ROMANTIC Movies You Might Have Missed Monday

Happy Valentine’s Day, Dry Ground friends!

So this week, I’m highlighting a movie I had to step out of my box to watch.

I’ll watch all kinds of movies, but I do have boundaries. For example, my stomach rolls just thinking of watching the Hallmark Channel. No offense – I know and love many people who are all but addicted to these fluffy, shallow, feel-good stories and I will admit that they aren’t all sickening. Usually, though, if I find myself unable to escape a viewing (and that has happened once or twice), I cringe at the gooey sweetness radiating off the screen and roll my eyes so many times I fear permanent damage.

But a little over a year ago, I got surprised… by a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called The Magic of Ordinary Days.

I only watched it because it starred two actors I respect – Keri Russell who has appeared in some good flicks, my favorite being Waitress, and Skeet Ulrich who only shows up occasionally but when he does I always enjoy watching.

It didn’t take long for me to realize why Keri and Skeet would do this particular Hallmark movie – it’s such a great story!

Keri plays smart and beautiful Livy who finds herself, in the early 1940s, unwed and pregnant. Unable to remain as such in her higher society, “respectable” and “religious” family, she agrees to her father’s arrangement of a marriage to a simple but hardworking farmer, Ray, portrayed by Skeet. The story is about their awkward, difficult but ultimately tender and heartwarming relationship.

There’s so much I love about this movie, it’s almost too tough to put it into words. Livy holds tenaciously to her pride in the midst of such a humiliating situation but allows Ray’s unassuming and grace-filled gentleness to draw out her vulnerabilities, thus putting her in the perfect position to experience true love. There’s no whitewashing or excusing or ignoring when it comes to her past, but there’s also an abundance of mercy and kindness, forgiveness and redemption.

This love story brings to my mind images of the Perfect Lover, Jesus, and His unconditional love and offer of new life through His sacrifice.

The Magic of Ordinary Days is not preachy in the least. It’s beautiful and romantic without being cheesy or pat. It’s got substance and heart and depth.

So, if you’re in the mood for love on Valentine’s or any other day, throw The Magic of Ordinary Days into the Netflix queue or pick it up at the rental store. Hopefully, like me, you’ll be glad you did!

(photos by photobucket.com)