place a strain on Emma's marriage and she begins an adulterous affair with an older, married, man Sam Burns (John Lithgow). 

Meanwhile, Aurora begins her own tenuous sexual relationship with her next-door-neighbor of 15 years, the womanizing, alcoholic, Garrett Breedlove (Jack Nicholson).

Later, Emma’s marriage is derailed when Flap is caught having a fling with one of his students, Janice (Kate Charleson).   This is the straw that causes Emma to gather the kids, pack up her life and return to her mother's home in Houston.  But, their arrival doesn’t settle well with Garrett, so Emma reluctantly returns home to Iowa, hoping to reconcile with Flap.  Meanwhile, Garrett crushes Aurora when he ends their relationship.

After Flap accepts a teaching position in Nebraska, Emma ends her affair with Sam, and agrees to relocate with her husband.  Their marriage seems to be heading in the right direction when Emma discovers a shocking revelation; not only is Flap still having an affair with Janice, but the reason he moved his family to Nebraska was so he could be close to her.   As Emma fights for her self-respect, her life is thrown for a loop during a routine doctor’s visit when the doctor notices that Emma has two lumps under her armpit.  A biopsy is ordered and we discover that Emma has terminal cancer.

Sadly, because of the cancer, Emma’s health quickly deteriorates. During this time Aurora is very supportive and loving toward her daughter, even though inside she is devastated.   Garrett flies out to visit Aurora and the two rekindle their relationship.   Although the deadly cancer brings heartache and sadness to this dysfunctional family, ironically, it connects mother and daughter on a deeper level as we realize the depth and strength of the bond these two truly have.

Most Memorable Mom Moment: Emma’s two sons are in her hospital room to say goodbye.  Her oldest son, Tommy (Troy Bishop) is clearly angry and resentful toward his mom.  He can barely look at her.  But, even in his anger Emma reassures him that she loves him, and she knows that he loves her as well.  She goes on to tell him that when years pass he should not feel guilty that he never told her he loved her, because she’ll always know that he did. 

“Terms of Endearment” is a beautifully paced movie that is a must-see for all mothers.  You will be moved to tears and forced to think about your relationship with your children.   So, grab a bag of popcorn, pull up a box of tissues, and enjoy this amazing film; trust me, it’s worth the tears.