The Magic of Ordinary Days: A Film Review

In need of a good period piece romance drama? Then the Hallmark Movie Hall of Fame, The Magic of Ordinary Days is a one of a kind to watch and classic love story set in Colorado.

Livy Dunne (Keri Russell) is a young woman from the city who becomes unexpectedly pregnant by a World War II soldier and is forced by her father, a minister, to marry a stranger. That stranger is Ray Singleton (Skeet Ulrich) who is a lonely and quiet farmer in Colorado.

Livy learns that she must learn how to adapt in a small town and that the farming life is simple, slow and often mundane to an outsider. Ray tries his best to please her even when she rebuffs his gentle approaches to connect.

When Livy begins to adjust to her life, she befriends two Japanese American Internment Camp workers Florie (Tania Gunadi) and Rose (Gwendoline Yeo), who help with Ray’s farm. Flory and Rose both resent the fact that they were forced from their home. However,they are willing to help Livy get used to life on the farm by talking about other things such as researching butterflies and education. They also help Livy with maternity clothes by choosing out fabric for her. This bond that she shares also made her realize how much she needed friends and missed her education. Livy loves history and the world of archaeology which she studied in college. 

When the three women were at the store to choose the fabric, Livy was able to see the prejudice aimed not only at the girls because they were Japanese, but because she was with them. The owner asked them not to touch the fabric. Livy is shocked at the store owners that they would shun her friends and the question she was asked if she were “with these people.” Livy, a smart and well-bred woman who does not let other people walk over her simply stated that yes, she was with them and that she herself was buying the fabric, all the while keeping Rose from out-bursting the injustice inflicted upon them.

Livy also realizes how much World War II had more involvement in her new home; there are also German POWs working on the farms, there is no shortage of gasoline or sugar. One of the perks that farmers got because they had to feed America and its soldiers.  For the Singleton family, WWII has a personal connection. Ray and his sister Martha (Mare Winningham)  lost their youngest brother Daniel who was killed at Pearl Harbor. Martha has her husband Hank (Steven Strachan) as her anchor, but for Ray, all he had was just the farm. 

When Livy’s sister  Abby (Jane McGregor)comes to visit; she tries to persuade Livy to have the baby delivered in Denver and live with her. This is so she won’t feel alone as her own husband has been shipped off to war. Livy reminds her that she lived alone taking care of their mother and had to quit studying archeology. Livy made a lot of sacrifices while her sister was able to leave a life and be married. Livy reminds her sister that any rumors against Ray would be wrong and she starts to realize he is a kind and loving man. She herself isn’t too sure what she wants to do. 

Of course like any Hallmark movie, there are turmoil that will cause the characters to doubt one another or themselves. One thing that is evident throughout the entire film was that Ray was deeply in love with Livy, slowly but surely. Skeet Ulrich didn’t have to say much to convey his frustrations at wanting a loving relationship with Livy, or when he did glance at her when she wasn’t looking, you could see the passion in his eyes and in his quick smile. Keri Russell displayed what every woman during that time period felt; a soon-to-be mother who had an arranged marriage so the child isn’t born out of wedlock. She tries her best at cooking and providing a home for Ray, all the while doubting herself if this could work. She experiences through Ray and his family actual love which is something she wasn’t used to. Both Keri and Skeet, I have grown to love over the years in various films. This movie brought such quiet chemistry that shined at the smallest moments. The dialogue that Russell and Ulrich delivered was passionate, subtle and simple. 

The Magic of Ordinary Days is a great Hallmark film that strives to give its audience authenticity to the times, i.e. clothing, mannerisms, cars, etc. This film doesn’t disappoint and gives such a powerful and emotional story. Check out this film on Peacock today.

Not only is this love story available to watch, but you can also purchase the book written by Ann Howard Creel from Bookshop.org.

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