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Romantic drama

Sunrise in Heaven (2019): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Sunrise in Heaven (2019) movie poster

Sunrise in Heaven is a 2019 romantic drama directed by Waymon Boone, starring Bonnie Burroughs as Jan, Randy Crowder and Caylee Cowan. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and was made on a reported $1.1 million budget. Its Echo Score is 40/100. Stream it on Great American Pure Flix and Hoopla, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Echo Score
40
budget
$1.1M
Sunrise in Heaven (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 25m (85 min)
Director
Waymon Boone
Genres
Romance , Drama
Original language
English
Budget
$1.1M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sunrise in Heaven About?

The premise of Sunrise in Heaven without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This is a poignant love story following Jan, a young woman whose life is complicated by her father's strict and controlling nature. Despite his overprotectiveness, she falls deeply in love with Steve, an airman serving in the military. Their relationship blossoms over years, but ultimately faces a heartbreaking loss that tests the strength of their bond and leaves a lasting impact.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Sunrise in Heaven

Stream it on Great American Pure Flix and Hoopla, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Sunrise in Heaven Cast & Characters

Bonnie Burroughs leads the cast as Jan, with Randy Crowder as Steve and Caylee Cowan as Teen Jan. Directed by Waymon Boone; 16 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sunrise in Heaven

· 12 more
Ratings

Sunrise in Heaven Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 40/100, strongest in art & craft (48) and weakest in sensory experience (38).

40 /100

Sunrise in Heaven Echo Score Breakdown

Sunrise in Heaven delivers a heartfelt premise that resonates with viewers seeking an uplifting true‑story, yet its execution falls short in several technical and narrative areas. Reviewers note inconsistent period details, sluggish pacing, and uneven performances that undermine the film's emotional core. While a segment of the audience finds the story moving and inspirational, the prevailing critique points to a lack of polish that limits broader appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 48

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows moments of competence but is hindered by noticeable production shortcomings. Critics mention a low‑budget visual aesthetic, inaccurate 1960s props, and occasional technical distractions such as visible monitoring equipment. Although some reviewers find the technical execution acceptable, the overall impression is that the cinematography and design feel under‑developed.

  • Character & Emotion 38

    Character and emotional depth receive mixed feedback, with many reviewers criticizing flat dialogue and unconvincing acting. Several comments describe the performances as stiff and the father figure as unpalatable, while a few note a singular strong portrayal by the lead actress. The dominant sentiment is that the cast fails to fully convey the intended emotional resonance.

  • Story & Flow 42

    The story’s structure and originality are described as uneven, with pacing issues and a plot that mirrors familiar romance tropes. Some viewers appreciate the inspiring true‑story angle and find the narrative moving, yet many label it as boring, trite, and poorly executed. Overall, the storyline is perceived as modestly engaging but hampered by execution flaws.

  • Sensory Experience 38

    Sensory elements, including sound design and visual cohesion, are frequently noted as lacking. Reviewers point to incongruous period details, a visible heart‑rate monitor, and occasional distracting visual choices. While a few find the overall sensory experience acceptable, the consensus suggests that the film’s auditory and visual layers do not consistently support its thematic intentions.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Rewatch value is divided; some audience members feel the emotional message and faith‑based themes warrant a second viewing, whereas others describe the film as tedious and sleep‑inducing. The combination of a heartfelt premise with slow pacing and technical imperfections results in modest replay appeal, with a net impression that it may satisfy niche viewers but lacks broad rewatch incentive.

Plot

Sunrise in Heaven Plot Summary

What happens in Sunrise in Heaven from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film, based on the life of Jan Hurst, follows Bonnie Burroughs as a daughter under the watchful eye of a protective military father, and it centers on her deepening romance with Steve, an Air Force airman portrayed by Randy Crowder. The story unfolds across two timelines, weaving present-day reflections with flashbacks that illuminate how their bond formed and endured despite looming obstacles. At the heart of the drama is a steady thread of faith and family that pushes Jan to navigate loyalty, love, and the expectations placed upon her by a strict household.

Full summary

The whole story of Sunrise in Heaven, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Sunrise in Heaven Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sunrise in Heaven.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sunrise in Heaven?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is Jan's romantic partner in the film?

Details

Sunrise in Heaven Also Known As

3 alternative titles, including “Forever Love” and “天堂日落”.

Also known as
  • Forever Love
  • 天堂日落
  • Răsăritul în Rai

Seen Sunrise in Heaven?

FAQ

Sunrise in Heaven FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, budget and post-credit scenes of Sunrise in Heaven, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sunrise in Heaven?

Sunrise in Heaven runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).

When was Sunrise in Heaven released?

Sunrise in Heaven was released on April 9, 2019.

Who directed Sunrise in Heaven?

Sunrise in Heaven was directed by Waymon Boone.

More films by Waymon Boone

Who is in the cast of Sunrise in Heaven?

Sunrise in Heaven stars Bonnie Burroughs as Jan, Randy Crowder as Steve and Caylee Cowan as Teen Jan, among 16 credited actors.

Where can I watch Sunrise in Heaven?

In the US, Sunrise in Heaven is streaming on Great American Pure Flix, Hoopla and Pluto TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

What was the budget of Sunrise in Heaven?

Sunrise in Heaven had a reported budget of $1.1 million.

Does Sunrise in Heaven have a post-credit scene?

No. Sunrise in Heaven has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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