Rating: 
Summary: One of the greatest movies ever.
Review: When the movie begins it appears that Timothy Hutton has real problems but as the story unfolds you find that his questions about life and why things in life happen are the essence of reality and that it is the "ordinary people" who are blind. His journey for answers and his family facing tragedy are the greatest I have ever seen in a movie. The reality is perfect, the tenseness and quiet at the dinner table and on and on looks and feels and sounds like life is and not like a movie at all.The only reason I can see that it did not make the top 100 american movies is that it is too good to be on that list and has the feel of something greater and more meaningful and touching than just a movie. In my opinion Timothy Hutton's performance is the greatest by a teenager in a movie ever. It was the perfect role and a perfect film that has to be seen, totally original and better than all imitatiors by far.
Rating:
Summary: A Remarkable and Unforgettable Film
Review: I first saw ORDINARY PEOPLE when it came out in 1980. I was nineteen, and so moved by it that I couldn't get it out of my mind for days. I returned to it three times with various family members before it left town. It became (and remains) my favorite film of all time--out of over 1000 films I've seen since 1974. I consider it to be Robert Redford's finest effort. His thoughtful and sensitive directing set a standard of excellence he has yet surpass (though his direction of A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT comes closest). The screenplay, the actors, the music, the incredible story by Judith Guest--all of them added up to a powerful and unforgettable film. The flawless performances of Donald Sutherland (cast against type), Judd Hirsch and Timothy Hutton were remarkable. And Mary Tyler Moore fantastic performance should well have earned her the Oscar for Best Actress that year! (as much as I enjoyed Sissy Spacek in COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER). Even the small supporting roles are flawless, including Dinah Manoff, M. Emmett Walsh, James B. Sikking and the terrific debut of Elizabeth McGovern. ORGINARY PEOPLE is a "must see" movie, regrettable as it is that it didn't make the American Film Insitute's top 100, but it did win Best Picture! But I've raved enough--just see this film!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Films Ever Made!
Review: Robert Redford's adaptation of Judith Guest's probing novel about a young man "powerless and in the grips of circumstance" (a quote from the movie) is a grand achievement in all of cinema. I was so moved to see the exotic tapestry of performances by the legends of Hollywood so masterfully served by a great actor and director in Redford. Hutton gives his best performance and Mary Tyler Moore breaks the typecast of her Dick Van Dyke image to haunt viewers for some time. Donald Sutherland, ever introspective, probably lands the mark so superbly in an understated but mystifying character of rich detail coming to the grips that his wife died inside with the death of her eldest son. Judd Hirsch, the bohemian psychiatrist, is dazzling with his one-liners hitting the core of the human soul of Hutton to reveal a sublime confusion and guilt of living while another dies in tragedy. The suicidal episode captured on film by Hutton with Hirsch is heartstoppingly accurate. I really wonder if Redford had ever entertained such a notion of mortality for filming such an exact feeling. I am inclined to agree the film is a clinic in the art of directing, acting, writing, and producing; you will never find a sounder piece of work in film. Only the film "The Crying Game" has a similar intensity of purpose though is a notch or two below Redford's masterpiece. Quiz Show was brilliant too....but Ordinary People was anything but Ordinary--it was Art!Cameron Xavierra Rowe, CEO, Crescent Moon Productions The film should be required viewing for all ambitious young directors. -CXR
Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Films Ever!
Review: An incredible portrayal of a family struggling to overcome the deepest of emotional struggles. You won't find better acting...Mary Tyler Moore was superb as the superficial, manipulative mother, and Timothy Hutton's Oscar-winning performance will captivate even the most hard-hearted viewer. An impressive script, based on a phenomenal novel, and the music (Pachelbel's Canon) is the icing on the cake. My all-time favorite, without rival!
Rating: 
Summary: ordinary people????//
Review: i have seen this movie more than 5 times but i never really understood it
Rating:
Summary: FAMILY DRAMA AT ITS BEST
Review: "Ordinary People" is a haunting story of one family's deterioration in the aftermath of tragedy. After the oldest son is killed in a boating accident on Lake Michigan his parents and younger brother are left to deal with their loss - each in their own way. The father, Calvin (Sutherland), trys to reach out to his emotionally crippled wife, Beth (Tyler-Moore), only to find a wall of denial. The remaining son, Conrad (Hutton), feels he is to blame and in his guilt has attempted suicide. Upon his return home from a psychiatric hospital, Conrad tries to resume his life in the affluent Chicago suburb of Lake Forest. Some of his friends try to reach out to help him - others are coarse and insensitive - Conrad can't seem to respond to any of them - until he meets a girl from the other side of the tracks. Conrad's relationship with his psychiatrist (Hirsch) is heartwarming. Meanwhile, Calvin and Beth continue the charade which is their life until they can't pretend anymore. Each actor gave the best performances of their careers in this film - and Redford has crafted a restrained, deeply moving adaptation of Judith Guest's excellent novel while avoiding the pitfall of melodrama. This is one of my favorite movies - but it's hard to watch and will linger for days after.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Movies of all Times
Review: After reading the novel in highschool I was amazed to find out there was a movie version. The movie was a great adaption and deals with some really deep issues. A stunning performance by Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton and Donald Sutherland. Judd Hirsch is also good as the persistent, hard-loving psyhciatrist. A poignant portrayal of family bonds that are frayed, strained, and near the breaking point. A
Rating:
Summary: "Ordinary People" is an Extraordinary Film!
Review: This is probably the best book-turned-film I've ever seen. Viewing this movie can be a difficult emotional experience, but still an experience every person should have. I first saw "Ordinary People" on a youth retreat, which was designed to improve teen-agers' communication and family relationships. I've come back to it many times since then -- there's something extremely life-affirming amidst all the sadness and heartbreak. All of the performances are excellent, particularly Mary Tyler Moore's portrayal of the superficial mother -- a true departure for the "perky" actress. Get a box of tissues, read the novel, and watch this movie!
Rating:
Summary: I watch this movie when I need a good cry...
Review: I think Tim Hutton's Conrad is his best performance to date; Judd Hirsch, exceptional as Dr. Berger; and Donald Sutherland's Calvin is the father we all wish we had. This movie packs solid emotion and real meaning. It's my one true favorite movie...a must see.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: If you want to teach empathy--letting go of control for someone you care for, especially to adolescent boys, this is the film.
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