Review: Soul Surfer

Soul Surfer tells the story of surfer Bethany Hamilton. After losing her arm in a shark attack, Hamilton overcame the odds to compete again.

BY RACHEL SHARPE

Based on the inspirational true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer tells the story of a teenage girl’s triumphant return to competitive surfing despite losing her left arm in a shark attack. Starring AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, the film is bursting with heart and positivity, which truly makes for a “feel good” movie.

Robb’s performance is genuine as she really makes us feel what life for Bethany was like before, during and after the shark attack. Her emotion makes you feel as if you are watching the whole thing play out in front of you. 

The film starts off with pictures and videos from Bethany’s childhood, which immediately makes the audience understand what a big part surfing played in Bethany’s life. Bethany’s relationship with every member of her family including her father, played by Dennis Quaid and her mother, played by Helen Hunt, is inextricably tied to surfing. The movie shows us it is a way of life for the Hamilton’s.  Bethany was even home schooled so that she could surf every day.

The part in the movie that is unsettling is, of course, the shark attack; however director Sean McNamara does a good job making us feel the intense horror of the tragic occurrence without an overabundance of gore.  The scenes afterward in the hospital stir intense emotion and we get a real sense of Bethany’s wonderful spirit the first time she sees her best friend and surfing buddy Alana Blanchard after the attack and it is Bethany who ends up comforting her friend.  We also immediately see Bethany’s unwavering spirit immediately following her surgery, when her first question to her doctor is, “When can I surf again?”

The movie’s most poignant moments come in Bethany’s triumphant return to the sport she loves. It really delivers a solid message about perseverance and courage.

Bethany’s close relationship with her religious youth counselor Sarah Hill (played by country singer Carrie Underwood) is central to the story as it shows Bethany’s strong connection to her faith, which plays a big role in her recovery.

Shortly after the accident Bethany joins Sarah on a humanitarian trip to Thailand to help with tsunami relief efforts. While there, she shared her story with tsunami victims and raised awareness of disabilities. She worked with orphans and even encouraged them not to be scared of the ocean, by leading many of them into the water for the very first time. This provided viewers with a moving example of Bethany’s humbleness and kind-hearted personality.

Upon her return from Thailand Bethany recommits herself to surfing and learns how to rebalance her body and master the waves once again. This is where some of the most exciting scenes take place- the surfing scenes, in which real life Bethany Hamilton does all of the post injury stunts. The breathtaking footage of the Hawaiian beaches adds even more beauty to the film.

Soul Surfer does an excellent job of portraying Bethany Hamilton’s spirit and passion. Her positive outlook on life is the inspiring. Throughout the film, we watch Bethany transform from a teenage girl with dreams of becoming a professional surfer into a twenty-year old professional surfer with dreams of becoming a beacon of inspiration for young people.

Overall, the movie tells a wonderful story that reflects Bethany’s true inner strength and beauty, despite every obstacle. Most people would have given up after such a traumatic experience; however, Bethany took it as an opportunity to inspire people all around the world. After watching Soul Surfer, viewers will surely look at the world with a more positive light and will discover that with a little soul, anything is possible.