Little butterfly.
That’s what Theresa called her daughter, Michelle, when she was born. Now, a five-year-old battling for her life, Michelle has the same rare liver disease that her mother died from. Will this disease take Michelle, too?
For some, “Ordinary Angels,” released Feb. 23, may come across as yet another predictable faith-based inspirational movie put out by the Christian media industry. But for tired college students in need of a break from the business of studies, this movie will serve as a reminder to take time for what truly matters in life.
Directed by Joe Gunn, the writer of “Jesus Revolution,” “Ordinary Angels” tells the true story of Sharon (Hilary Swank), a hairdresser and alcoholic who struggles to break away from her cycle of drinking.
Sharon’s friend and co-worker, Rosie, takes Sharon to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. There, Sharon hears from a man that she must find a purpose greater than herself to focus on if she wants to be freed from her addiction.
After learning about Michelle’s story, Sharon goes to the memorial service of Michelle’s mom. When Sharon sees Michelle, she is overcome with compassion for the little girl. Since Sharon did not grow up with a present mom and wasn’t there for her own son either, she wants to be fully present in the little girl’s life by loving Michelle as her own.
Sharon takes it upon herself to raise money for Michelle’s treatments, working with Michelle’s dad, Ed, (Alan Ritchson), to pay back the overdue hospital bills. Sharon’s strong will and determination make it so she does not take no as an answer from anybody.
In an exclusive interview on Movieguide, Gunn described his thought process behind choosing a name for the movie.
The original name of the movie was “Angels,” but Gunn changed it to “Ordinary Angels” because he wanted to emphasize that people can change the lives of those around them for the better. People’s status and net worth don’t matter when it comes to helping others around them.
Throughout the film, Sharon goes above and beyond to help Michelle’s family pay back their debts. They negotiate with hospital administration and seek benefactors who can help Michelle get to the hospital in time for her liver transplant.
Through its use of powerful imagery, this movie emphasizes the importance of helping those who you may not even know.
“I love that it’s a reminder of the time when neighbors take care of neighbors regardless of political affiliation or beliefs,” Gunn said.
At the film’s climax, Michelle needs to be taken to the hospital to undergo a liver transplant. The only problem is that one of the biggest snowstorms in Kentucky swept over the state the day of the transplant. Sharon works her magic and manages to get hold of a pilot who can fly his helicopter in the storm to come pick up Michelle.
The only problem is that he cannot see the landing sight because of the white snow. So the townspeople come together to lay out their jackets and coats to create a visible landing pad. As the helicopter descends, the coats start to fly in the air — mirroring the image of butterflies taking flight.
When Michelle was born, her mother called her ‘butterfly.’ Throughout the movie, butterflies are used as a symbol to portray just how freeing and lovely it can be to come together as one community rooted in love and care for each other.
“Ordinary Angels” is a reminder to reevaluate your priorities in life. Amid momentary worries and stress, this movie underscores the importance of building meaningful relationships with the people around you. It serves as a reminder that such relationships endure beyond temporal afflictions and that these connections have the ability to shape your life in profound ways.
College students, go watch “Ordinary Angels.” And bring some Kleenex.
