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Better Late Then Never

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

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.

It's been said so many times, but this is a truly wonderful movie! It's simple yet complex at the same time; so much is left unsaid in words yet is expressed beautifully through body language. Skeet Ulrich was the reason I watched this movie, but the whole cast was perfect. That being said, I think that Skeet was amazing in his role; a man of few words but always saying the right ones. He played Ray as such a kind and gentle soul with nothing but love, and I really saw so much of Skeet's own heart in Ray's heart. Keri Russell played Livy with such grace; it would've been easy to dislike Livy at times had Keri not given her that humanity. Mare was so pivotal in her short bits of screen time, showing you part of why Ray turned out to be such a good man.I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt movie. It's not the fastest paced movie, but as long as you're willing to sit back and simply enjoy it, I think you'll do just that.

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.

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.