IMDb > The Other Side of Heaven (2001)
The Other Side of Heaven
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The Other Side of Heaven (2001) More at IMDbPro »

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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.
The Other Side of Heaven (2001) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
6.3/10   1,553 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 3% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Mitch Davis
Writers:
Mitch Davis (writer)
John H. Groberg (book)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Other Side of Heaven on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
12 April 2002 (USA) more
Tagline:
An Epic Journey. more
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. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
1 win more
User Comments:
a well-made film more (81 total)

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
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Eye of the Storm (USA) (working title)
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MPAA:
Rated PG for thematic elements and brief disturbing images.
Runtime:
113 min
Country:
USA
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital
Filming Locations:
New Zealand more

Fun Stuff

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. more
Goofs:
Anachronisms: Elder Groberg has a Book of Mormon beside his bed. This particular Book of Mormon has the phrase "Another testament of Jesus Christ" on the cover. This phrase did not appear on the Book of Mormon until the mid 80's. more
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]
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The R.M. (2003) more
Soundtrack:
Rip it Up more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
16 out of 21 people found the following comment useful.
a well-made film, 20 December 2001
9/10

Considering that this movie was neither made by, nor endorsed by, the LDS church, The Other Side of Heaven is an endearing, uplifting movie that celebrates and pays respect to Mormon missionaries without going too deep into LDS philosophy or beliefs. Produced in part by the same producer who brought us such cinematic gems as Schindler's List and Jurassic Park, Heaven is refreshingly devoid of many "blockbuster"-style elements and is a very low-key presentation of a young man's struggle to survive, adapt, and succeed in a world far far away from his familiar hometown in Idaho.

In the early 1950's Elder John Groberg from Idaho Falls accepts a call to serve a three-year LDS mission to Tonga. Although he is thrilled and dedicated to his mission call, he is understandably concerned about leaving Jean, the love of his life, in Utah for fear that she will marry somebody else. Yet his faith and determination to do what he believes is right are shown throughout this movie as his motivation to stay through the hardships, the loneliness, and the difficulties that are faced during his mission.

The Other Side of Heaven is essentially a chronicle of Elder Groberg's true life mission. At times spiritual, humorous, frightening, and uplifting, the movie is a tribute to a young man who faced overwhelming odds and setbacks to continually overcome some of the most difficult situations ever beset a young missionary. Throughout the film, Elder Groberg's letters to Jean and her letters back to him keep the film centered on it's true message, that of a man out of place . . . loving where he is, but wishing at the same time, to be home with the others that he loves. And it is this internal struggle which, I am sure, has been faced by every other missionary in history, that gives the movie its depth and emotional quality.

My only criticism of the movie comes from the very brief explanation of the traditions and culture surrounding LDS missionaries and the way in which they receive their calls. For those who are familiar with LDS missions, this should be no problem, but for those viewers who have not been exposed to the process of a Mormon mission, the first 15 or 20 minutes may seem a bit confusing. There is another bit of Mormon tradition which is very poorly explained, but I can't tell you what it is without giving away a fairly poignant moment of the film's ending.

Nevertheless, The Other Side of Heaven is not just a Mormon movie. It is a movie that can be enjoyed and appreciated by people of all faiths (and even those of no faith). Because in the final analysis, this is a movie about the triumph of the spirit and the joys and rewards of fighting for, and doing something, you truly believe in.

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As a Christian, I still liked this movie.... ilovejesus2002
I Really Loved This Movie, and I'm Christian LDS. pantyhoser1975
Is Annie Morman? Kajee2
Character research MarkEShark
Can you get this film on region 2? smeg89
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