In this Hallmark made-for-television movie, two young performers (Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich) offer thoughtful character portrayals in the heartland of America during World War II. After becoming pregnant by a soldier (who never appears in the film), a young woman is forced to marry virtually by proxy; she is sent to the Midwest by her stern father and accepts a total stranger, Ray, as her husband. The film focuses on the bonding of a decent man of the earth and the more worldly, educated Livy. The film was earnest in its portrayal of the two main characters. There is also some beautiful cinematography of the American heartland. Although I did not find the overall effect of the film entirely plausible (including Livy's relationship with two Japanese women internment victims working the fields), I nonetheless applaud the Hallmark organization for a tasteful effort. Even the Hallmark commercials were refreshing when compared with the annoying generic commercials on television today.
73 Reviews
Tender romance with WWII background is subtle and beautifully acted...
Doylenf31 December 2011
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 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.
Just day to day living is the tough part
bkoganbing7 June 2017
I can't recall who said it, but someone once remarked that most people can handle the crises in their lives. But the aftermath of a given crisis, the day to day living one returns to is the tough part. That is what Keri Russell faces when during World War II days she is left pregnant during a romance with a soldier who up and left her.
In those days illegitimate birth was quite the stigma to the child and the mother bearing it. So in The Magic Of Ordinary Days Skeet Ulrich who has an agricultural exemption and one lonely life as a farmer agrees to marry her and take the child as his own.
Those kind of arrangements usually don't work out, but in this case the various crises the face plus just the ordinary day to day living trying to keep that farm running causes bonds between them to start and grow. It's not easy as Russell is college educated and Ulrich is just a man of the soil.
One of the side issues is the internment of the Japanese and a pair of Nisei girls, Tania Gunadi and Gwendolyn Yeo, arrive as farm workers. Their relatives are either interred or part of the Nisei 442nd Division fighting in the European theater. Russell is one of the few who treats them like human beings. Young Ms. Yeo is quite a handful to deal with also.
This is a very good Hallmark Channel with the leads getting good support from the ensemble cast.
In those days illegitimate birth was quite the stigma to the child and the mother bearing it. So in The Magic Of Ordinary Days Skeet Ulrich who has an agricultural exemption and one lonely life as a farmer agrees to marry her and take the child as his own.
Those kind of arrangements usually don't work out, but in this case the various crises the face plus just the ordinary day to day living trying to keep that farm running causes bonds between them to start and grow. It's not easy as Russell is college educated and Ulrich is just a man of the soil.
One of the side issues is the internment of the Japanese and a pair of Nisei girls, Tania Gunadi and Gwendolyn Yeo, arrive as farm workers. Their relatives are either interred or part of the Nisei 442nd Division fighting in the European theater. Russell is one of the few who treats them like human beings. Young Ms. Yeo is quite a handful to deal with also.
This is a very good Hallmark Channel with the leads getting good support from the ensemble cast.
What a wonderful movie!!!
LiquidPoetry19211 February 2005
This is one of the best, most heartwarming and well acted movies I have seen in a long, long time. I immediately fell in love with all of the characters, especially Ray, portrayed beautifully by Skeet Ulrich. His inflections and mannerisms are superb. Keri Russell has outdone herself as Livy, with her timeless manners and elegant sophistication in handling an awkward situation during an unforgiving era. This is a poignant drama that evokes emotions long since lost in ordinary, mundane television. Congratulations to Hallmark and CBS for providing such outstanding broadcasting, and hats off to Mr. Ulrich...this role is Emmy-Worthy!
Russell and Ulrich shine in "The Magic of Ordinary Days" to raise my opinion of Hallmark movies
Schaeffer31 January 2005
I liked "The Magic of Ordinary Days" very much because of a combination of things. Set in Colorado in 1944, the movie follows Livy, wonderfully played by Keri Russell. After a brief relationship with a soldier, Livy finds herself pregnant. Her father, a minister, arranges for her to marry a farmer who lives in rural Colorado, but Livy is not happy with the situation, especially since she was pursuing a masters degree in Denver. Ray, the farmer, is willing to marry her and raise the baby with her though. Skeet Ulrich is the shy Ray and is also absolutely wonderful in the role. Russell and Ulrich are great together, even though Livy and Ray seem quite mismatched in the beginning. The movie shows the progression of their relationship as Livy's eyes are opened by the love that surrounds her: from Ray and from his sister and her family, but especially from Ray. Ulrich gives his character a love for Livy so deep that he would do anything for her. Their relationship is tested though when Livy's sister visits and offers to take her back to Denver.
I usually find Hallmark movies to be quite cheesy, but "The Magic of Ordinary Days" is a love story given great depth and played out beautifully by Russell and Ulrich. I recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, feel-good movie with very good acting.
I usually find Hallmark movies to be quite cheesy, but "The Magic of Ordinary Days" is a love story given great depth and played out beautifully by Russell and Ulrich. I recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, feel-good movie with very good acting.
Nice family film
vchimpanzee2 February 2005
During World War II, Livy was studying to be an archaeologist when she got pregnant, and she ended up in an arranged marriage to Ray, a kind but boring farmer who lived miles from most of the 'modern conveniences'. Livy tried hard to adjust to her new life but sometimes wondered if she had made a mistake. It helped that Ray's sister Martha treated her so warmly, and there were plenty of activities in the nearby towns, and caring people.
Ray needed help on his farm, and like many area farmers, he used Japanese from internment camps. Livy met two very nice and quite articulate Japanese girls, Rose and her sister Florie, who turned out to have been born in this country and quite educated. Ray cared little about the Japanese, thinking of them as needed to do farm work--and besides, his brother died at Pearl Harbor. We are reminded more than once that a war is going on--there are German POWs in the area, and the young Japanese women did explain what happened to their family.
Keri Russell did a good job as Livy, and Skeet Ulrich's Ray showed amazing patience with his wife. Mare Winningham was also good as Martha, and the two Japanese actresses were quite charming, though Florie smiled a little too much. Rose had almost no accent and Gwendoline Yeo made her quite dignified.
This was a pleasant family film, with almost nothing to keep children from watching. Even the references to premarital sex were handled quite tastefully.
Ray needed help on his farm, and like many area farmers, he used Japanese from internment camps. Livy met two very nice and quite articulate Japanese girls, Rose and her sister Florie, who turned out to have been born in this country and quite educated. Ray cared little about the Japanese, thinking of them as needed to do farm work--and besides, his brother died at Pearl Harbor. We are reminded more than once that a war is going on--there are German POWs in the area, and the young Japanese women did explain what happened to their family.
Keri Russell did a good job as Livy, and Skeet Ulrich's Ray showed amazing patience with his wife. Mare Winningham was also good as Martha, and the two Japanese actresses were quite charming, though Florie smiled a little too much. Rose had almost no accent and Gwendoline Yeo made her quite dignified.
This was a pleasant family film, with almost nothing to keep children from watching. Even the references to premarital sex were handled quite tastefully.
Surprisingly Sweet - With a Side of Skeet
smurfie-26 March 2006
I was at home one day a few weeks ago, off sick from work, and caught this movie during the day on one of our movie channels. I was expecting it to be sugary sweet - enough to make your teeth hurt - but the sweetness was restrained. I really enjoyed this movie! The plot was well-written, the character were wholly believable and it was not totally predictable. It made me want to be swept off by a big-hearted country gentleman. Haven't seen Skeet in a while, and was pleasantly surprised by his work in this movie. I've always liked Keri Russell (I think it may be curly-hair envy). Definitely a chick-flick, but one that I would like to own and watch more than once. Well done!
Great Hallmark Film
bickett_heidi31 January 2005
"The Magic of Ordinary Days" is like reading a good short story...it leaves a lot to the imagination! It is nice to see such a pure love in a movie. Keri Russel is absolutely gorgeous. Her acting... positively charming. Whoever did the costuming/makeup/hair is fantastic. Skeet Ulrich is perfect for his simple yet heartfelt character, Ray. You fall in love with him along with Lily. I also admire how Keri's character is extremely culturally relative. She treats everyone with respect and admiration. What a great role model! Also, the movie teaches an important life lesson. We do have to forgive ourselves for mistakes we've made. How else will we truly love ourselves and feel worthy of giving and receiving love? The title says it all! Aren't ordinary days the most magical? Being around the most genuine, caring people in our lives. I highly recommend curling up on the couch and watching this heartwarming and sentimental movie. 10/10
better than most TV movies
SnoopyStyle10 September 2015
It's 1944. Well educated Olivia Dunne (Keri Russell) from Denver got pregnant out of wedlock by a passing serviceman. She is sent to La Junta, Colorado to marry lonely reserved farmer Ray Singleton (Skeet Ulrich). Both had suffered lost. Ray has only his sister Martha (Mare Winningham) and her family. The farm is isolated and the couple is alone. Olivia is hesitant about Ray despite his efforts to please her. She continues to try to contact the baby's father but receives no reply. She befriends sisters Florence (Tania Gunadi) and Rose (Gwendoline Yeo) who are interned Japanese Americans. Her sister Abby's husband got drafted and Abby tries to get her to return to Denver to keep her company.
This is a nice romance and much better made than most other TV romance movies. Keri Russell is amazing. She is enchanting and a compelling actress. Skeet Ulrich does a great job but it would have been good to get a plainer looking actor. It would fit the character better. It does take a very sharp turn into drama at the end. A little bit of foreshadowing of the danger would be very helpful. The central romance is touching and the story is as beautiful as the butterflies.
This is a nice romance and much better made than most other TV romance movies. Keri Russell is amazing. She is enchanting and a compelling actress. Skeet Ulrich does a great job but it would have been good to get a plainer looking actor. It would fit the character better. It does take a very sharp turn into drama at the end. A little bit of foreshadowing of the danger would be very helpful. The central romance is touching and the story is as beautiful as the butterflies.
The Best Since the Sarah, Plain and Tall Series
jjr39293 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
**** May Contain Spoilers **** Quite bemused by the recent array of Hallmark presentations, their plots questionable and their characters unappealing, I anticipated this time a decent film previewed in the Hallmark Video News. I always liked arranged marriages story lines because of the awkwardness and the development, and I hoped this would not disappoint.
And it did not.
I agree with so many previous posters: the settings -- time and space -- are beautiful, the characters respectful to each other, including parent to child and child to parent, and the slow, easy development of the relationship between Ray and Livy. The casting is perfect.
In a DVD extra, Skeet Ulrich spoke of the need for body language as a means to communicate -- and this is the outstanding feature to this film. Notice all his facial expressions -- raised eyebrows, slight smiles, reddened or full face, turns of the head, and so forth. Their not touching and sideways glances are so expressive. Mare Winningham's looks of concern, worry, or joy are great.
And the dialogue adds to the high quality: his gentle correction of her when he says, "Our farm," and Martha's reply to her husband's expression of love at her party -- "I know." Plus all the other words spoken -- the two friends at the church -- "How'd you meet?" and their looks when Ray, Livy, and covered cake left, one craning her neck -- Slim's tribute -- great.
So a huge thank you to Hallmark and a plea for a sequel that maintains this perfection -- no surprises, just more of this extraordinary "ordinary" story -- with, of course, the same cast. The Sarah series maintained the integrity, parts one through three -- so it's been done well before.
And it did not.
I agree with so many previous posters: the settings -- time and space -- are beautiful, the characters respectful to each other, including parent to child and child to parent, and the slow, easy development of the relationship between Ray and Livy. The casting is perfect.
In a DVD extra, Skeet Ulrich spoke of the need for body language as a means to communicate -- and this is the outstanding feature to this film. Notice all his facial expressions -- raised eyebrows, slight smiles, reddened or full face, turns of the head, and so forth. Their not touching and sideways glances are so expressive. Mare Winningham's looks of concern, worry, or joy are great.
And the dialogue adds to the high quality: his gentle correction of her when he says, "Our farm," and Martha's reply to her husband's expression of love at her party -- "I know." Plus all the other words spoken -- the two friends at the church -- "How'd you meet?" and their looks when Ray, Livy, and covered cake left, one craning her neck -- Slim's tribute -- great.
So a huge thank you to Hallmark and a plea for a sequel that maintains this perfection -- no surprises, just more of this extraordinary "ordinary" story -- with, of course, the same cast. The Sarah series maintained the integrity, parts one through three -- so it's been done well before.
Not fully formed
Jackbv12322 May 2019
I had trouble getting invested in this movie. It was pleasant enough but I walked away feeling like something was missing.
Keri Russell's Livy was not that likeable. I don't feel like the movie showed me enough of what was lovable about her and it certainly didn't show me how Ray fell in love with her. She went in with a justifiably bad attitude and kept it for too long. A good person would have had at least some gratitude for the things that were done for her and the warm welcome she received. She had a tiny taste of the condemnation she would have received had the situation been handled any other way. Very tiny. Maybe it was the point that even Livy wasn't sure how she felt, and as the viewer I had no idea which way she was going to go until the last minute. In short, I wanted more.
Skeet Ulrich's Ray was as caring and loving, and patient, as anyone could ask for, yet to me he came off as milktoast. I can't help but think of Dale Midkiff playing Clark Davis in the Love Comes Softly series. The two men are actually very similar, but in Clark Davis I saw strength even when there was doubt and in Ray I saw fear. (Actually I watched this hoping for a similar story and it was in a lot of ways.) I wanted more about Ray also so we could see him as more than futile attempts to show Livy he loved her.
We know almost nothing about the baby's father. Perhaps the only thing we need to know is Livy's summary to Martha which seemed like it took 30 seconds.
Mare Winningham was good even though she appeared much older than Livy or Ray.
There was implicit social commentary about Japanese Americans being held in American internment camps. That was a terrible injustice and some of it was revealed in this movie. On the other hand, I was a little surprised at how much freedom the two sisters had.
I thought the climax was very clever.
Overall, I found it watchable but to get all the 10 stars bouncing around here, I would want more to help identify with either Livy or Ray or preferably both.
Keri Russell's Livy was not that likeable. I don't feel like the movie showed me enough of what was lovable about her and it certainly didn't show me how Ray fell in love with her. She went in with a justifiably bad attitude and kept it for too long. A good person would have had at least some gratitude for the things that were done for her and the warm welcome she received. She had a tiny taste of the condemnation she would have received had the situation been handled any other way. Very tiny. Maybe it was the point that even Livy wasn't sure how she felt, and as the viewer I had no idea which way she was going to go until the last minute. In short, I wanted more.
Skeet Ulrich's Ray was as caring and loving, and patient, as anyone could ask for, yet to me he came off as milktoast. I can't help but think of Dale Midkiff playing Clark Davis in the Love Comes Softly series. The two men are actually very similar, but in Clark Davis I saw strength even when there was doubt and in Ray I saw fear. (Actually I watched this hoping for a similar story and it was in a lot of ways.) I wanted more about Ray also so we could see him as more than futile attempts to show Livy he loved her.
We know almost nothing about the baby's father. Perhaps the only thing we need to know is Livy's summary to Martha which seemed like it took 30 seconds.
Mare Winningham was good even though she appeared much older than Livy or Ray.
There was implicit social commentary about Japanese Americans being held in American internment camps. That was a terrible injustice and some of it was revealed in this movie. On the other hand, I was a little surprised at how much freedom the two sisters had.
I thought the climax was very clever.
Overall, I found it watchable but to get all the 10 stars bouncing around here, I would want more to help identify with either Livy or Ray or preferably both.
Great Movie
ManUDevil42030 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was amazing! My roommate and I stumbled onto it while we had nothing to do on a Sunday night. As the basic storyline goes... Livy finds herself pregnant by a man who has enlisted in the Army (set during WW2)With her father ashamed of her, she is sent away to be married off to Ray, a small town farmer with a big heart. Livy, at first doesn't want to be there, she is not use to the kind of lifestyle Ray is. But she learns to adapt and finds her self falling in love with Ray. While he in return, only wants to do anything to make her happy and would give her the world if he could and even raising her child as his own.
This movie was amazingly sweet and caring. The best acting I've ever seen! Throughout the entire movie you just want these two young people who obviously care for one another to come together and you are delighted in the end when they finally do (although you knew it would happen from the start) It is a amazing movie filled with hope and love.
This movie was amazingly sweet and caring. The best acting I've ever seen! Throughout the entire movie you just want these two young people who obviously care for one another to come together and you are delighted in the end when they finally do (although you knew it would happen from the start) It is a amazing movie filled with hope and love.
Simple Love story
cacky21 May 2005
Gosh ... this is such a simple story yet it pulls the strings of my heart. I am so moved by Ray's love for Livy. And Livy's courage in being able to put behind everything that had happened.
She had experienced so much hurt. Yet she was able to move on with her life. It taught me that sometimes, you really have to let go of your hurts, to be able to see a more beautiful future.
The setting of the movie also adds on, given the fact that it's war time, yet people are still making the best with what they have. Livy's friendship with Rose and Florey also shows what a sincere person Livy is.
She had experienced so much hurt. Yet she was able to move on with her life. It taught me that sometimes, you really have to let go of your hurts, to be able to see a more beautiful future.
The setting of the movie also adds on, given the fact that it's war time, yet people are still making the best with what they have. Livy's friendship with Rose and Florey also shows what a sincere person Livy is.
Bland...bad mix between Little Women and Joy Luck Club
ghostdog12011 September 2008
What can you say about this movie. I was sitting in my kitchen today when I was approached by my grandma who had rented some movies from the local library. She told me this was a great movie...and I really respect her knowledge of movies, so i said what the hell and popped it in the DVD players while enjoying a fribble. Unfortunately it was one of the most tedious 2 hours i have ever spent on this planet. What am i Missing? I see everyone loved this movie. The acting was terrible, the set looked fake, and neither of the main characters ever showed me why or how hey fell in love...btw what the hell was the freak Japanese girl smiling for...is it me or was she the happiest internee of all time.
Beautiful
prncescbb8530 January 2005
This is a really sweet movie of love that is found through respect and friendship. Livy has gotten pregnant by a soldier who has been sent to war. Her father, ashamed of his daughter's illegitimate pregnancy, makes an arrangement for her to marry a farmer named Ray Singleton. Ray respects that Livy doesn't want to be with him, but he tries to do everything he can to make her happy.
It's really sweet how they grow to love each other. Things are awkward at first, but as they grow used to each other, they grow to love each other's habits. I loved this movie. It was a wonderful movie.
**** out of ****
It's really sweet how they grow to love each other. Things are awkward at first, but as they grow used to each other, they grow to love each other's habits. I loved this movie. It was a wonderful movie.
**** out of ****
Quite Magical!
Lee-10713 March 2005
'The Magic of Ordinary Days' - the phrase itself is so evocative and beautiful! I didn't know anything about this film or the actors, but when I read the title I knew I had to see it! I loved the languorous feel of this film - everything was tranquil and measured as if the people who had invited you into their home wanted you to take your time and internalize it! I also liked the music. It added a lot to the film! The story had depth and the characters were well etched and rendered by both Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich. Ulrich especially was amazing! He rendered his character with great subtlety, control and grace. Keri Russell was also really good in her role. Both the actors succeeded in evoking empathy and as an audience you really wanted them to be together and not be parted!
Brent Shields has almost become synonymous with Hallmark, he's either produced or directed most of the Hallmark films I've liked! I really appreciate Hallmark for making such films! Amongst all the pretentious films around, they have consistently made small, meaningful and memorable films! I'm glad that they truly believe in their tag line "Where great stories come to life"!
Brent Shields has almost become synonymous with Hallmark, he's either produced or directed most of the Hallmark films I've liked! I really appreciate Hallmark for making such films! Amongst all the pretentious films around, they have consistently made small, meaningful and memorable films! I'm glad that they truly believe in their tag line "Where great stories come to life"!
Truly Touched My Heart
anita85492 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"The Magic of Ordinary Days" is such a wonderful movie, it has now moved to the top of my list of favorite movies. Skeet Ulrich and Keri Russell captured the characters of Ray and Livvy in such a fantastic way I found myself "lost" in the movie. It was so refreshing in this day and time to watch a movie without worrying about profanity. I would really love to see a sequel to this movie and I'm sure many of you will agree with me. It would be wonderful to see Ray and Livvy as time goes on and their love for each other deepens. Skeet Ulrich and Keri Russell brought a special something to this movie and made it very believable. Skeet and Keri truly captured Ray and Livvy with the way that they often used body language even more than words. So many of the looks they exchange say so much more than words ever could. The scene at the table at Martha's house when Ray and Livvy actually "flirt" with each other was absolutely delightful. I wish they had given more time to Ray and Livvy after they recognized their deep love for each other. The friendship that Livvy develops with the Japanese girls helps bring some of the hardships of the war in focus. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys "escaping" to a simpler time. I would also love to send my comments to Keri and Skeet, but unfortunately I don't know how to contact them. I would also love to find a way to let Hallmark know we would love to see a sequel to this wonderful movie.
Lovely tender romance
mosquitocyn28 October 2022
I just re-watched this yesterday and still enjoyed the entire film. The acting by the cast is very believable showing emotions as they evolve. The story may be a bit far fetched but still played well by the entire cast. I appreciated the sensitivities shown reflecting on the effects of the war with Japanese and German prisoners of war. Both the female and male leads acted very well and were an inspiration to the movie. We just hope that this can happen with most arranged marriages when love can grow through understanding, patience and learning to live and love. Highly recommend to watch whether alone, with your loved ones and even with children.
genuine emotions without prejudice
susanxx23 July 2005
The characters in this film are genuinely likable and apart from one uncharacteristic moment from Ray, the film shows warmth, love and sincerity without any violence. From the beginning all you want is for Ray to be loved like he obviously loves Livvy. It seems that he will have a long time to wait, but Livvy very gradually comes round to loving Ray, but along the way she also displays her love of life and all human beings without any racial prejudice, unlike some of the townspeople. The Japanese/Americans find a friend in Livvy and she treats them with respect and equality. They give something to each others lives in the time of WWII. Its a happy ending for everyone and a very enjoyable film to watch at any time. Make time to watch.
Hallmark movie
ctomvelu128 March 2010
Great WWII-set movie, based on a novel, about a girl who is pregnant by a missing G.I. and sent off by her father to marry a farmer. Complications ensue as she had been a college student back home and doesn't take kindly to this forced marriage and stark existence. She befriends two Japanese-American females, both of whom also were in college before being turned into slaves, and this only causes more difficulties in the small rural community. Keri Russsell is serene in the lead role, and the usually goofy Skeet Ulrich -- second only to Keanu Reeves in the bad acting department-- makes a convincing farmer who tries to make a bad situation tolerable. A bit slow-going, but worth a watch by female viewers. Men should give it a wide berth. The ending is strictly out of a fairy tale and not in keeping with what has gone before. But what are you gonna do?
Magic of Ordinary Days
pbright-217 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was/is by far the best movie I have seen in a long time. I love the story line and the scenery. Ray and Livy were thrown together and because of Ray's desire to be a good husband no matter how he became the husband made for the heart-wrenching scenes that you knew Ray was enduring. Martha summed up Ray's character nicely "When Ray loves somebody it's with his whole heart" I believe Ray was willing to be in this arranged marriage because he was about 30 and extremely lonely. He did go and do things but when he got home he was lonely again. Rev. Case went to him and asked if he would do it and I believe Rev. Case had prayed about it and knew that Ray would be the perfect choice. In the end it all comes together. Ray is the good husband like his daddy was to his mama. I just love the language and choice of words. All in all, this movie needs to be seen by all, especially the sappy ones who love a good love story and happy endings.
coulda been great
bobwolff26 May 2012
Expected a soft, heart pulling story of two lonely people finding each other.....started off great.....a lonely farmer....and some might say simple.....a city girl who expects to travel the world but somehow gets herself pregnant.....a marriage both need......she makes it clear she doesn't want to stay.....but we get glimpses that she's as lonely as her 'husband'....both slowly start to try to be part of the others world....and isn't that what love is really about....caring about the other persons needs and interests?....they seem to start feeling closer...and we slowly see a tenderness grow between them....she still wants to leave and it looks like she will.....even though he knows she doesn't care and doesn't want to stay...he somehow feels they are actually man and wife(?).....is he suddenly really a simpleton? and then suddenly poof...she's in love and everything's OK in farm land USA.....guess I expected a bit more from each character in finding themselves and each other....
Romantic, beautifully filmed, wonderfully moving: Just Right
CBarb706548 February 2020
I fell into this movie so easily, as if it were an old friend. Hooray for somewhat predictable, the kind of snuggle into the blankets, "I found a good movie!" predictable. The story is told with sensitive beauty. I could not leave the room. Skeet Ulrich and Keri Russell take their time with every emotional advancement, the farmhouse is photogenic, the land is stunning, I loved the old truck and the eventual presence of the dog in the house. Everything you wished would happen, happened. Family love, great farm food, a barn dance, excellent costume work. If you've got that yearning for an hour and a half immersed in rural gorgeousness and no violence, this is for you.
High reviews for this? Are you effing kidding me?!
JodyBruchon5 August 2023
I watched this movie based largely on the high rating (7.5 as of this review) and I am amazed that it doesn't have lower ratings. The sheer number of 10/10 reviews is insane. This movie is surprisingly well-made for something that barely has any actual character development and story. The climax of the movie is over 90% into the run time and feels random and forced. I've seen it called a "slow burn" in reviews but that's putting it very mildly; there's not a lot to burn in the first place and the movie takes its sweet time dripping out plot fragments.
My top complaint about movies that I have issues with us that they would have been vastly better movies if they were cut down. This movie is a major offender in this regard; it doesn't have enough of a story to justify over 90 minutes of screen time and the majority of the time is spent dragging things that don't matter out. If this were cut down into a 30-minute short film then it would have been decent. As it stands, I found myself not caring about the characters and wishing it would just end for the latter half.
The cherry on top of the too-slow burn sundae is that the main characters' major "growth" far too late into the film was poorly done and not believable. Most of their interaction is one way, then suddenly it changes, with no meaningful struggle to justify it. There is no payoff. It's not heartwarming. It's not enjoyable. Anyone who gave this 10/10 needs to have their head examined.
My top complaint about movies that I have issues with us that they would have been vastly better movies if they were cut down. This movie is a major offender in this regard; it doesn't have enough of a story to justify over 90 minutes of screen time and the majority of the time is spent dragging things that don't matter out. If this were cut down into a 30-minute short film then it would have been decent. As it stands, I found myself not caring about the characters and wishing it would just end for the latter half.
The cherry on top of the too-slow burn sundae is that the main characters' major "growth" far too late into the film was poorly done and not believable. Most of their interaction is one way, then suddenly it changes, with no meaningful struggle to justify it. There is no payoff. It's not heartwarming. It's not enjoyable. Anyone who gave this 10/10 needs to have their head examined.
Loved It!
rekab931 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Amid all of today's ultra-hip, edgy shows, it is so nice to see something so normal. I must be a throw-back to the old days because I would far prefer to watch this kind of movie than the majority of what is produced today. I could have done without the whole German POW thing which was a little unbelievable. Also, the friendship with the two internment camp detainees was a little distracting. That time could have been spent focusing on the day to day lives of Ray & Livy. I have to admit that I would have preferred to see them fall in love and at least share the same bedroom before the baby was born. Mare Winningham was fabulous, as always. I would love to see a continuation of this family. There are so many issues that could be addressed - Daniel discovering his history, Livy & her family, more children. Of course, Daniel is about the right age to have been drafted during Vietnam - that alone would make a great movie!
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