The Other Side of Heaven (2001)

Good movie but grossly overrated

Absolutely Brilliant!

Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Normally LDS subject films like The Other Side Of Heaven are usually produced in Salt Lake City by Mormons. But this film, the true life adventure of a missionary in the South Pacific island kingdom of Tonga was done by the Disney Studios. That being said it is perfectly within the Disney parameters of family entertainment.John Groberg as played here by Christopher Gorham is a kid who likes his faith with a little rock and roll in the Eisenhower Fifties. He plays a mean trumpet and is awaiting his mission assignment. It turns out to be the exotic south seas certainly with enough temptation that few can withstand. Still it's something if not required, expected of him to do his two year bit before he marries Anne Hathaway.Stories about Mormon Missionaries and I've reviewed a few of them now have one common thread, it's the culture shock. No matter whether it's Tonga, Tenafly or Buffalo these kids leave a cocoon like existence in their Mormon communities to go out into the big world to do their thing. That's what films like God's Army, The Best Two Years and this film have in common.The Pacific Islands have always held special interest for the LDS church. They have charge of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Honolulu and I give the church credit for helping to preserve the Polynesian Culture of several peoples. Young Gorham doesn't preach and baptize, he makes real contributions to the daily lives of this remote region. With disease and tidal waves to battle among other things, the Magic Kingdom did a great job with the special effects in The Other Side Of Heaven.Anne Hathaway does appear in the film, but it's her voice in the letters they exchange that is her real contribution. In fact it was touching to see these two young people, deeply in love speaking their letters in voice over. In this age of electronic mail, a film like this showing the romance and poetry between Gorham and Hathaway is a depiction of a sadly bygone age.Disney Studios recognized that this film would have a wider appeal than just among Mormons and it does. It's a fine family film, but LDS audiences will appreciate it most of all.

I am a fan of Anne Hathaway. That was the primary reason I decided to watch this film. Unfortunately, her part is small and one dimensional. That is not her fault.A story of a missionary bringing his "truths" to the (spiritually) ignorant savages is, of course, built on a faulty and culturally biased premise. This story trips over all the basic clichés. The fact that it is a true story makes it worse and not really special. Millions have gone to other lands to proselytize for many different churches, often in primitive circumstances.But primitive or "undeveloped" societies are not necessarily deficient. I appreciated the scene in the movie where the villagers sit around a radio and John leaves. He finds one villager playing a guitar beautifully and seems to realize that the changes being introduced to this island society, including changes brought about by his church, come with a cost.The production values were fine. The depiction of the storm on the water was well done. And I appreciated the acting, which seemed genuine. But all of these were hampered by the script. A few scenes were enjoyable, I thought, but not enough to make the entire worth viewing.

The movie contains what seems to be an honest look at a missionary leaving his home for quite a while, not knowing what to expect, and, returning home unexpectedly different. I thought the movie was tastefully done. I didn't have a lot of preconceived notions going in, and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I thought the storyline showed some of the greatest human characteristics that can be shown, both from Elder Groberg and from those whom he served. I recommend the movie to anyone I see...and really don't understand why anyone would say it's "the worst movie ever" seeing some of the bile that's put on film each and every day.If you're looking for shoot-em-up and special effects, this is the worst movie ever. If you're looking for an inspiring story that gets you asking what's really important in life, then you may put this on your ten-best list. Happy viewing!

I loved this movie!!! My father is Tongan and my mother is Samoan (the first island Elder Groberg landed at the beginning of his journey). Even though I was born and raised here in the US, I have been exposed to my Polynesian roots and love and embrace both cultures of who I am (Polynesian side and American side).I have to say that my family and I LOVED this movie. It is refreshing to watch a beautiful movie without all the sex, violence and vulgar material that permeates our society today. This movie is about True Love on so many levels - the love between Elder Groberg and his future bride Jean, the love between the Tongan people and Elder Groberg and the love between Our Lord and his children. No, I'm not Mormon, I'm actually an Assembly of God Christian, however that does not overshadow my appreciation for this movie.The depiction of the people of Tonga is accurate. They are a lighthearted and loving group of people who love to laugh and find joy in the simple things of life. They are all about respect and honoring one's family. The scene of the first funeral brought back memories for me as it illustrated exactly how these kind people handle the departing of a loved one. When my dear Grandmother Siu passed away in 1994, my family and I traveled back to Vava'u (an island within the Kingdom of Tonga) to lay her to rest. The unmasked grief and crying as depicted in the movie was exactly how my grandmother's funeral was. The crying and grieving took place for 1 full day (24 hours - day and night) while different groups of people from all the villages on the island, came to pay their last respects.Hats off to Disney for going out on a limb to bring the story of one young man's journey of faith and trials and tribulations of his mission to the big screen! Well done!