The Story of Us

This movie is not only for entertaining but it has a good value for any marriage couples who were facing difficulties to watch. The movie bought out things that we seem to forget in marriage life. Must watch before heading to divorce lawyer.

....THIS IS NOT THE STORY OF US! It is the story of a fictional couple Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her husband, Ben (Bruce Willis), who after 15 years of marriage, have grown apart. While they keep up the facade of having a contented marriage to not worry their children, they aren't happy together and argue frequently. While the kids are away at camp, Katie and Ben decide to separate and try to reassess their relationship to see if they should stay together or split up for good. If you don't want to watch a movie about us, watch one about this fictional couple....it is pretty good for 1999.

I really enjoyed it

While there is no accounting for difference of opinions about a film, sometimes there are core themes that viewers need to face. And "The Story of Us" holds up a wonderful, rich, powerfully performed, and subtle mirror of marriage and family that may not be what a viewer really wants to see reflected back to them. As a father of three sons who was essentially "forced" to accept divorce as the various therapists "solution," I strongly feel that this movie would have made at least a dent in their arguments. That is to say, "The Story of Us" dares to DEFY the politically, socially, culturally, and "modern" solution to marital "unhappiness" and stagnation: it "allows" the couple, Ben Jordan (played with great aplomb by Bruce Willis) and Katie Jordan (portrayed with enigmatic dexterity by Michelle Pfeiffer) to rediscover themselves and what is important to them.Marriage and family--the most critical social institutions of all societies--have become near "cultural lags" in todays world of rapid change and emphasis upon "taking care of yourself first." For most people today, fifteen years of marriage is "enough;" and the Jordan's feel the pressures of giving up to find "personal happiness." "The Story of Us" takes a subtle, sardonic, insightful look at how this couple struggles. It shows the power of "time outs" for couples: time where each spouse can introspectively examine themselves without the "pressures" of children under foot; and, in this case, without the other spouse as well. Yet, critics pan the film because they are "looking" for romance and sparks:"Willis and Pfeiffer, who should be flinty enough to strike sparks off each other, look glum and stony about the whole affair. All in all, a compelling argument for divorce."Well, folks, divorce is a glum and stony act, BUT such actions are NOT a compelling argument for divorce--unless of course you BELIEVE in divorce as the be all solution to boredom or being frazzled (which is what Ben and Katie Jordan are experiencing). Moreover, I can state emphatically, that I have suggested this movie to a number of couples experiencing the same things, and this movie provided them with great comic relief and a chance to really talk about their problems. As a former professor of classes on The Family, one of my primary text books was "Family Talk: Interpersonal Communication in the Family" by Steven A. Beebe and John Masterson (ISBN: 9780075548966), something I still strongly believe to be the foundation for the survival of marriage and family as institutions.Please note, that I am not suggesting that "The Story of Us" is a self-help movie. Rather, it is a very entertaining and subtle story that reflects real life. And, even if you have a healthy relationship and/or family, I think you will enjoy this movie if you give it a chance. That includes viewing "The Story of Us" not as a romantic or love story, but a story of marriage and family.Please Note: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.

this is a tough watch, at least for me. It ends good, but not sure it was worth it!! C+ RP

One of my fave movies..I know some ppl dont care for it, but I watched this over as a teen when my parent were going through their divorce. I think that's why I gravitated towards it ... i know the word by heart, sad I know lol

Two great actors making a heart-felt movie! This one is a classic!

In this day and age, many of us are getting comfort where we can find it- me in watching films depicting values of years past. Divorces, broken families, non-traditional families, etc are so common now, they have become "normal". This movie is just a gem of a period piece with stellar performances by Willis and Pfieffer. Very touching.I found myself watching this marveling at the naivete and simpleness of those times. A good one to watch with the young ones. They'll ask: Was life like that in the olden days? Why, yes, yes it was.

Delivered earlier than expected and good quality product.

Good film about a couple going through a rough patch in their relationship.It's an alright movie, I only watched it because of the actors in it, and would not watch it again.

Great Bruce Willis film. Him at his best. I already own on VHS, just replacing onto dvd.

Arrived as expected in perfect condition. Recommended by a friend. Watched immediately. Loved this film! Will keep it forever:-) A believable story. I Will keep this film forever.

Actually a lot more gutsy and realistic (emotionally) than I would have believed it could be. Would recommend to any couple, as a reminder of what's important in a relationship, in spite of arguments and differing views.