At the age of 13, Bethany Hamilton (Robb) is already a champion surfer. Surfing is life. She is homeschooled to allow maximum time for surfing each day. Her parents, Tom (Quaid) and Cheri (Hunt), are well-known surfers, who encourage her surfing dreams.
One day, while surfing with her best friend Alana (Nicholson), Alana's dad Holt (Sorbo) and brother Byron (Jeremy Sumpter), a shark attacks. It takes a bite out of the board and Bethany's arm. Bethany is rushed to the hospital, where the doctor is forced to amputate the remainder of her arm. Everyone is thankful for her recovery, but believe her surfing career is over. With a strong faith in God, a supportive family, and determination, can she return to competitive surfing?
The film is based on actual events. In 2003 Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a shark attack. Her story was covered by most major news stations. She used the new-found fame to share her faith, and become an inspiration to the world. In 2004 she wrote an autobiography about the attack and subsequent return to surfing, which is the source material for the film.
It is impossible to talk about Hamilton without talking about her faith. In many reviews of the movie, film critics see that as a negative or unnecessary part of the story. They see it as a weakness, but I see it as a strength. Faith is what got her through the hard times, it gives her strength, and is how she became a role model. Why cut out something that is so important to her?
Before watching the film, check out the documentary Heart of a Soul Surfer: The Bethany Hamilton Story, which features interviews with Bethany and her family and friends. It gives another look at this incredible girl.
As for the movie, it is great. A well-made film with good morals, that doesn't sexualize any of the characters. The girls wear bikinis, but it feels natural (in all the footage of Bethany Hamilton, she is wearing a bikini to surf, so it stays true to life). By the end, you have a strong desire to 1) surf (or learn to surf) and/or 2) go to Hawaii. The cast is good, the settings are gorgeous, and the surfing is real (Hamilton was AnnaSophia Robb's surfing double). Check out it out!
Soul Surfer (2011) 106 minutes
Director: Sean McNamara
Starring: AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton
Helen Hunt as Cheri Hamilton
Dennis Quaid as Tom Hamilton
Lorraine Nicholson as Alana Blanchard
Kevin Sorbo as Holt Blanchard
Carrie Underwood as Sarah Hill
Ross Thomas as Noah Hamilton
Chris Brochu as Timmy Hamilton
Sonya Balmores as Malina Birch
I had the desire to overcome a big obstacle at work as a result of the film Sarah, but who wouldn’t want to go to Hawaii? Hahah! I can just imagine my surfing; I weigh almost four-hundred pounds; at least I would float well! My family decided to watch this movie last weekend when I happened across it on my employer’s website, dishonline. I like to look for movies to watch there because it allows me to search by MP rating. It also has everything available online, on my receiver and on TV, all in one place. I hope this movie is inspiring for others who have insurmountable obstacles in their lives. I know it made me grateful for what I have, just like Bethany did when she went on the mission trip.
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