Is Ordinary People Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Ordinary People is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 124 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Ordinary People Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1980, Ordinary People emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Unlike standard genre fare, Ordinary People attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ordinary People features a noteworthy lineup led by Donald Sutherland . Supported by the likes of Mary Tyler Moore and Judd Hirsch , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Ordinary People (1980) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.5/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Ordinary People Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Ordinary People is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Ordinary People Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Ordinary People resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Ordinary People demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Ordinary People?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Ordinary People Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $54.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ordinary People Budget
The estimated production budget for Ordinary People is $6.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Ordinary People
- Donald Sutherland – Calvin Jarrett
- Mary Tyler Moore – Beth Jarrett
- Judd Hirsch – Dr. Berger
- Timothy Hutton – Conrad Jarrett
- M. Emmet Walsh – Swim Coach
Top Highlights
Donald SutherlandCalvin Jarrett
Mary Tyler MooreBeth Jarrett
Judd HirschDr. Berger
Timothy HuttonConrad Jarrett
M. Emmet WalshSwim Coach
Elizabeth McGovernJeannine Pratt
Dinah ManoffKaren
Fredric LehneLazenby
James B. SikkingRay Hanley
Basil HoffmanSloan
Where to Watch Ordinary People Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Ordinary People is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, Ordinary People stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1980 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ordinary People movie hit or flop?
Ordinary People is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Ordinary People worth watching?
Yes, Ordinary People is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Ordinary People online?
Ordinary People may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Ordinary People Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Ordinary People
_**Potent drama with Hutton, Sutherland, Moore and Hirsch**_ A family in an affluent neighborhood north of Chicago tries to recover after a tragedy. Timothy Hutton plays the troubled son who gets help from a therapist (Judd Hirsch) while Donald Sutherland & Mary Tyler Moore play the seemingly okay parents. “Ordinary People” (1980) was Robert Redford’s debut movie in the director’s chair and it was a huge success. The story is two-pronged: It’s a coming-of-age drama about the anxious son at home, school, therapy and his relationships with the fairer sex, as well as a marital drama about the parents. This was Hutton’s first theatrical movie, but you wouldn’t know that by his powerhouse performance, which is on the level of Brando. It’s interesting how simple, realistic drama can be more compelling than some overblown “blockbuster” with an explosion every five minutes. Winsome Elizabeth McGovern is a highlight as one of the girls the son dates. On the negative side, the storm sequences are pretty artificial, reminiscent of a TV flick, and the story almost drowns in its unrelenting drama in the last act (I said “almost”). The film runs 2 hours, 4 minutes, and was mostly shot in suburbs north of Chicago, e.g. Lake Forest and Highland Park. GRADE: B
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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