This weekend I watched a movie called To Verdener (or Worlds Apart), a 2008 Danish film based on a true story. It’s a drama about a Jehovah’s Witness family that is torn apart by the disfellowshipping and shunning practices of the religion. It’s quite accurate and unbiased in it’s portrayal of JW culture, beliefs, insider language, and family relationships; and is neither overly critical or apologetic.
While watching, I wondered how someone without a background in the Watchtower would really appreciate or understand everything that was going on. But it offers a unique glimpse into the life of a Jehovah’s Witness, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the religion.
While the spoken language is Danish, English-subtitled versions are available.
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I also watched To Verdener recently, based on a JWR board recommendation.
At the time I was also stuck by its accurate portrayal of JW culture. I was comforted by it - its as if the filmmaker was able to illustrate to me “Yes, you are not alone. These things happened not only to you but to many others. Your experience was felt by others as well.”
I did a little search re: the director, and didn’t find very much, but I’d like to see more of his work.