Ordinary People: An Insightful Drama with Donald Sutherland

Ordinary People is a powerful and moving drama starring Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore. Released in 1980, it tells the story of a family struggling to cope with the death of their son in a boating accident. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Redford), Best Adapted Screenplay (Alvin Sargent) and Best Supporting Actor (Timothy Hutton). It’s an emotionally intense movie that truly captures the fragility and strength of family relationships. The performances are all top-notch, led by Sutherland and Moore as the parents who are trying to come to terms with the tragedy. Hutton also gives an incredible performance as the surviving son. All in all, Ordinary People is an unforgettable drama about hope, resilience and family bonds. The next part of this review will discuss the plot and themes of this classic movie.

Ordinary People Review

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Ordinary People, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore and Judd Hirsch, is an Oscar-winning drama about a family struggling to cope with their son’s death. This 1980 classic is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as the powerful story unfolds.

Key Features:
1. Starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore and Judd Hirsch
2. Oscar-winning drama
3. Powerful story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats
4. Explores complex emotions around grief and recovery
5. Deeply moving and emotionally resonant

Ordinary People is a must-see for any film aficionado. It’s an emotional roller coaster that explores complex feelings of grief and recovery in a way that will have you gripped from start to finish. Featuring exceptional performances from all three leading actors, this movie is sure to tug at your heartstrings as it dives deep into the psyche of its characters. The story is deeply moving and emotionally resonant – an unforgettable journey of love and loss. Whether you’re looking for an Oscar-winning drama or simply want to be moved by a great story, Ordinary People won’t disappoint!

Product Details

Product Name Actor Director
Ordinary People Donald Sutherland Robert Redford
Release Date April 18, 1980 (USA)
Genre Drama/Romance
Family Film/Coming of Age Story
Awards Won Academy Award for Best Picture, Academy Award for Best Director, Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama, and BAFTA Award for Best Film.

Ordinary People Pros and Cons

Pros:
1. Ordinary People is an Academy Award-winning drama that captures the struggles of a family dealing with loss and grief.
2. It stars Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch and Timothy Hutton in one of his first roles.
3. This movie offers a realistic and moving portrayal of how people cope with tragedy, showing the strength of family bonds in times of difficulty.
4. The powerful performances by the cast will make you feel for the characters as they try to overcome their grief.
5. The film deals with heavy topics such as depression, but does so in a thoughtful way without being overly depressing or sentimental.

Cons:
1. Some viewers may find the pacing of the movie to be a bit slow at times.
2. The film may also seem dated to some due to its 1980s setting and fashion choices.
3. The ending may leave some unsatisfied if they were expecting a more dramatic resolution.
4. The dialogue can be a bit expository at times, which makes it feel less naturalistic than other films from this era.

Who are They for

Ordinary People is a 1980 American drama film that tells the story of Calvin and Beth Jarrett, an affluent couple whose lives are changed forever when their son, Conrad, survives a boating accident but his brother does not. Directed by Robert Redford and starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton, Ordinary People was released to critical acclaim and earned four Academy Awards including Best Picture.

The film follows the Jarretts as they come to terms with the aftermath of their tragedy. After Conrad’s suicide attempt, Calvin and Beth must balance their obligations to each other while trying to help their son heal. As they struggle to restore order in their lives, they’re forced to confront their own inner demons and ultimately redefine what it means to be a family.

Ordinary People is an emotionally powerful film that tackles difficult topics such as grief and mental health with sensitivity and insight. The performances of Sutherland, Moore, Hirsch, and especially Hutton are all top-notch and help make this movie an unforgettable experience. It’s also worth noting that this was Redford’s directorial debut, which only adds to its impressive legacy. If you’re looking for a thoughtful drama about the complexities of family relationships, then Ordinary People is a must-see.

My Experience for Ordinary People

Ray Cooley

I recently watched the movie, Ordinary People, starring Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore. I was absolutely blown away by this movie. It’s a powerful drama about family dynamics and relationships, with an intense level of emotion that truly gripped me from start to finish.

The story follows the lives of a suburban family as they try to cope with the death of their son, and the subsequent emotional turmoil that ensues. As I watched, I found myself feeling deeply moved by this family’s struggles and successes. The performances were all top notch, with Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore both delivering strong performances.

The film also features some beautiful cinematography which captures the mood perfectly. The contrast between the bright sunny days and dark, stormy nights is particularly striking.

Overall, Ordinary People is a must-watch for anyone looking for an emotionally gripping drama. It’s one of those rare films that really gets under your skin and stays with you long after it ends. Highly recommended!

 

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. No captions: The movie does not include subtitles or captions for people who are hard of hearing or have difficulty understanding the dialogue.
2. Plot is slow-moving: The plot moves very slowly and some viewers may find it difficult to stay focused on the movie.
3. Characters lack development: Some of the characters in the movie are underdeveloped and do not fully explore their individual personalities.
4. Long runtime: The movie has a two hour and thirteen minute runtime, which may be too long for some viewers.

How to Take Responsibility for Our Actions with Ordinary People

Ordinary People is a 1980 American drama film that tells the story of a family struggling with the aftermath of a tragedy. The film stars Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton, and was directed by Robert Redford. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

This movie is an emotional roller coaster that will make you think about how we take responsibility for our actions. Through the characters, we can learn how to be kind and understanding to those who are struggling and how to deal with grief. Here are some tips on how to take responsibility for our actions with Ordinary People:

  • Be honest: The movie shows us the importance of being honest about our feelings and struggles. Letting people know what we are going through can help us work through it and prevent further pain or misunderstanding.
  • Take time to heal: Grieving takes time, and it is important not to rush the process. Take time to process your emotions in order to move forward in a healthy way.
  • Accept help: We all need support during difficult times, so don’t be afraid to accept help when it is offered. Talking with friends, family, and even professionals can help us cope with our emotions.
  • Be compassionate: Compassion is key in any relationship. Showing understanding can help others feel validated in their experiences and provide comfort during trying times.

The lessons learned from watching Ordinary People can help us become better people. With these tips, we can learn how to take responsibility for our actions, show compassion towards others, and heal in healthy ways.

Questions about Ordinary People

 

What is Ordinary People?

Ordinary People is an Academy Award-winning drama based on the novel by Judith Guest. The movie stars Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton in a story of how a family deals with the aftermath of a tragic accident.

Is Ordinary People suitable for all ages?

No, this movie is rated PG and some scenes may not be suitable for younger viewers. Parental guidance is recommended.

Does Ordinary People have any awards?

Yes! Ordinary People won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Timothy Hutton), and Best Adapted Screenplay.

What themes does Ordinary People explore?

Ordinary People explores many important themes such as family dynamics, grief, guilt, and mental health. The movie is a thoughtful examination of how people cope with tragedy and how it can affect relationships.

Where can I watch Ordinary People?

Ordinary People is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube and other streaming platforms.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!

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