| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Bruce Willis | ... | Ben Jordan | |
| Michelle Pfeiffer | ... | Katie Jordan | |
| Colleen Rennison | ... | Erin Jordan at Ten | |
| Jake Sandvig | ... | Josh Jordan at Twelve | |
| Casey Boersma | ... | Josh Jordan at Two and a Half | |
| Tim Matheson | ... | Marty | |
| Rob Reiner | ... | Stan | |
| Julie Hagerty | ... | Liza | |
| Rita Wilson | ... | Rachel | |
| Dylan Boersma | ... | Josh Jordan at Three | |
| Ken Lerner | ... | Dr. Rifkin | |
| Victor Raider-Wexler | ... | Dr. Hopkins | |
| Albert Hague | ... | Dr. Siegler | |
| Jayne Meadows | ... | Dot | |
| Tom Poston | ... | Harry | |
Ben and Katie married fifteen years ago and gifted with two children. They stay together but their hearts had separated long back. After the kids are send to summer camp both start living separately and eventually preparing to break news of their separation to the kids. But being alone in each one's own world makes them to think about the other. When the D-day comes Katie and Ben stick together for the good of their children. Written by Thejus Joseph Jose
When "The Story of Us" opened in 1999, the critical disdain was so overwhelming, that my fiancee and I opted not to see it. After all, the ads focussed on its romantic comedy aspects, directed by Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally), and starred Bruce Willis (who had just undergone a public divorce).
In retrospect, it's easy to assume why it got panned... this is NOT a romantic comedy, although there are comedic elements. Those expecting a Harry/Sally II would be clearly be disappointed. Those expecting some insight to Bruce Willis' marriage, too, would be disappointed. The film is neither of those things.
Of course, had the associations not existed, and the ad campaign refocussed its efforts, the film would be far better respected. That's why time will be very kind to this film.
Not everything works. Some scenes, like the language of the women, are too profanity-laced to sound like real women (making David Mamet's writing seem like Jane Austen by comparison). There's a terrible scene with Willis in a restaurant--unrealistic, unfunny.
Why then recommend the film? Because the agony, the depth of painful emotions, are real. Find a better acting job by Willis or Pfieffer. Find one!!! Can't be done.
Do you not see it? Do you not recognize that this film has one foot firmly planted in the light comedy world, and another foot firmly planted in the incredible realism (almost too realistic) angst of a failing marriage? Do you not see it? Do you not hear Reiner's concerns projected in the scene where Willis requests to Reiser his dream of writing a book on his grandmother--is this not Reiner saying that he WOULD go further with the serious story here, but the audience, too set by his own past achievements, will not let him? Is this not exactly what happened, when _Story of Us_ was released?
Don't be fooled. This is one serious movie. It should be required viewing for all engaged couples. It's a fantastic wake-up call. The circumstances that lead up to the arguments are simplified, but the emotions are raw. I repeat, time will be very kind to this movie.