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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOrdinary People is Robert Redford’s 1980 drama about a family struggling after the death of an older son in a boating accident. Adapted from Judith Guest’s novel, it follows younger son Conrad as he faces guilt and suicidal distress, while his relationships with his parents and psychiatrist Dr. Berger come under strain.
What is Ordinary People about?
The Jarrett family is trying to live with the death of its older son. Conrad, the younger son, survives the boating accident but is left with guilt and suicidal feelings. His mother, Beth, and father, Calvin, respond to the loss in different ways, deepening the strain within the family. Psychiatrist Dr. Berger becomes an important source of support for Conrad.
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The drama centers on grief and the difficulty of speaking honestly about it within a family. Its focus is not the accident itself, but the consequences of loss for Conrad and his parents.
Is Ordinary People based on a book?
Yes. The film adapts Judith Guest’s novel of the same name. The American Film Institute’s catalog says Robert Redford acquired the film rights before the novel was published. Redford initially took on adapting and producing the material, then expanded his role to directing. He and screenwriter Alvin Sargent worked closely on the script, with feedback from Guest.
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#1 Best Overall
- Factory sealed DVD
The film and novel tell the same underlying family story, but the sources cited here do not establish detailed scene-by-scene differences. Readers looking for more of Guest’s original work can approach the novel as a companion rather than assume it is identical to the film.
Who made the film, and how long is it?
Robert Redford directed Ordinary People, and Alvin Sargent wrote the screenplay. Paramount and the AFI catalog list its running time as 124 minutes. AFI records the U.S. release date as September 19, 1980.
Rank #2
- Factory sealed DVD
What awards did Ordinary People win?
AFI Silver’s awards listing records four Academy Award wins:
- Best Picture
- Best Director for Robert Redford
- Best Adapted Screenplay for Alvin Sargent
- Best Supporting Actor for Timothy Hutton
The same listing records nominations for Mary Tyler Moore and Judd Hirsch.
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Rank #3
What is the film’s rating and content guidance?
Paramount and AFI list the film as R-rated in the United States. Ratings vary by jurisdiction: the British Board of Film Classification separately identifies strong language and a suicide theme. Viewers should consult the classification for their country if they need local guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you watch or buy Ordinary People?
Streaming availability and physical-edition inventory change by country and over time. The cited sources do not establish a current streaming service or a specific disc edition, so check local listings before choosing a platform or format.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Format: DVD
- Language: English, Commentary by Alan J. Pakula
- Subtitle: Spanish, Korean, None (All removable)
- Region Code: Region 0 (1/2/3/4/5/6)
- Screen: NTSC / Wide Screen Color
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
