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Parents' Guide to

Sunrise in Heaven

By Renee Schonfeld, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Lifelong love story with tragic events is rooted in faith.

Movie NR 2019 85 minutes
Sunrise in Heaven Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Kevin Bailey B.
Kevin Bailey B. Parent of 11, 14 and 17-year-old
August 5, 2020
age 2+

Treacly and poorly-written

This is fairly boiler-plate platitudinal preaching that has come to be the standard of faith-based filmmaking. It is far more interested in preaching than it is in actually making a good film that would have any chance of reaching an audience of people who aren't already converted.
AMJoy
AMJoy Adult
April 19, 2020
age 5+

Slightly better than a hallmark movie

Ooh boy. I’m trying to think of an accurate way to describe this movie. If one of my friends made this movie for their college capstone class, I’d probably give them a B-. It wasn’t BAD, per say. Low budget, DEFINITELY. Bad acting, yes. Okay message, sure. I’m glad they didn’t vilify anyone in particular, as “Christian” movies tend to do, but the obvious crutches used were on the nose for sure. Magical black man-check/ two young pretty people faced with “adversity”- check/magical thinking will solve our problem-check. I don’t mean to hate on the movie. Like I said, it’s not the worst I’ve ever seen, BUT I’m glad I didn’t pay to see it and would probably not recommend it.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SUNRISE IN HEAVEN introduces Jan Nichols (Caylee Cowan) and Steve Hurst (Travis Burns) as teens in love in 1964. Steve is stationed at Vandenberg Air Force base, where Jan's dad, Jim Nichols (Corbin Bersen), is an officer. Jim, rigid and overbearing, has strong objections to his young daughter dating a military man. Jan's and Steve's early romance as well as their battle with her dad at a time when women were "obedient" is intercut throughout with the aftermath of a tragedy that happens more than four decades later (the adult Jan and Steve played by Bonnie Burroughs and Randy Crowder). Still very much in love with Jan, Steve suffers a spinal cord injury in an auto accident. Jan and their two grown daughters (Erin Bethea) and (Jenn Gotzon Chandler) must confront the reality of Steve's paralysis and his reliance on life support. Over the years, when having to make critical decisions, the family is guided by Robert, a wise pastor (played by Aaron D. Alexander as a young man and Alex Morris as the older Robert). The two time periods portrayed in the life of one couple reflect their faith in God and their enduring love.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (3 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The Hurst's story reveals a deep commitment to family and spirituality, but despite its earnest messages, there's no escaping the predictability and inherent melodrama. Sunrise in Heaven is an unambiguously religious movie; prayers are offered in many scenes, and most characters are true believers. Corbin Bernsen does his best to bring a one-dimensional bully to life, but the resolution of his story is unbelievable and far too easy. The many solid performances lose their impact when the actors work alongside others who are unpolished or overwrought. Still, the movie should appeal to faith-based audiences and reinforce their heartfelt values.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss the changing roles of women as portrayed in Sunrise in Heaven. How is Jan a reminder of the evolution of women after her teen years? Would it surprise you to learn that Jan Hurst earned a PhD as her daughters grew up?

  • Was it easy to accommodate the frequent transitions in the movie from 1964 to present day? How did the filmmakers assist in those transitions? Think about music, colors used, settings. Find out the meaning of "establishing shot." How does this help the viewer move from time period to time period?

  • How is the idea of faith explored in the film? Do you think this movie is specifically Christian in its messages, or in what ways might it have resonance for other religions as well?

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