The Story of Us

1999, Comedy/Drama, 1h 34m

117 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

A lack of chemistry between Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer fatally undermines the dull and predictable Story of Us. Read critic reviews

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The Story of Us Photos

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Movie Info

After 15 years of marriage, Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her husband, Ben (Bruce Willis), have grown apart. While they keep up the facade of having a contented marriage, mostly 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. Can they find enough that's positive in their marriage to keep it going?
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Rob Reiner
  • Producer:
    Jessie Nelson, Rob Reiner, Alan Zweibel
  • Writer:
    Alan Zweibel, Jessie Nelson
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $27.1M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Polygram, MCA/Universal Pictures [us], Universal Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

Cast & Crew

Bruce Willis
Ben Jordan
Michelle Pfeiffer
Katie Jordan
Tim Matheson
Marty
Rob Reiner
Stan
Rita Wilson
Rachel
Paul Reiser
Dave, Ben's Literary Agent
Julie Hagerty
Liza
Colleen Rennison
Erin Jordan at Ten
Jake Sandvig
Josh Jordan at Twelve
Jayne Meadows
Dot
Tom Poston
Harry
Betty White
Lillian Jordan
Red Buttons
Arnie Jordan
Rob Reiner
Director
Alan Zweibel
Writer
Jessie Nelson
Writer
Frank Capra III
Executive Producer
Tammy Glover
Associate Producer
Jessie Nelson
Producer
Rob Reiner
Producer
Jeffrey Stott
Executive Producer
Alan Zweibel
Producer
Eric Clapton
Original Music
Marc Shaiman
Original Music
Michael Chapman
Cinematography
Alan Edward Bell
Film Editing
Robert Leighton
Film Editing
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for The Story of Us

All Critics (117) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (31) | Rotten (86)
Full Review… Richard Corliss TIME Magazine Full Review… Stephen Hunter Washington Post Full Review… Noel Murray AV Club Full Review… Anthony Lane New Yorker Full Review… David Stratton At the Movies (Australia) Full Review… Peter Travers Rolling Stone Full Review… Brian D. Johnson Maclean's Magazine Full Review… Tom Sander South Florida Sun-Sentinel Full Review… Dennis King Tulsa World Full Review… Independent Staff Independent on Sunday Full Review… Leah Rozen People Magazine Full Review… David Sterritt Christian Science Monitor
View All Critic Reviews (117)

Audience Reviews for The Story of Us

  • Jun 11, 2014
    A bit slow-moving, but it was unique. There are movies with similar plots, but none done quite like this one. It was very believable and real.
    Erin C Super Reviewer
  • Oct 03, 2010
    Ben and Katie Jordon (Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer) are a couple who after 15 years of being married to each other, are trying to figure out what has gone wrong in his marriage. They want to separate, but decide to stick around for the sake of their children. While their kids are away at summer camp, they reflect over how they met each other in flashback and present day and the good and bad times they had. Close friends of the couple (Rita Wilson, Rob Reiner) chime in with their observations. When all is said and done, will the couple uncover any reasons to stay together?
    Deb S Super Reviewer
  • Oct 29, 2009
    This has to be 1 of the greatest romantic dramadys of all time.I LOVE this movie
    Brody M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 11, 2008
    Hey...If I want relationship trouble I'll get a wife and start picking on all that she does. Pfeiffer was good though.
    Martin S Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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