Terms of Endearment (1983)

Terms of Endearment is a 1983 romantic comedy-drama film adapted by James L. Brooks from the novel by Larry McMurtry. Directed by James L. Brooks, starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson. It covers thirty years of the relationship between Aurora Greenway and her daughter Emma.

Aurora and Emma Greenway Horton are mother and daughter, both searching for love. Beginning with Emma's early childhood, Aurora reveals how difficult and caring she can be by nearly climbing into Emma's crib in order to make sure her daughter is breathing -- only to be reassured once Emma starts crying (after physically waking her up). The two have an extremely close love-hate relationship as Emma grows up.

The film follows both women across several years as each find their reasons for going on living and finding joy. Emma gets married immediately upon graduating High School in the Houston area, while her best friend Patsy continues on to college, eventually becoming successful and rich in New York City. Emma has two children that she and her husband, college professor Flap Horton, struggle to support in Des Moines, Iowa.

The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor for Jack Nicholson, and Best Actress for Shirley MacLaine, and four Golden Globes.