The Other Side of Heaven (2001)

John Groberg, a farm kid from Idaho Falls, crosses an ocean to become a missionary in the remote and exotic Tongan islands during the 1950's.

Director:

Mitch Davis

Writers:

Mitch Davis, John H. Groberg (book)

Stars:

Christopher Gorham, Anne Hathaway, Joe Folau

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christopher Gorham	...	John Groberg
Anne Hathaway	...	Jean Sabin
Joe Folau	...	Feki (as Joseph Folau)
Nathaniel Lees	...	Kelepi
Miriama Smith	...	Lavania
Alvin Fitisemanu	...	Tomasi
Peter Sa'ena-Brown	...	Kuli
Whetu Fala	...	Asi
Apii McKinley	...	Noli
Paki Cherrington	...	Minister (as Te Paki Cherrington)
Jeremy Birchall	...	Edward
Ross Duncan	...	John's Father
Maggie Harper	...	John's Mother
Rick Leckinger	...	Photographer
Brian Richards	...	Crowd Member #1

Storyline

John H. Groberg, a middle class kid from Idaho Falls, crosses the Pacific to become a Mormon missionary in the remote and exotic Tongan island kingdom during the 1950's. He leaves behind a loving family and the true love of his life, Jean. Through letters and musings across the miles, John shares his humbling and sometimes hilarious adventures with "the girl back home", and her letters buoy up his spirits in difficult times. John must struggle to overcome language barriers, physical hardship and deep-rooted suspicion to earn the trust and love of the Tongan people he has come to serve. Throughout his adventure-filled three years on the islands, he discovers friends and wisdom in the most unlikely places. John H. Groberg's Tongan odyssey will change his life forever.

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Plot Keywords:

idaho | missionary | love | 1950s | mormon | 

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Taglines:

A True Story.

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Genres:

Adventure | Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and brief disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

othersideofheaven.com [us] (Flash site)

Country:

USA

Language:

English Tonga

Release Date:

12 April 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Eye of the Storm

Filming Locations:

New Zealand

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$55,765 (USA) (14 December 2001)

Gross:

$4,720,371 (USA) (27 November 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

3Mark Entertainment, Molen/Garbett Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS (Dolby 5.1)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The BYU scene was actually shot in New Zealand. Film-makers hired almost every swing club in the country to appear as extras. Anne Hathaway and Christopher Gorham do almost all of their own dancing. Anne was kicked in the head during one sequence. She was nearly knocked out.

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Goofs

The majority of Tongan characters speak with New Zealand accents throughout the film, although the only white people they have supposedly been in contact with are the American missionaries. This is due to the fact that most of the actors portraying Tongans are actually from New Zealand or the Cook Islands. A lot of the Tongan dialogue is also mis-pronounced throughout the film.

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Quotes

Feki: It is enough I remember you offered it to me.

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Connections

Featured in The Making of 'The Other Side of Heaven' (2003)

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Soundtracks

"The Lone Ranger"
Courtesy of Golden Books Family Entertainment

User Reviews

Interesting Movie

I have yet to catch all of the movie on TMC but I have seen about 7/8ths of it. It's funny, sharp, very interesting and easy to watch. I found myself laughing and crying with the character. Being based on a true story makes it even more fun to watch. The movie sure does explain more about what a missionary goes through. What a life this man had! He was truly blessed. This movie was a great find. The main actor was magnificent in the role and his portrayal made the movie even greater. The locations were like heaven on earth. The main character had to overcome local prejudice against missionaries, his total removal from worldly possessions, his fears of becoming an elephant (see the movie he explains this) and his loneliness for his wife to be are just a few of his challenges. According to his church elders he must first finish his missionary role before he can marry his true love. This is one rule he is determined never to break. The fellowship and eventual closeness he enjoys with the natives proves to be a grand learning experience for both him and his new friends. "The Other Side of Heaven" is a must see for anybody.