The Magic of Ordinary Days is the Perfect Film for Valentine's Day

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of watching the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation of the film The Magic of Ordinary Days on CBS television. I had already seen this TV movie about five years ago, when the film originally debuted on Hallmark Hall of Fame. The story and the acting made a deep impression on me, and when I found out The Magic of Ordinary Days was being rebroadcast before Valentine's Day (presumably to increase the sales of Hallmark Valentine's Day cards) I jumped at the chance to see it again. With its terrific cast and moving story about the power of love, The Magic of Ordinary Days is the ideal film for Valentine's Day.

The Magic of Ordinary Days: Perfect for Valentine's Day

I was originally drawn to The Magic of Ordinary Days because it stars actress Keri Russell, a favorite of mine who also starred in the TV series Felicity and films like Waitress. Russell plays Olivia Dunne (called Livy), a scared, confused and pregnant young woman sent into an arranged marriage by her minister father during World War II. The story begins as Livy travels to rural Colorado to meet up with and marry her future husband Ray Singleton, played by Skeet Ulrich.

The first half hour of The Magic of Ordinary Days builds slowly, as privileged, educated Livy deals with a simple life on the rustic farm, and gets to know her new husband, who is certainly not well educated or cultured. At first, Livy feels lost and alone, stuck in the middle of nowhere on an isolated farm with a stranger who agreed to marry her and pretend to be the father of her child because he was asked by the minister, and it seemed to be "God's Will." Eventually, Livy and Ray find common ground, as her husband immerses himself in her interests, such as history and archaeology, and she begins to develop an interest in their life on the farm.

The Magic of Ordinary Days is so powerful and magical, because it explores the true nature of love itself. Livy's husband demonstrates how such values as kindness, gentleness, compassion, patience and a genuine interest in another are crucial for love to blossom and thrive. Livy learns that trust, vulnerability and faith, and openness to receiving authentic love, are also essential qualities of true love.

I really love how The Magic of Ordinary Days teaches that love is right in front of us, in our own backyard, if we choose to accept and cultivate it. Hallmark Hall of Fame also gets the period details just right in this wartime film set in the forties, and Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich carry off the retro feel with great style and substance. Veteran actress Mare Winningham has been working for a long time in film, and she knows just how to play the supporting role of Ray's sister with great flair. Winningham is wise, compassionate and joyful in her standout supporting role.

Where to Buy The Magic of Ordinary Days for Valentine's Day

The Magic of Ordinary Days, like most of the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movies, is available on DVD and VHS and can be purchased at Hallmark Gold Crown stores or online at Hallmark.com. Also look for The Magic of Ordinary Days at online auctions like EBay. I've seen The Magic of Ordinary Days twice on television, and I intend to purchase it one day for my DVD collection.

The Magic of Ordinary Days, with its simple but powerful lessons in the importance of love, family and community, and the art of finding joy in everyday life, is the perfect film to enjoy on Valentine's Day, or any day of the year. In today's high tech, fast paced world, they rarely make films anymore like this little gem of a movie. If you enjoy good storytelling and excellent acting, don't miss The Magic of Ordinary Days this Valentine's Day.

Sources:

Purchase The Magic of Ordinary Days directly from Hallmark.com:

http://www.ifsecommerce.com/hallmark/directory.asp?LEVEL=1&GroupID=407&GroupView=3&GroupName=J+%2D+O&rSearchTerm=the%20magic%20of%20ordinary%20days

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0406046/