The Magic of Ordinary Days, released in 2005, is a must-see film produced by the Hallmark Channel. This feature movingly explores love, honesty and contentment. Focusing on the themes of family and faith, the movie idealizes farming culture and the ‘simple life’ of rural America.
I discovered the film this summer and fell for its nature-filled imagery and serene storyline. Its representation of marriage and society charmingly showcased life in the 194os during the end of World War II. The movie’s elegant aesthetic and enlightening lessons on sacrifice, relationships and unpredictable adventures made it memorable and pleasing to watch.
Overview
Protagonist Olivia Dunee (played by Kerri Russell) sets off on a journey to begin a new life as an expectant mother. Olivia is accompanied on the trip, arranged by her widowed father, by Reverend Case and taken to a small town in La Junta, Colorado. Here, she meets Ray Singleton—a humble farmer who agrees to marry Olivia and father her child.
Ray Singleton, portrayed by Skeet Ulrich. Retrieved from the Hallmark Channel.
When Olivia asked why he agreed to their marriage, Ray’s response is honest and faith-based: “When the Reverend came out to see me and told me about your situation…well I thought maybe it be God’s will.” (15:15)
This quote stands out as it portrays Ray (played by Skeet Ulrich) as a charitable man who takes his values to heart. After losing his younger brother to the war, Ray finds himself alone and feels called to welcome Olivia into his life.
Nevertheless, their limited familiarity makes living together and presenting as husband and wife difficult. Olivia struggles to adapt to country life and yearns for her former university life in Denver. Ray is challenged with running the family farm as the government forces Japanese-Americans to work the fields and live in internment camps.
Olivia pictured with Rose (Gwendoline Yeo) and Florie (Tania Gunadi) Umahara. Retrieved from IMDB.
Olivia befriends sisters Rose and Florie Umahara, California natives, who due to their Japanese heritage, are forced to leave college and reside on Camp Amache. Florie’s line: “We must show them we are good Americans,” is impactful as it reminds Olivia of her social status and reflects the ethnic divisions brought up by the war (1:03:21).
This message is highlighted throughout the film as Rose and Florie present as educated, well-mannered and harmless individuals. Rose in particular sets herself apart by being “proper” and sympathetic to the government’s relocation efforts.
The Magic of Ordinary Days pushes the message of inclusivity by transforming Olivia’s friendship with Rose and Florie into a sister-like relationship as the three support each other and overcome a challenge in the movie.
Olivia and Ray at the farm. Retrieved from the Hallmark Channel.
Lesson Learned
Ray and Olivia learn to overcome their fears by exploring the world through each other’s eyes. They discover the beauty of multiple perspectives while strengthening their distinctive personalities. Rose and Florie also experience change as they learn to trust, forgive and dream.
Olivia’s character is exceptional as she represents the complexity of human ambition. She longs for love from the wrong places and fails to appreciate the people around her. Her longing to travel the world is admirable but unfeasible due to her pregnancy. Haunted by the loss of her mother, Olivia discovers the power of maintaining relationships and gradually accepts Ray’s love after cutting ties with her former partner.
The idea of ‘letting go’ is the film's central message and one I took to heart. In my life, there have been habits, ideologies and even people that I have had to give up to find peace. Olivia’s decision to let go of her envisioned life and embrace her role as a wife and mother ultimately heals her. In the context of the movie, this action is empowering as Olivia establishes her family and breaks free from the ‘perfect’ life that society envisioned for her.
The Magic of Ordinary Days taught me that the ‘small’ things in life are worth enjoying and being grateful for. Moreover, this film allowed me to reflect on the importance of honesty—particularly with one’s self and with those who are closest to us.
The film proves that while challenges are a part of life—our faith, passions and loved ones always make ordinary days ‘magical.’ The themes in the film remind us to stop over-contemplating the future and simply live in the present moment. Like Olivia, all of us must reflect on the journey ahead and turn to the Rays in our lives to get there.
Standout Quotes
Ray: “You’re so fine, I can’t believe any man would ever do this to you.” (7:03)
Olivia: “Your family’s owned this land for less than a hundred years. In a span of history that is nothing.” (39:02)
Ray: “In the span of a life, it’s near everything.” (39:02)
Ray: “I remember how good he was to my mama – kind of husband I want to be.” (1:15:33)
Olivia: “I’ve learned more about love in my six months with this family than I did the 25 years in my father’s house.” (1:22:40)
If you’re looking for an inspirational, cozy, and heartwarming movie, The Magic of Ordinary Days is the film to stream. You will sympathize with the characters’ internal battles, swoon over their romantic encounters and resonate with their everyday experiences as they navigate life in the war-years era.
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