The Errand of Angels (2008)

A wide-eyed sister missionary arrives in Austria to begin her 18-month-long mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite having to make a few cultural adjustments, ... See full summary »

Director:

Christian Vuissa

Writers:

Heidi Johnson (story), Christian Vuissa (screenplay)

Stars:

Erin Chambers, Rachel Emmers, Bettina Schwarz

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Erin Chambers	...	Sister Taylor
Rachel Emmers	...	Sister Young
Bettina Schwarz	...	Sister Keller
Katrin Mayer	...	Sister Felder
Eunicia Jones	...	Sister Kandia
Dina Kabele	...	Schwester Jäger
Gregor Staudner	...	Fritz Zimmer
Susanna Bihari	...	Ursula Zimmer
Ashley Munns	...	Christine (as Gigi Ashley Munns)
Danielle Ilian	...	Schwester Zahn
Lisa Weber	...	Erika
Fanny Matschnig	...	Sonja
Monika Köteles	...	Woman at Cemetery
Inge Maux	...	Schwester Wagner
Maria Lassl	...	Woman with Cookies

Storyline

A wide-eyed sister missionary arrives in Austria to begin her 18-month-long mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite having to make a few cultural adjustments, Sister Taylor meets every challenge with optimism. Her enthusiasm to share the Gospel makes her indomitable, until she finds herself with an abrasive companion whom she doesn't understand and doesn't particularly like. This challenge, along with the ordinary vicissitudes of missionary life begin to wear on her, and thus in the process of sharing the Gospel, Sister Taylor finds herself gaining a better understanding of its key precepts: faith, repentance, forgiveness, and charity.

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Plot Keywords:

missionary | latter day saints | austria | mormon missionary | female protagonist | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some thematic material

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

1 January 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Diary of a Sister Missionary

Filming Locations:

Graz, Styria, Austria

Box Office

Budget:

$160,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$23,482, 29 August 2008, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$195,184, 12 October 2008

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mirror Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the movie there is an unanswered questions on rocks on tombstones in a Jewish cemetery. Putting rocks on tombstones is most often described as a Jewish custom. That a rock symbolizes a visitor and when put on a tombstone says, "I remember you." It is also documented that some people pick up a rock wherever they are and when they think of a person that has passed. Then, the next time they visit the grave, they place the rock to say, "I wish you were here."

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Connections

References The Sound of Music (1965)

User Reviews

True Highs and Lows of Sister Missionary Life

As a former sister missionary, I found "Errand of Angels" to be extremely validating. I loved the honest way the film addressed the true highs and lows of sister missionary life. I found that it captured the essence of what every sister experiences. I served in Argentina, the film is set in Austria, and yet there are so many parallels that I can draw between the two such as not getting along with a companion, going on a splits with someone new and inspiring, finding your own testimony, serving others, finding yourself in awkward discussion moments, caring deeply about those you come in contact with, losing investigators, being part of a conversion and baptism, and even eating everything on your plate, both known and unknown. Aside from the candid storyline, the the film was shot beautifully and creatively. Visually, it's rich, colorful, and effectively highlights locations, while quietly showcasing European scenery. The overall mood and feeling is calm, peaceful, and spiritually centered. A perfect Sunday afternoon movie. My fourteen year old daughter loves to watch this movie on Sundays. She is looking forward to serving a mission when she is of age and we discuss the way the film portrays a mission as a challenging yet ultimately rewarding experience. I feel that it is important for young sisters to realize that a mission isn't an exotic vacation but an intense learning period full of personal trials to help you grow into the person you can become. I believe that "Errand of Angels" depicts that concept in a very heartfelt and humble way. I am grateful for a film that substantiates the worth of dedicating eighteen months to the Lord.