Plot Summary
Since Jenna was raised by a missionary, she feels that it is her duty to give back by becoming a missionary herself. So when an opening presents itself in China, she jumps at the chance. She travels to Beijing to work as a teacher to children there, but as she works there for a few weeks, she finds an entirely different mission field: orphans whom no one wants, not even the government. However, the orphanage leader has to keep everything a secret since she is teaching the orphans Christian values. Who will prevail in the end?
Production Quality (1 point)
Unfortunately, though this movie means well, it is packaged in a very poor production. After the long opening sequence that would be interesting if it was produced better, the audience is subjected to grainy video quality and poor audio quality, including a loud and cheap soundtrack. Camera work is average, especially since most of the scenes are pedestrian shots. However, the international locations are pretty good and demonstrate an attempt at authenticity. Finally, editing is okay, but there is not much complex content that requires any rigorous editing. In the end, it’s clear that this creative team has good intentions, but their delivery is lacking.
Plot and Storyline Quality (.5 point)
Additionally, though some care is revealed through this touching story about Chinese orphans, not enough care is given to making this a palatable plot. Home Beyond the Sun contains a slightly amateurish portrayal of Chinese people, including some strawman cultural aspects and characters. Though important social issues are raised, they are sort of forced down the audience’s throats and do not develop naturally through the use of realistic characters. Instead, the characters use information-packed dialogue to drive the story along. But at the same time, the story is quite slow and does not hold the attention; any conflict therein is too trite. There is a better way to depict an otherwise important story about Chinese orphans, and unfortunately, Home Beyond the Sun does not cut it.
Acting Quality (.5 point)
Though there is some good here, the acting is overall quite amateurish. There is some realistic cultural casting, but in all cast members, emotions seem plastic and line delivery is quite forced. Yet it seems like this case has potential that could have been brought out through proper coaching. But alas, coaching is not present here, thus creating another disappointing performance.
Conclusion
This really could have been an interesting movie. It focuses on a different topic that needs to be depicted on the big screen, yet Home Beyond the Sun does so in such a way that makes it all seem so silly. There are definitely good intentions here, but good intentions are not everything. There must be follow-through that manifests itself in professional production, an engaging storyline full of realistic and accessible characters, and acting coaching that brings the cast members to life. Yet when these elements are not present, even if a good idea is present, it makes for a very frustrating and disappointing film.
Final Rating: 2 out of 10 points
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