Watch Table for Five

Table for Five is a 1983 drama film starring Jon Voight, Richard Crenna, and Marie-Christine Barrault, directed by Robert Lieberman. The film tells a heartwarming story of an estranged father who reconnects with his children during a trip to Europe. Jon Voight plays the role of J. P. Tannen, a Hollywood writer who is struggling with alcoholism and a failed marriage. He has lost touch with his three children, Chris (Robby Kiger), Tricia (Roxana Zal), and Tilde (Son Hoang Bui), whom he hasn't seen in years. Tannen's ex-wife Kathleen (Millie Perkins) decides to take the children to Europe for a family vacation, but due to her sudden illness, she cannot accompany them. She persuades Tannen to take her place and look after the kids during the trip.

At first, Tannen is hesitant to take the responsibility, but he eventually agrees after a gentle nudge by his friend, Fred (Richard Crenna). As the trip begins, Tannen finds it challenging to connect with his children due to the long time they spent apart. The three children are not thrilled to be with their father, and they have their own issues to deal with.

Chris is a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional magician. He carries a deck of cards with him everywhere, perfecting his skills. Tricia is a teenage girl struggling to cope with body image issues and struggles with bulimia. Tilde is the youngest of the trio, fascinated by the sights and sounds of Europe, but still dealing with the pain of her mother's illness.

The tension between Tannen and his children continues until a boat ride on the River Seine in Paris. Tannen discovers that Tricia has been throwing up her meals and confronts her. After a heart-to-heart conversation, Tricia opens up about her struggles, and Tannen begins to understand his daughter better.

As the journey continues, Tannen starts to bond with his children. Tilde is especially fond of her father, and he teaches her how to play poker, which becomes their shared activity throughout the rest of the trip. Chris also starts to see his father in a new light after he rescues Chris's magician starter kit from being confiscated at the airport.

Throughout the film, Tannen struggles with his alcoholism and his need to find a connection with his children. He also has to deal with the ghosts of his past, including the dissolution of his marriage and his lack of success as a writer.

The film features stunning visuals of Europe, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the canals of Venice. The soundtrack, composed by James Horner, is a mix of pop ballads and symphonic pieces, adding to the emotional tone of the film.

Table for Five is a heartwarming and poignant film about family, love, and redemption. It reminds us of the importance of connecting with our loved ones, even when it's difficult. The performances by the cast are all compelling, especially Jon Voight's portrayal of a flawed, yet sympathetic character. The film is a hidden gem from the 80s that deserves more recognition than it received upon release.