Neil Doyle
There's almost an Edna Ferber type of rural romantic fiber lurking in THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, about a pregnant young woman (Keri Russell) whose father arranges a marriage for her with a farmer (Skeet Ulrich), an arrangement which leads very slowly to their mutual love.It reminds me so much of the sort of tales Ferber would tell, particularly "So Big" which starred Jane Wyman and Sterling Hayden years ago, as a couple who gradually adjust to each other in a strained relationship.Beautifully photographed in rural settings, it's almost a two-character tale, depending exclusively on the subtle performances of Ulrich and Russell. Both display talent, utterly convincing as the shy newlyweds who have trouble with the new arrangement until they manage to find common ground and mutual respect.It's a slow moving character study, but worth a look if you like this sort of intimate tale, helped somewhat by the WWII subplot involving Japanese girl neighbors who befriend the wife, but never going too far astray of the central theme of loneliness on the part of two people searching for love.Summing up: A much better than average Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie.
parislibra
This is a movie that capitalizes on the beauty of the location, punctuated by a poignant musical score, illustrating a story that is characterized by subtle and believable acting. Skeet Ulrich's Ray is a man with a gentle and shy heart, who seizes the opportunity to have an instant family with a woman whose circumstances brought her out of her own world into his. Keri Russell's Livy is a woman without choice, struggling to maintain her dreams while living with her mistakes. Mare Winningham's Martha is a loving sister, wife, mother and friend whose very presence brings a sense of balance to both their lives and the lives of those around her.Each character, every look, every spoken word, every musical note adds to the richness of this movie. The story and the characters steal you away into their yesteryear, and Skeet Ulrich's Ray steals your heart. His face reveals his growing love of a woman who unwillingly came into his life, while his restraint and patience underscore his willingness to wait for her love to grow on its own. It's hard to believe that the story ends with the closing credits of the movie, that Keri Russell is not Livy, Skeet Ulrich is not Ray, Mare Winningham is not Martha. The mark of a good movie is one whose story lives on, just like The Magic of Ordinary Days.
wynne
Lovely movie, subtle and well acted in major and minor roles. Funny at times, the way country characters can be funny once you know them. Beautifully filmed, and gorgeous music.I loved the slow telling of the story. How the characters were kept apart by philosophy (city vs country), nature (hurt vs shy) and interests (world vs home). I loved how so much was shown in body language, and how her prejudice was erroneous, although not malicious, and not entirely tolerated by Ray despite his patience. I loved how much he loved her - and understood that she disliked herself.The downside of the movie is the internment camp and POW story. I agree with others that it was a distraction and not entirely believable, and not necessary. I fast forward through that section.Not a movie for Van Damme fans.
Kwantic
In a day and age when movies are often filled with profanity, sexual content, and violence, along comes a gem like this one. The whole family can watch this film without worrying about "content". Skeet Ulrich and Keri Russell do a wonderful job acting in this movie, and the supporting cast is excellent. The story revolves around a young women (Russell), who's pregnant out of wed lock, and is forced into an arranged marriage with a farmer (Ulrich), during World War II. This movie also teaches a few life lessons, such as forgiveness, and the difference between sex and love. An enjoyable way to spend a hour and a half of you're time. You won't regret watching this film.
AD
