Ordinary People
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: September 18, 1980
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 61 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
42
Mixed:
7
Negative:
12
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
FranzHcriticJan 27, 2014
An absolutely blunt, realistic portrayal of American families. The story of how one seemingly 'perfect' family falls into despair as a string of tragedies befall them. Timothy Hutton and Mary Tyler Moore act out in two of what seems to be theAn absolutely blunt, realistic portrayal of American families. The story of how one seemingly 'perfect' family falls into despair as a string of tragedies befall them. Timothy Hutton and Mary Tyler Moore act out in two of what seems to be the perfect performances of the late 20th century. Donald Sutherland is the one who plays the most normal of the family, but Hutton and Tyler Moore have such a complexity to their respective roles it's impossible to believe she didn't win and he only received Best Supporting Actor, but I guess it's better than losing to De Niro in Raging Bull. I don't understand how he hasn't done anything at all recently.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
Pelen23Jul 19, 2014
Such a great film,.Although its reputation not deserving its best film oscar, no family drama has been this good. Redford may not be the greatest director. However he certainly knows how to analyse a dysfunctional drama. Mary Tylor Moore isSuch a great film,.Although its reputation not deserving its best film oscar, no family drama has been this good. Redford may not be the greatest director. However he certainly knows how to analyse a dysfunctional drama. Mary Tylor Moore is fantastic while Timothy Hutton deserves his oscar as Conrad.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
aurora1Nov 28, 2015
In 1981 Timothy Hutton won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for ORDINARY PEOPLE, the first movie directed by Robert Redford. The problem is... Hutton's character, Conrad Jarrett, was the protagonist of the story, so he should have won theIn 1981 Timothy Hutton won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for ORDINARY PEOPLE, the first movie directed by Robert Redford. The problem is... Hutton's character, Conrad Jarrett, was the protagonist of the story, so he should have won the Oscar for Best Actor! It looks like the Academy Awards' jury didn't want to act rudely towards Donald Sutherland, playing the role of Hutton's father, thus an actor much older than the 20 year old Timothy. Let's say that this was a severe case of excessive politeness. I hope Timothy Hutton again finds a movie as powerful as Ordinary People, and to finally win the Oscar he deserves.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
amheretojudgeJul 5, 2018
not so ordinary and not so people-alike..

Ordinary People 3 And A Half Out Of 5 Ordinary People is a plot driven feature about a writhing family that may or may not remain stable for a longer period and the journey that has got them here.not so ordinary and not so people-alike..

Ordinary People

3 And A Half Out Of 5

Ordinary People is a plot driven feature about a writhing family that may or may not remain stable for a longer period and the journey that has got them here. The scrutiny justifies the hype that is offered in here and not because of its complexity but its layered material that it brings along with it whether then it be its unexpected consequences or eerie perspective. It is short on technical aspects like background score, art design, sound department and cinematography although is perfectly edited. The writing is strong if not gripping, it's thought-provoking and intriguing enough to keep the audience invested in it. The adapted screenplay by Alvin Sargent is smart and has covered adequately every bits of the material without stretching it or over-stuffing it. Robert Redford; the director has done a decent work on pulling off this burdened dysfunctional family and their day-to-day life that is clearly not mundane. The performance by the lead cast is plausible like Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore who are supported nicely by Timothy Hutton and Judd Hirsch. Ordinary People is not so ordinary and not so people-like and yet is grounded with humane emotions and actions that helps the audience connect with them swiftly.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
Voodoo123Dec 29, 2022
Slow paced but moving drama with superior cinematography and intelligent screenplay. The superior cast elevate the basic plot.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
BroyaxOct 10, 2018
Robert Redford le mauvais acteur, s'est mis à la réalisation et il a sévi plusieurs fois à cet égard... il s'est spécialisé dans le genre nunuche à deux de tension et tous ses films se ressemblent et se rassemblent sous la bannière de laRobert Redford le mauvais acteur, s'est mis à la réalisation et il a sévi plusieurs fois à cet égard... il s'est spécialisé dans le genre nunuche à deux de tension et tous ses films se ressemblent et se rassemblent sous la bannière de la niaiserie, de l'hébétude et du drame à la petite semaine plus ou moins sirupeux...

Ainsi, ce premier film n'est-il qu'un vague téléfilm à deux balles qui a pour cadre un psychodrame familial dont l'ennui et la lourdeur dépassent largement la guimauve qu'il tente d'y insuffler. Il a étalé, il a étiré au maximum ce qui ne peut pas l'être ou ce qui tiendrait à peine en un épisode de télénovela ou de Santa Barbara (ça te barbera...).

D'ailleurs, on ne sait pas pourquoi on regarde ça ni pourquoi on devrait regarder ça, car ça sonne tellement creux, c'est si ridicule qu'on arrive pas à y croire... On reste là, sidéré, mortifié devant tant de vide, un vide que Robert tente de meubler comme un crevard pendant deux plombes !… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
JLuis_001Feb 11, 2020
I'd just said a few days ago that Quiz Show is Robert Redford's best film to date and I stand by that statement, even though this is also a very good film.

But that's not the point, the point is that I need someone to explain to me how thisI'd just said a few days ago that Quiz Show is Robert Redford's best film to date and I stand by that statement, even though this is also a very good film.

But that's not the point, the point is that I need someone to explain to me how this film was considered in any way superior to The Elephant Man and Raging Bull in the Oscars and how the hell Redford won the director's award over Lynch, Scorsese and Polanski.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
adnan_soysalSep 20, 2021
This movie is supposed to reflect psychological disturbances of a boy who lost his brother in a small sailing boat in a stormy sea, and he feels responsible, and guilty for the loss of him.
And then his mother's looses her affection againstThis movie is supposed to reflect psychological disturbances of a boy who lost his brother in a small sailing boat in a stormy sea, and he feels responsible, and guilty for the loss of him.
And then his mother's looses her affection against her husband and younger son after death her elder son.
Psychological disturbance of the boy as a result of guilt feeling is not convincing.
Mother displays a character of an order freak at home, and acts like a resentful robot against her son.
All acting in this movie looks amateurish. And plots are sooo boring.
From the beginning to end, for every actor, one feels that casting was wrong. No one is impressive. And I remember of nothing of the soundtrack if there was one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
georgeaukMay 1, 2021
This is the greatest family drama of all time. Just think they made the mother the villain! Talk about taking a chance. Besides Elliott in ET, Timothy Hutton gives the greatest juvenile performance of all time. I mean come on, he won theThis is the greatest family drama of all time. Just think they made the mother the villain! Talk about taking a chance. Besides Elliott in ET, Timothy Hutton gives the greatest juvenile performance of all time. I mean come on, he won the Oscar. Mary Tyler Moore took such a chance taking this role. This beat Raging Bull for the Best Picture Oscar, and why? Because it made people feel, deeply. The ending comes out of nowhere. Kramer vs. Kramer and American Beauty don't even come close to this FILM.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
Richard552Aug 11, 2022
It is short on technical aspects like background score, art design, sound department and cinematography although is perfectly edited.$1 to buy a Netflix account, Google search: vtvshare
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
toddgold38Jul 22, 2023
Ordinary People remains burned into my mind as one of the most powerful, gripping, and important movies I still can say that I have ever seen. When I first saw it as a young teenager, I finally realized what a movie could be and do. I'veOrdinary People remains burned into my mind as one of the most powerful, gripping, and important movies I still can say that I have ever seen. When I first saw it as a young teenager, I finally realized what a movie could be and do. I've always loved this film and I always will--it’s one of THOSE movies that if you allow yourself a little vulnerability, it can easily change your life forever....… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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