The Other Side of Heaven (2001)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Mitch Davis

Writers:

Mitch Davis (writer)
John H. Groberg (book)

Release Date:

12 April 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Biography | Drama

Tagline:

An Epic Journey.

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Idaho | Missionary | Love | 1950s | Mormon

Awards:

1 win

Cast

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

Also Known As:

Eye of the Storm (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements and brief disturbing images.

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Tonga (Tonga Islands)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Malaysia:U | Singapore:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

New Zealand

Company:

3Mark Entertainment

Trivia:

Cast member John Paekau died of a heart attack shortly after production wrapped. A dedication is made to him in the closing credits.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The film starts with a dance at Brigham Young University in 1953. A couple sing the song "Rip it Up". That song was first recorded by Little Richard in 1956.

Quotes:

John Groberg: Tomasi, why did you help us?
Tomasi: When I was a little boy, I was orphaned. Two missionaries like you took care of me, put me in school. I had forgotten about it until the minister told us to go rough up the Mormons. Then I remembered: I am one!
[takes a swig of alcohol]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Singles 2nd Ward (2007)

Soundtrack:

Rip it Up

An inspiring film

My one liner says that this is an inspiring movie. Unfortunately, some of the other reviewers feel pretty uninspired by it. I guess their "a priori" hatred for the protagonist and his religion are the predicate for these feelings. This film is based on true events. It is not " Mormon propaganda" as suggested by many. The missionary happens to be a Mormon but the story would be as moving despite the denomination. It is the story of a young man on a religious mission to the Tongan people. His companion is a native and his mission is characterized by a love for this people, not condescension to them. How anyone could watch this film and come away with bad feelings is beyond me. The whole point of the film is about loving our fellow man and giving them due consideration. The protagonist has his detractors in the film also that he eventually wins over with his sincerity and goodness. If some one does not like this film--fine--but to use these pages as a canvas for painting one's hatred demonstrates the need for films of this kind. There is a lot of hatred and bigotry in the world that needs to be done away with. This film demonstrates one example of how understanding and respect develops between people. I'm sorry members of the "new inquisition" missed this point. I give it an 8 out of 10.