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Parents' Guide to

The Other Side of Heaven

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Book-based tale about Mormon missionary; some violence.

Movie PG 2002 113 minutes
The Other Side of 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 13+

Based on 2 parent reviews

amberoseinjune
amberoseinjune Adult
July 15, 2019
age 8+

Inspiring and Uplifting True Story

Contrary to the official review, I feel it is not superficial at all. I feel this is all ABOUT the growth of Elder John Groberg. He came naive and young and without any idea of what he was doing - and left filled with compassion, love, understanding, and having learned patience for a different culture and a different life. Despite being persecuted, he and the minister learned to love God with mutual tolerance and sacrifice. A beautiful story that entire families can watch together.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Mark F.
Mark F. Adult
April 28, 2018
age 18+

Good movie

Touching
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN, following his graduation from Brigham Young University, young Mormon missionary John Groberg (Christopher Gorham) embarks on an 83-day journey to the tiny Tongan island where he will be stationed for two years. His only link with home is the monthly mail delivery, and the letters he writes to the girl he hopes to marry (Anne Hathaway) provide the narration. John faces challenges from the culture and setting. The local minister (a Tongan Christian) tells the natives not to deal with him, and even sends some to rough him up. A typhoon wipes out all of the island's crops and homes. He's caught in a storm at sea. Those darn natives keep resisting the rules he has come to teach them. And the church criticizes him for not doing his paperwork. Through all of this John is unfailingly wise, patient, and obedient. He cures an injured child with prayer and pre-CPR first aid. He resists a native beauty who offers him sex without commitment. He even proves himself to the rival minister, who not only apologizes, but also sacrifices himself so that John can survive.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This gently retro story of a young Morman missionary in the Pacific Islands of Tonga loses some wholesomeness points due to some smug insularity. Through all of his experiences, John never questions his role, so he never really learns or grows. But despite The Other Side of Heaven's superficiality, it's always good to see a movie character who has a strong spiritual and moral commitment that informs his choices. Faith-based families will find much to enjoy and discuss.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how we find a balance between respect for the cultures and religions of others and knowing our own moral and spiritual centers.

  • How do John and his family draw on their faith in making their decisions in The Other Side of Heaven? Is your family religious?

  • This movie was based on a memoir. What would be the challenges in adapting a memoir into a movie, especially one with religious and spiritual themes?

Movie Details

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