The Ordinary People (1993)
A heartfelt Japanese drama exploring youth, friendship, and love. Follow the Asunaro Group’s journey through life’s complexities.
MyDramaList Rating
Info
| Original Title | あすなろ白書 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 11 |
| Duration | 45 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 1993 |
| First Air Date | October 11, 1993 |
| Last Air Date | December 20, 1993 |
| Broadcast Day | monday |
| Network | Fuji TV |
Trailer
Synopsis
Upon entering college, Narumi forms the Asunaro Group along with four other boys and girls. In time, she starts to date Tamotsu, whom she felt attracted to when she first saw him at the entrance exam. Although the two are happy together at first, their very different backgrounds cause them gradually to fall out and ultimately break up. Immediately following the break up, a member of the group dies a terrible death, and this brings the group to an end. The members go their separate ways, but Narumi and Tamotsu do not forget each other. Four years later, when the group reunites on the anniversary of the death of their friend, Tamotsu proposes to Narumi. The story follows the Asunaro Group members’ growth into adulthood as they struggle with the boundary between friendship and love, deal with bitter experiences, and find love for the first time.
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Editor's Review
A Tale of Youth, Friendship, and Love
Upon entering college, Narumi forms the Asunaro Group along with four other boys and girls. Among them is Tamotsu, whom she felt drawn to when they first met during the entrance exam. Initially, Narumi and Tamotsu are blissfully happy together, but their vastly different backgrounds gradually strain their relationship, leading to a painful breakup.
Tragedy strikes the group when a member dies, bringing their tight-knit circle to an end. Each member goes their separate ways, but Narumi and Tamotsu remain connected. Four years later, during the anniversary of their friend’s death, Tamotsu proposes to Narumi. The story unfolds as the Asunaro Group members navigate adulthood, wrestling with the blurred lines between friendship and love, confronting bitter experiences, and discovering love for the first time.
Review Structure:
- Thesis: Before diving into the review, let’s establish the central message: “The Ordinary People” beautifully captures the complexities of youth, friendship, and love.
- Likes and Dislikes:
- Likes: The drama resonates with authenticity. The emotions and lines are relatable, making viewers feel like protagonists in their own stories.
- Dislikes: Some melodramatic moments can be frustrating, but overall, the acting remains genuine.
- Recommendation:
- Rating: 3/5 (Good)
- Explanation: Despite occasional clichés and lapses in subtlety, the film delves into important themes. The heartfelt direction and strong performances, especially by Timothy Hutton, elevate “The Ordinary People” into a rewarding exploration of dysfunction and harsh realities faced by good people.
In summary, this Japanese drama reminds us that we all have stories—wounds, loneliness, happiness, and anger. After all, we are ordinary people.