Review – Home Beyond the Sun

Pure Flix Entertainment recently released the made for television movie “Home Beyond the Sun” on DVD. Originally airing in 2004, the delightful film has since won Best Dramatic Film at the WYSIWYG Festival and received new packaging for home and church sales.

The film is based on a true story about Jenna (Melyssa Ade) who enters China on a teacher’s work visa. It is during a time and place where possessing a Bible might lead to a long-term jail sentence. For those who have traveled to China and understand the subtleties of the culture, the film falls short of demonstrating those qualities. For those who can suspend disbelief, the film takes on a warm charm that will bring a smile to your face in its closing moments.

Melyssa Ade and young Molly Sayers carry the best parts of the film. Molly plays Chui Lee, a cute little girl who is overlooked for adoption due to her older age. Jenna and Chui’s lives cross and brings hope and a new found contentment to both. In an attempt to share compassion with her new found friend, Jenna sets out to look for adoptive parents that will bring Chui into their home, setting off a series of unique circumstances that lead to a pleasant ending.

While the film opens with a sense of drama, it is quickly submersed in lukewarm mediocrity. This is a slow paced feel good movie with little to contemplate and a lack of true cultural demonstration. However, viewers will joyfully embrace the unique “coincidences” that bring about an amazing end to a true story.

I received this DVD free from PURE FLIX ENTERTAINMENT as part of their marketing program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”