Rating: 
Summary: Heartfelt Drama
Review: I was part of an exclusive group of "non Mormon" viewers to a sneak preview of this movie. When I understood it was about a LDS elder sent to Tonga on a mission, I thought perhaps this would be a preachy movie. I was surprised and delighted to see the meassage wasn't overbearing at all, but rather enlightening. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a wholesome, clean, entertaining feature presentation for once. It just goes to show you that a movie with suspense, a message, and entertainment value can be made without violence, sex or obscene language.I wholly recommend this movie to all Christian or non-Christians alike, as it is for anyone to enjoy - and you will !
Rating:
Summary: A Gem
Review: This movie was the most delightful surprise we have had recently. It's one of those movies you keep thinking about -- a quiet pleasure. The entire family loved it, including our difficult to please teenagers.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and inspiring
Review: I saw this in an early preview. It was fantastic.
As, already said, this is based on a true story. The script was well written, but not sappy or lecturing.
I thought the storm scene was fantastic. The scenery on the island was breathtaking.
The screenplay was written by the same person who did the screenplay for Schnidler's List.
This is a must see, and you don't have to be afraid of bringing your children.
Rating:
Summary: GORGEOUS!
Review: This movie is clean without being sqeaky, sweet without being gooey, and inspiring without being preachy. Basically it's everything you want in a movie (action, adventure, romance, drama) without the bad aftertaste. Plus the scenery and music is GORGEOUS!
Do not pass up the chance to see it - over and over. Definitely 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: heaven
Review: It was splendid and spectacular.I liked it because it was very funny and it realy tells the story and inspires people,although it is a mormon movie. So I strongly reccomend it.
Rating:
Summary: What a surprise!
Review: I had no idea what this movie was about before going to see it. When I realized it was about an LDS missionary, I was afraid it was going to be preachy and boring, but it was not! It was funny, romantic, and exciting. I thought the storm scene resembled scenes from "The Perfect Storm" which I considered impressive. I'm glad I saw this movie before knowing what it was about.
Rating: 
Summary: Not outwardly spectacular
Review: Working off a *very* modest budget of $7 million for a nearly two-hour film, it's no wonder there are parts of this movie where there was a definite lack of funding. The camera shots in one scene could have been better pulled off by a teenager with a camcorder, and some of the waves in the storm scene look like they're in a pool. On the other hand, though, this movie wasn't meant to be a technological marvel. This movie tells the missionary story of John H. Groberg, a Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in far-away Tonga, without knowing a lick of the language. Given only two goals (learn the language and build the kingdom), John faces many obstacles. Language barriers, a stubborn minister, storms, death, and rats. On top of all that, his girlfriend in the States, Jean, is staving off suitors, anxiously awaiting John's return 3 years hence. I really liked The Other Side of Heaven. It wasn't too preachy, but it conveyed great emotions in many of its scenes. There were a few cheesy scenes and some cliche sections, but overall the humor was clever, the plot enjoyable (and easy to follow), and emotion touching. A great movie that I hope many will be able to see.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just a "Mormon" movie
Review: With the recent release of many "mormon culture" films, this is one that is really different and that people mormon and non-mormon can all relate to. It is a story of faith, love and triumph over adversity. I've read some of the other reviews of this movie saying that it is insulting to the people of Tonga, but it was not meant to be. I felt that it was handled very well. I saw in this movie a beautiful people who have good values and are filled with love. This movie and the book, which I also highly recommend, inspire me and in a world filled with so much filth, it is something I can watch and feel uplifted. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because of Anne Hathaway. I'm just not a big fan of her as an actress and felt that someone else could have played her part in the movie less annoyingly.
Rating:
Summary: Pure love
Review: This is a beautiful movie. This past week I attended a symposium given by Elder John Groberg and his wife. This movie was written about Mr Groberg and his Wife Jean's experience. They are wonderful people. Their love story is truly inspiring. In todays world where love means short throw away relationships, one night stands, and marriages that quickly end in divorce it is really refreshing to see a movie made about a true love story. Their love lasted through his mission and all these 40 or so years that they have been married. Their love is still going strong. I too have experienced this kind of love. My husband waited for me as I served a mission for the church of Jesus-Christ of Latterday saints. Our love grew stronger every day as I was going through similar experiences. We married shortly after I came home. Now, after children and the events of life we are still happy and in love. True love is saving and can last forever. My husband also served a 2 year mission for this church. I can tell you it is not easy to leave all of your friends and family for 2 years relying only on letters as communication. We serve missions because we want to share the joy that comes from this truth. There is no deception about it. Why else would we pay our own way, leave our families, and go half a world away for 2 years? The answer is love. We serve missions because we love you. As stated in the beginning God loves his people everywhere. So next time you see a mormon missionary be kind.... they are far from home and are here merely to share joy and the love of God. I feel compelled to respond to a few of the criticisms of this movie. First of all... to the person who said it was unbelievable that this man would refuse the sexual offer from the islander girl.... I want you to know that Mormon Elders and Sister missionaries all over the world keep themselves chaste. Perhaps as unbelievable as it is in this day and age We as "Good faithful mormons" in our youth save ourselves for marriage and the one true love. Also, to the young man who wanted the relationship worked up for sensational reasons, let me say it is a true story. This young mormon couple had a very simple and pure love. They are chaste and virtuous. This movie was never meant to be titillating entertainment.
Secondly, There has been criticism of the islanders playing Tongans. I do understand that one. However, How many movies are made of French people with really sad American accents trying to sound French. Or Mexicans acting as Spaniards. Since I studied 7 years of French and spent a year and a half in Paris it drives me crazy to hear a fake accent. I guess the best excuse is that it was a low-budget film.
Third, I do think it is rather silly how Disney used Anne Hathaway as the star of the show as if the mission were all about her. However, we can't judge the film just because Disney wanted to use Anne Hathaway for Propaganda. That was Disney's decision.
Fourth, I don't see a problem with the contents. Those things happened to him on his mission. My mission definitely wouldn't be G rated either, nor PG for that matter. I saw a lot of dirty stuff on those city streets.
Lastly, we cannot judge this film by rating it's sensationability. It is a true story. It is not meant to be an action packed SPY Kids movie or Harry Potter.
Mormons are a good beautiful people. Many movies have been recorded of many different faiths. It's about time there is some positive coverage of the LDS people.
Rating:
Summary: Review from a Polynesian (Tongan/Samoan) viewer
Review: 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!
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