Here's a movie review for people looking for spiritual purpose. The made for television movie "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" was broadcast on ABC in 2004, and adapted from the book of the same title, a NY Times bestseller, written in 2003 by Mitch Albom. The movie stars Jon Voight as an 80 year old man who leads what he considers a simple life without significant purpose, dies, and then meets five people from his past in heaven.

He knew each of the 5 directly, or indirectly, and not realizing the impact of our actions on other people's lives was the big lesson. One point I liked said in effect "We are all connected and some people are simply strangers we have not met". This is an inspiring movie and fun look at one possibility of how people might spend some of their time in heaven.

The DVD is available without commercials, not rated, and the run time is approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. Personally, I would suggest previewing the movie before showing to children. If rated in my home it may have been PG-13 due to some graphic violence. For teenagers and adults, this movie takes an imaginary view of heaven not referenced in the Bible, yet the fiction could easily be a realistic view of some aspects.

In heaven we will recognize people we knew. The joy and experience is beyond imagination. Five People You Meet in Heaven is a warm and inspiring story, and recommended to anyone who feels trapped or distracted by everyday problems. No doubt our lives affect those around us, and this movie shows how average people living average lives actually influence others, including strangers, in ways we don't realize.

I viewed this movie twice in one week, and intend to watch it at least once a year as a reminder of spiritual purpose and what's really important in life. Do you need another reason to be kind to strangers? Read Hebrews 13:2.

TAGS: Bible heaven movie review spiritual purpose

Labels: Bible, death, eternity