The Way We Are (film)

The Way We Are is a 1973 American romantic drama film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. The film tells the story of Katie Morosky (Streisand), a politically active Jewish woman, and Hubbell Gardiner (Redford), a handsome, apolitical, WASP writer, and their complex and ultimately tragic love affair spanning several years, set against the backdrop of significant historical events like the Second World War, the Red Scare, and the rise of Hollywood.

The film explores themes of ideological differences, personal compromise, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship amidst social and political upheaval. Katie is portrayed as passionate and unwavering in her beliefs, while Hubbell is more pragmatic and adaptable, leading to inherent conflicts in their values and goals. Their relationship is depicted as both deeply loving and ultimately unsustainable due to these fundamental differences.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, but was a box office success. Barbra Streisand received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film also won Academy Awards for Best Original Song ("The Way We Were," sung by Streisand) and Best Original Dramatic Score. The song "The Way We Were" became a major hit and is closely associated with the film. The film is remembered for its iconic leads, its exploration of personal and political dynamics, and its memorable soundtrack.