7.5
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The Ordinary World
2015·Show
The Ordinary World fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
- Coming of Age8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Situational Comedy1
- Physical Comedy1
World
History, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and storytelling
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Ordinary World is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and hopeful. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age8Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumHistory, everyday modern life, and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, everyday modern life, and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and storytelling
The characters, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
In 1970s rural China, Sun Shaoping and his older brother Sun Shaoan pursue different paths as they struggle with love, poverty, and the hope of building better lives.
Chinese Historical DramaRural Life DepictionSocial RealismFamily SagaClassic AdaptationComing-of-Age NarrativeResilience & HardshipCharacter-FocusedCultural Insight
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Ordinary World
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ordinary World worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does The Ordinary World have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 56 episodes of about 45 minutes each.
Is The Ordinary World based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did The Ordinary World air?
S1
It ran from 2015 to 2015 and has ended.
What language is The Ordinary World in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in China.