It was raining last night here in Shah Alam. With hot tea next to us, my wife and I settled in last night for a Netflix night. We chose “Ordinary Angels”. Based on a true story, that’s the line I saw in the introduction line, it somehow triggered me to give it a shot and see. Hillary Swank is in the lead role, and I hope the experience is going to be good.
True enough, “Ordinary Angels” delivered just that, with a gentle touch and a genuine warmth that stayed with us till the end. The film tells the story of Sharon, a struggling hairdresser with a heart of gold. Swank played Sharon and her acting is just brilliant. Right from the start, I found myself connecting with this Sharon character. She’s got this messy, chaotic energy that feels so real, so human. She’s not perfect; she makes mistakes, she struggles with her own personal challenges with her son, but her inherent goodness shines through. Swank has this incredible ability and she truly brings Sharon to life.
Sharon’s life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Ed. FYI, this guy Ed is a widowed father desperately seeking a liver donor for his critically ill daughter. As a matter of fact, Ed is still mourning his wife’s passing. Alan Ritchson, as Ed, is a revelation. This guy usually plays action-related roles, so seeing him tap into this quiet intensity and emotional depth was really interesting. He portrays the quiet strength and desperation of a father facing the unimaginable with a performance that felt both stoic and deeply vulnerable.
And the chemistry between Swank and Ritchson? It’s just perfect. You won’t believe that connection can actually happen, in this case between Sharon and Ed, two struggling souls who find solace and purpose in each other’s personal challenges. Their scenes together are some of the most powerful in the film, filled with unspoken understanding and a shared sense of hope. One scene that particularly resonated with me was when Sharon, despite just getting to know Ed, supported him in securing decent roofing jobs from the main contractor by convincing the business owner of the main contractor company to give it a shot and hire Ed. It was just a raw and honest moment that made my heart sink.
What struck me most about “Ordinary Angels” was its authenticity. It’s just so damn real. Yes, the story is inherently uplifting, and yes, there are moments of predictability. But the film never shies away from the complexities of its characters or the harsh realities of the situation. There’s a scene where Sharon, in a moment of desperation, struggling to mend with her own son somehow can still push the boundaries even further by raising funds to help Ed’s family she barely knows. It’s the move I didn’t see it coming, yet it happened. And, it could have easily come across as overly sentimental. But Swank plays it with such raw honesty that the whole situation becomes so inspiring and touched.
The film gently explores themes of faith, hope, and the power of community without ever feeling preachy or overly sentimental. This is the best and most powerful scene in the story where, with a blizzard raging and time running out to get Ed’s daughter to the hospital for her transplant, the entire community comes together to clear the snow from the church parking lot. They shovel and sweep, creating a makeshift landing pad for the helicopter. It’s a truly inspiring moment that showcases the incredible things average people like us can accomplish when they unite for a common cause. In a world that often feels divided and cynical, this message of unity and hope is incredibly refreshing.
While the cinematography and soundtrack were solid, the true strength of “Ordinary Angels” lies in its characters, their emotional journeys and the small things in between. I found myself pretty much connected with the quiet moments of human connection. It’s just resonated deeply. This is the very movie that stays with me for a long time, prompting reflection on my own life and the connections I truly cherish.
“Ordinary Angels” isn’t just a masterpiece, but it is a sincere film that reminds us all of the importance of compassion and the extraordinary things that ordinary people can achieve when they come together. The ending, while somewhat expected, provides a satisfying sense of closure and reinforces the film’s message of hope.
Seeing the real-life individuals who inspired the story during the end credits adds another layer of emotional impact, reminding us that these acts of kindness truly happen in the world. I could finally see the real Sharon, Ed, Michelle and the rest of those inspiring souls—the real angels behind the characters. You’ve got to see this movie. I personally recommend giving this one a watch. You won’t be disappointed, promised. Perhaps that’s the true magic of “Ordinary Angels” – it encourages us all to be a little bit more angelic in our own lives, no matter how ‘small’ our contributions might be. And in a world that often feels filled with darkness, that’s a message we could all use a little more of.
