Movie Spotlight: Soul Surfer
Best Place to Buy : Get Amazon Prime or the DVD on Ebay
Runtime: 1hr 46min
My Rating: 8 out of 10
Personal Review
Soul Surfer is a beautiful film based on the true life events of surfer Bethany Hamilton. Although not a surfer myself, this film made me want to try surfing. The peacefulness of sitting on a board enjoying the sea, and the amazing view while catching a wave was truly inspiring. I watched it as it was on on web channel and came up as a recommendation based on another film I had previously watched. It was nice to see Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid put in an appearance in the film as Bethany’s parents, as I an a fan of theirs and it was another draw for me to give the film a chance. I was rewarded with a real feel-good-pick-me-up that made me feel like anything was possible if you work hard enough. I didn’t know that it was based on a true story at the time, I only found that out at the end and it was a pleasant surprise. The film shows how tragedy doesn’t end your dreams, it’s all about how you respond to the tragedy and overcome the odds.
Against- All-Odds Storyline
The story is based on the life of Bethany Hamilton (played by AnnaSophia Robb) who loves the sea and loves to surf. The film is set in Hawaii, with all the beautiful scenery you would expect. Bethany is a champion teenage surfer that has her life turned upside down by a shark attack. The shark attack still gave me a fright even though I knew it was coming! Surfing is difficult enough without having a disability, but the story of how she readjusts to her new circumstances and relearns everything to do with surfing, to the point of being able to compete again. During this journey she is also accompanied by her friends and parents, Cheri & Tomh Hamilton (played by Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid, respectively). Not only has she got to overcome her fears of getting into the water again, but she uses her own experience to help others that experienced a tragedy of a different kind, it shows how love triumphs over tragedy.
Feel of the Film
A real feel-good movie, which is safe for family viewing. A film with beautiful scenery and a beautiful heart in its story. Through experience Bethany learns about love, faith and family – giving the film a heartwarming setting. There are some Christian elements to the film, but I feel it adds to the story rather than being off putting. There is a bit of the “Hollywood cheese”, although I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a bit of feel-good cheese.
Fun Facts
Here’s some cool facts that I later found out about the film I think readers can look out for:
- Apparently the shark attack scene was filmed in the same place that the actual shark attack happened.
- The actual shark was 14 ft (or just over 4m) long tiger shark.
- Some of the surfing scenes are actually done by Bethany herself and not the actress AnnaSophia.
- Bethany is expecting her 2nd child.
Where Do I Watch It?
You could watch on Amazon Prime over here, or you could get the DVD for around the same price or less from here. Either way you should try and see how it inspired people everywhere.
If you are not the movie type you can also get her Autobiography, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board from Amazon as well for around US$4.
Recommended for All
This film gets an 8 out of 10 from me. It has a 7.1/10 from IMDB and most liked it on rotten tomatoes. I felt inspired by the film, not only to try surfing but also to appreciate the things I do have and not take anything for granted. Look out for cameos from Bethany Hamilton herself and her family in the film. Bethany is in the scene in Thailand, carrying a box, as well as in some of the surfing scenes and her parents are in the church scene behind the acting parents Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid. I think the film is definitely worth a watch, especially when you’re having a down day and would like a nice warm-fuzzy-feeling-inside film. Feel free to drop a comment on what you think of the film, if you interested which you can get her book on Amazon.
So what you waiting for? Go watch the film here.
Enjoy!
The Daily Pumpernickel 