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Ordinary People (1980)

7.8
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Ratings: 7.8/10 from 24,065 users   Metascore: 85/100
Reviews: 255 user | 46 critic | 11 from Metacritic.com

The accidental death of the older son of an affluent family deeply strains the relationships among the bitter mother, the good-natured father, and the guilt-ridden younger son.

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(novel), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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Title: Ordinary People (1980)

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Won 4 Oscars. Another 20 wins & 9 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Dr. Tyrone Berger
...
...
Salan
...
...
Karen Aldrich
...
Joe Lazenby
...
Ray (as James B. Sikking)
...
Sloan
Quinn K. Redeker ...
Ward (as Quinn Redeker)
...
Audrey
Meg Mundy ...
Grandmother
Elizabeth Hubbard ...
Ruth
...
Stillman
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Storyline

Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

therapy | death | suicide | guilt | grief | See more »

Taglines:

some films you watch, others you feel. See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

27 February 1981 (Australia)  »

Also Known As:

Gente como uno  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$54,800,000 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Second back-to-back consecutive movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture that was a contemporary film drama about interpersonal relationships and family bonds. The previous winner the year before had been Kramer vs. Kramer. See more »

Goofs

When the car full of boys passes Jeannine making comments, they are traveling much faster than a person walks, but shown as being alongside her for much longer than a car at that speed would be beside a walking person. See more »

Quotes

Jeannine: Hey, you stand behind me in the choir, you sing well, you have a lot of energy.
Conrad "Con" Jarrett: Oh you do, I mean, I do?
Jeannine: I mean that's a good thing. I'm Jeannine Pratt.
Gail: And you're Conrad Jarrett, remember?
Conrad "Con" Jarrett: Yeah, right!
Jeannine: Well I'll see you around.
Conrad "Con" Jarrett: Bye.
Lazenby: [mocking Jeannine] You have a lot of energy!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in House M.D.: Simple Explanation (2009) See more »

Soundtracks

"Canon in D major"
Composed by Johann Pachelbel
Arranged for mixed voices by Noel Goemanne
Additional arrangement by Jean-François Paillard (as Jean-Francois Paillard)
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Unforgettable
12 December 2004 | by (Conn) – See all my reviews

I saw Ordinary People when I was very young and had a very difficult time with the storyline.However, even then I think I knew I was watching something simply remarkable. Even after all these years, it's impact has not lessened, which I guess is a mark of an incredible movie. The movie is among the most disturbing I've ever viewed and the performances, at least to me, are among the best. I can't imagine viewing this movie without feeling absolutely drained afterwards and I think I may have been a bit to young to fully appreciate it, but I can't imagine giving this anything but a 10, it was absolutely flawless in it's storytelling.

I do think though, that a certain element of maturity is needed to view this, there are few I know who have not been touched or upset by the story and if one is to young or just not in the right mood to handle the heaviness(as I wasn't at the time),they may not be able to fully appreciate it. I still know people who cannot sit through this and I understand why but I hope this movie will be viewed by many who can handle it, it's impact is fierce, all the performances are incredible and Mary Tyler Moore's performance is among the best of any female lead ever.


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