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Ordinary People

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Story of emotional honesty is best for older kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Anti-Semitic remark by Conrad's grandmother (and lack of objection by Beth) intended to show insularity
  • Violence:

    None
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Mild
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ordinary People

Parents need to know that this drama has some tense and sad scenes, and deals with the loss of a family member and attempted suicide.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether they know of someone who has attempted suicide, or who has been successful. This movie provides an opportunity to discuss what led Conrad and Karen to consider it, how the perspective of a person about his own worth is very different from that of those around him, and what the other options are for people who are deeply depressed. Why is control so important to Conrad? Is it important to Beth and Calvin, too? What do you think of Berger's advice about starting from the outside? How does Berger help Conrad? How does Jeannine help him? Why does he quit the swim team? Why doesn't he tell his parents? How do you feel about Beth? Do you dislike her or feel sorry for her or both? Why is it so hard for her to give her husband and son what they feel they need?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    I'd have to say 14+

    I'm not sure why CSM gave the language a "mild". There were about seven f-bombs and "s" words, while most of the other cuss words were used.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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