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Movies / On DVD / Ordinary People
Ordinary People

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Ordinary People (1980)

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Reviews Counted:32

Fresh:29

Rotten:3

Average Rating:7.9/10

Consensus: Though shot through with bitterness and sorrow, Robert Redford's directorial debut is absorbing and well-acted.

Runtime: 2 hrs 4 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: Devastated by the loss of their older son, well-to-do suburban couple Calvin (Donald Sutherland) and Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) are trying to rebuild their lives after their younger son, Conrad... Devastated by the loss of their older son, well-to-do suburban couple Calvin (Donald Sutherland) and Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) are trying to rebuild their lives after their younger son, Conrad (Timothy Hutton), attempts suicide. While Beth, who always favored the elder son, retreats into an icy, emotionless shell, Calvin tries to draw Conrad back into the family and into life as a teenager. Conrad sings in the choir and returns to the swim team, but both his brother's death and his own experiences traumatize him. Conrad reluctantly begins therapy sessions with Berger (Judd Hirsch), which allow him some respite from the unbearable grief and guilt he carries with him. As Conrad makes strides, Calvin realizes that he no longer knows his wife and is both saddened and angered by how seemingly emotionless she has become. A classic portrait of family life in the face of tragedy, Robert Redford's award-winning directorial debut is moving and thought provoking. Based on the novel by Judith Guest, the film features the debuts of Timothy Hutton and Elizabeth McGovern as well as breakthrough performances from Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland. [More]

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, Judd Hirsch

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, Judd Hirsch, Basil Hoffman, Elizabeth McGovern

Director: Robert Redford

Director: Robert Redford
Composer: Marvin Hamlisch
Producer: Ronald Schwary

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Feb 3, 2009

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Reviews for Ordinary People

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21 - 33 (sorted by date)
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No review available.

comment Comment
06/04/04
Carol Cling
Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal

It works fairly on the screen, but holds none of the effectiveness of Guest's novel.

comment Comment
02/21/04
Greg Muskewitz
Greg Muskewitz
eFilmCritic.com

Redford never has topped his directorial debut.

comment Comment
11/05/03
John Urbancich
John Urbancich
Sun Newspapers of Cleveland

...an uncommonly rich and rewarding cinematic experience.

Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews | comment Comment
08/01/03
David Nusair
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews

No review available.

comment Comment
06/26/03
Josh Gilchrist
Josh Gilchrist
Billings Outpost (Montana)

No review available.

comment Comment
06/22/03
Bryant Frazer
Bryant Frazer
Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus

A moving, intelligent and funny film about disasters that are commonplace to everyone except the people who experience them.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
05/20/03
Vincent Canby
Vincent Canby
New York Times

This is a movie about emotional honesty, about the courage and emotional vocabulary that are necessary for the connections and intimacy we need to be able to survive challenges like the tragedy faced by this family.

Full Review Source: Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies | comment Comment
04/13/02
Nell Minow
Nell Minow
Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

A sensitive portrait about a young man struggling to regain equilibrium after his brother's death that helps us gain a fresh perspective on adolescence and adulthood.

Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | comment Comment
01/15/02
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice

despite its flaws, Ordinary People is a powerful depiction of the damage done when human beings can no longer communicate with those closest to them

Full Review Source: Q Network Film Desk | comment Comment
08/21/01
James Kendrick
James Kendrick
Q Network Film Desk

This is a film that will ring true many viewers. The ability of the film to touch 'ordinary' folk so strongly and honestly is the mark of a true classic.

Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
08/21/01
Ryan Cracknell
Ryan Cracknell
Apollo Guide

Somber and subtly depressing

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
08/13/01
Christopher Null
Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com

An uncomfortable film, one that leaves you aching for its characters. Expect a bit of a funk afterward.

Full Review Source: Flick Filosopher | comment Comment
01/01/00
MaryAnn Johanson
MaryAnn Johanson
Flick Filosopher
 
 
21 - 33 (sorted by date)
Text View | |< << 1 2
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