On the Way Home (1992 Video) User Reviews

Very Moving story about grief and hope.

[terin-of-avalon · 3 September 2011]

This film really spoke to me and can be a great help to those experiencing grief. It was a big part of my joining the church.

It is distributed by The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. The length of the film is only about 30 minutes. The previous reviewer noted " The first thing I seen that I watched was a bunch of guys play basketball." and that the cover of the video was deceptive. I am sure this was not intended. I think they were just showing that anyone can need spiritual guidance and LDS people are like everyone else.

I don't know who that reviewer hung out with as a teen, but my friends had many discussions, including that of various religions, and we were much more open back then. We just cared about each other. Too bad I only knew a Catholic, Lutheran and Presbiterian at the time.

THe criticism of the house and what happens in the back ground was a waste of print space since it really has nothing to do with the story and it isn't like they are the first to do it. Look at any other movie and see how the skip info.

Yes, this entire movie has flashbacks, but I had no trouble putting it together. The story centers around a hit and run and family dynamics and choices.

Obviously I found this store more interesting that the previous reviewer and maybe it just was not his time to open up completely to the power of faith since he was such a downer on it.

One of the Sister Missionaries says that it is impossible for her to feel what the family is going through. The family needs counseling. (although the counselors would not do that either) Although the family is about to change forever, a solution like this is not that simple. It never is. Sure this it true. But the reviewer did guess the original purpose. It was to introduce a topic to people; to open discussion. It was never set up to be a fully detailed story.

At least he did concede: Unfortunately this ...thing that I watched, is made a tiny bit too well to be kept confined as a tiny film...thing that it is. It should have been made into a full length film at least, with different story lines. And if so, perhaps the potential film could have put other family films to shame.

I want to get some copies of this for my friends.

Very touching

[JefferyScottDavis · 10/10 · 24 December 2017]

I watched this short film back when it first came out and have had a copy ever since and have even given out several copies to friends. I had a neighbor who lost a daughter in a similar circumstance that was played out in the video. My neighbors were torn in so many directions over the loss of their young child. After a few months had elapsed since the loss of their daughter, I asked them if I could share a video with them that I had watched and had helped me to cope with the loss of a loved one close to me. I explained that the video was faith based in the LDS Church and that it had a message if hope that I felt might help. I watched it with them and and we shared some tender moments during and since that viewing. We are much closer neighbors than we were before the sharing of this film and they have recounted often just how much hope the video gave them and how it allowed them to view death from a completely different perspective which set them on a life changing path of less pain and more joy! The video quality is superb compared to many box office movies from it's era and had a great Cast of actors who really did a great job. What meant the most to me is that it had a powerful message that was presented in such a way that it was unobtrusive to families in the grieving process, instilled hope and could be a catalyst in bringing souls back into the loving arms of the Father.

subliminal messages?

[nick-c-humphrey · 1/10 · 4 June 2012]

There's allegedly a subliminal message when the bicyclists ride by the son while he's jogging, you can hear what sounds like "don't do drugs".

An interesting side note: the producer of the film, Bonneville, has a product called "Heart Sell" which is described as: "Our unique strength is the ability to touch the hearts and minds of our audiences, evoking first feeling, then thought and, finally, action. We call this uniquely powerful brand of creative 'HeartSell'® - strategic emotional advertising that stimulates response."

I rate the movie as awful because of all the empty and non-evidenced claims, e.g. "You can actually be together forever", "You will see your sister again", "I know that you can be with your daughter again". I also rate this 1 because of the thick cheesy way of speaking and acting.

Excellent story and promises

[mountain91 · 9 November 2003]

This film was very well done and I like the films Kieth Merrill has directed like 'Mr. Krueger's Christmas' and 'Legacy'. This story was heartwarming and touching to see what the family went through prior to being baptized.

I know losing a member of your family is very hard and difficult and that is what happened to this particular family. Then, 2 sister missionaries taught them that they can be together forever in heaven. I really liked this LDS film and I'm glad the LDS church made it possible.