Soul Surfer

1137 Words3 Pages

Soul Surfer is an inspirational film. It is filled with drama that turns the audiences’ world upside down. Grasping humanity, the movie pulls it in and transforms it into something beautiful. It is founded on a true story about Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm during a vicious shark attack. Sean McNamara, the director, planned to film the movie shortly after the attack in 2003. Seven years from the plot of storyline, it premiered in theaters in April 2011 as a PG movie. Its purpose was to inform viewers that all things are possible. In the movie Sean presents that, people can overcome life challenges with perspective, determination, and support. Soul Surfer is about over coming fears in light of a misfortune.

After many interviews with Bethany’s family and reviewing her autobiography, the film began to come together for Sean. The setting is Kauai, Hawaii, where the film replays what happened to Hamilton that day. It was early one Halloween morning when Bethany went for a morning surf. As she glided against the water, a tiger shark appeared and attacked her, tearing her arm out of its socket. That day she unfortunately lost over half the blood in her body, but she did not allow this misfortune to stop her. Indeed her steps towards recovery were phenomenal. One may suggest that Bethany truly has salt water flowing through her veins. How else can one explain the passion that ignites her to surf? Even the detachment of her arm could not separate her from the waves. Throughout the film, she demonstrated how we should never give up on our dreams.

She showed amazing tenacity immediately after her surgery when the first thing she asked was, “When can I surf again?” Throughout her journey of recovery, she took part in a mission trip t...

... middle of paper ...

... not have a nametag. Her recovery helps to relate to the audience and show them that they can turn previously vague goals into vivid realities. Bethany may have suffered the loss of an arm, but surely, she overcame and has inspired numerous people today to fulfill their dreams. Standing full, whole, and restored Bethany Hamilton is an inspirational person who surfs because she is drawn from the soul.

Works Cited

Common Sense Media. The California Endowment, 2011. Web. 22 Nov. 2011.

David Langer. Gate Community. “Film Review: Soul Surfer.” Word Press, 3 May 2011. Web. 22 Nov. 2011.

Megan Sweas. “Sporting Faith at the Movies: A Review of Soul Surfer.” US Catholic. n.p., 8 April 2011. Web. 23 Nov. 2011.

New Tribes Misson. n.p., 28 Oct. 2011. Web. 26 Nov 2011.

Richard Duffy. “ Soul Suffer.” RTÉ Ten. Commercial Enterprises Ltd., 22 Sept. 2011. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.

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