Terms of Endearment dazzled critics and audiences alike with its believable, insightful story of two captivating people, widow Aurora Greenaway (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter Emma (Debra Winger). From grand slapstick to deepest sentiment, director James L. Brooks masterfully paints scenes from their evolving 30-year relationship. Jack Nicholson turns in a great comic performance as MacLaine's neighbor, boisterous astronaut Garrett Breedlove.