Ron Howard‘s comedy-drama Parenthood, released in theaters on August 2, 1989, is a sprawling, deeply human, and often hilarious look at the joys and struggles of raising a family. With a stellar ensemble cast and a script that perfectly captures the mundane and the magnificent moments of family life, the film became a classic for its relatable and honest portrayal of the greatest challenge of all: being a parent.
The film revolves around the large and chaotic Buckman family, headed by the warm and wise patriarch Frank Buckman (Jason Robards).
The central focus is on his son, Gil Buckman (Steve Martin), a loving but overwhelmed father of three who feels like he’s failing his family, particularly his sensitive and troubled son, Kevin. Gil’s story is one of constant stress and anxiety, as he tries to balance his career with his overwhelming parental duties.
The film weaves together multiple storylines, each exploring a different facet of parenthood. Gil’s sister, Helen (Dianne Wiest), is a single mother raising two teenagers: the rebellious Julie (Martha Plimpton) and the quiet, withdrawn Garry (Joaquin Phoenix, as Leaf Phoenix).
Another sister, Susan (Harley Jane Kozak), is married to Nathan (Rick Moranis), a quirky and over-the-top intellectual who is trying to raise their daughter as a super-genius.
The black sheep of the family, Larry (Tom Hulce), shows up with his own set of problems, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamic.
The narrative is not driven by a single plot but by the interconnected dramas of each family member. We see the struggles of dealing with rebellious teenagers, the anxiety of raising a child with special needs, the pressure of living up to parental expectations, and the pure, unadulterated joy that comes with raising kids.
The film features a supporting cast that includes Keanu Reeves in an early role, adding to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.
The story moves towards a central theme: that there is no such thing as a perfect parent, and that love, patience, and a sense of humor are the only things you really need to survive.
Rick Moranis and Steve Martin in Parenthood (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for Parenthood
Parenthood grossed $14.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $126 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Parenthood is celebrated for its incredibly authentic and relatable script, which was praised for its unflinching look at the challenges and rewards of raising children. The film’s ensemble cast, led by Martin’s nuanced and heartfelt performance, is universally acclaimed.
The film’s enduring appeal lies in its message that, despite all the chaos and imperfections, family is what makes life meaningful. It stands as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences who recognize their own messy, loving, and beautiful families on screen.
