An Ordinary Man

An Ordinary Man

Year: 2018

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Brad Silberling

Echo Score: 58
DramaThrillerWar

A former general and notorious war criminal goes into hiding, desperately evading capture as he moves from place to place. He finds temporary refuge and forms an unexpected connection with his new housekeeper. However, their relationship is complicated when she reveals a surprising secret – she is actually protecting him. Forced to confront a difficult choice between trust and betrayal, he sets in motion a series of events that will irrevocably change their lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – An Ordinary Man (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of An Ordinary Man (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The timeline for the movie remains ambiguous, reflecting a contemporary setting without specific historical markers. The narrative presents an ongoing conflict within the nation, echoing the complexities of modern political strife and moral ambiguity.

Location

mysterious nation, urban landscape

The movie is set in a **mysterious nation** characterized by its secrecy and political tension. The **urban landscape** serves as a backdrop where the General evades capture, navigating through bustling streets teeming with life. This environment highlights the contrast between the chaos of everyday life and the sinister actions of a war criminal hidden in plain sight.

🌆 City 🌍 Mystery

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:20

Main Characters – An Ordinary Man (2018)

Meet the key characters of An Ordinary Man (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

The General (Ben Kingsley)

The General is a war criminal living in the shadows, embodying a mix of confidence and desperation. His ability to blend into the urban crowd belies his violent past, showcasing a character riddled with complexity. As the film progresses, viewers witness his gradual emotional unraveling as he confronts both internal and external conflicts.

👮‍♂️ Criminal 🕵️‍♂️ Evasive

Tanja (Hera Hilmar)

Tanja is introduced as the General's maid but evolves into a multifaceted character with a hidden agenda. Her stoic demeanor masks her tactical skills, as she finds herself entwined in the General's life. Tanja's journey reflects themes of loyalty and the weight of her covert responsibilities, making her a pivotal figure in the story.

🕶️ Operative 🤔 Resourceful

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:20

Major Themes – An Ordinary Man (2018)

Explore the central themes of An Ordinary Man (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to the narrative as the General, a notorious war criminal, evades capture despite international pressure. The film explores the moral complexities of accountability and the devastating effects of a system that allows such figures to thrive in secrecy. It raises questions about the effectiveness of justice in the face of deep-rooted corruption.

🤝 Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the storyline as Tanja, initially seen as a mere maid, is revealed to be an operative with her own motives. The evolution of her relationship with the General highlights unexpected loyalties and the tragic outcomes of hidden agendas. This twist amplifies the tension, illustrating how trust can quickly turn into treachery in a world cloaked in deception.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:20

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Claustrophobic moral collapse stories like An Ordinary Man

Characters trapped by their past sins, facing inevitable and bleak consequences.Explore movies like An Ordinary Man that feature protagonists on the run or in hiding, confronting their dark pasts in tense, confined settings. If you liked the heavy moral ambiguity and oppressive atmosphere of An Ordinary Man, you'll find similar thriller and drama films here.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a morally compromised protagonist isolated in a confined space, often forming a deceptive relationship that is later revealed to be part of their inevitable downfall. The story focuses on the psychological toll of guilt and the futile attempt to outrun consequences.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped together by their shared oppressive, claustrophobic mood, their focus on a morally grey or reprehensible central character, and their journey toward a bleak, consequential ending. The experience is defined by heavy emotional weight and sustained tension.

Movies with deceptive trust and betrayal like An Ordinary Man

Relationships built on lies unravel, forcing tragic choices between survival and connection.Find films similar to An Ordinary Man that revolve around relationships built on dangerous secrets and the ensuing betrayal. If you enjoyed the complex dynamic and fatal twist between the General and his housekeeper, these drama and thriller movies deliver comparable narrative tension.

deceptivetensetragicsomberparanoiddesperateunravelingfatalistic

Narrative Summary

The narrative revolves around a pivotal relationship where one character's identity or motive is a secret. The story builds intimacy and trust before the devastating reveal, which acts as a point of no return, forcing a desperate, final act from the betrayed character.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific plot mechanism: a central deception that defines a key relationship, leading to a climax of betrayal. They are united by a steady pacing that builds psychological drama, a dark tone, and endings that feel bleak or tragically inevitable.

Unlock the Full Story of An Ordinary Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore An Ordinary Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what An Ordinary Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

An Ordinary Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of An Ordinary Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

An Ordinary Man Summary

An Ordinary Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of An Ordinary Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

An Ordinary Man Timeline

An Ordinary Man Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of An Ordinary Man that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

An Ordinary Man Spoiler-Free Summary

More About An Ordinary Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about An Ordinary Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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