The performances were magnificent

I think both Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep did a great job. I really bought Dustin as the man finally learning how to be a dad and I found Meryl convincing as the desperate mum who is just trying to work out what's important to her.... She came across as a very immature and selfish woman just walking out on her son and then trying to drag him away from the only home he's ever known but I bought that in her mind it was the only option she had

Yep great performances all around in this one. But then again, this was back when making a film good was a real goal.