Soul Surfer (2011)

A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack.

Director:

Sean McNamara

Writers:

Sean McNamara (screenplay), Deborah Schwartz (screenplay),

Stars:

AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid

1 win & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
AnnaSophia Robb	...	Bethany Hamilton
Helen Hunt	...	Cheri Hamilton
Dennis Quaid	...	Tom Hamilton
Lorraine Nicholson	...	Alana Blanchard
Kevin Sorbo	...	Holt Blanchard
Carrie Underwood	...	Sarah Hill
Ross Thomas	...	Noah Hamilton
Chris Brochu	...	Timmy Hamilton
Sonya Balmores	...	Malina Birch (as Sonya Balmores Chung)
Jeremy Sumpter	...	Byron
Craig T. Nelson	...	Dr. David Rovinksy
Branscombe Richmond	...	Ben Aipa
Cody Gomes	...	Keoki
Titus Kinimaka	...	Titus
John Philbin	...	Fuel T.V. reporter #2

Storyline

13 year-old Bethany Hamilton is a champion surfer who was born to be in the water. But after a fun night out night surfing and what should be a fun day in the water, she is attacked by a shark and loses her arm. Rushed to the hospital, she remains calm, and maintains her faith in God. Now she has to re-learn how to do everything with only one arm - including how to surf. It will take her friends, family, and her Christian faith to get her back into the water, but if that is where she is meant to be, she will find a way to get there.

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Plot Keywords:

shark | surfer | shark attack | hospital | surfing | 

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Taglines:

When you come back from a loss, beat the odds, and never say never, you find a champion.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [jp]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 April 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Soul Surfer - Coragem de Viver

Filming Locations:

Hawaii, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$10,601,862 (USA) (8 April 2011)

Gross:

$43,853,424 (USA) (15 July 2011)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Enticing Entertainment, Island Film Group, Brookwell-McNamara Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The dog in the movie is actually Bethany Hamilton's own dog Hana.

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Goofs

When Bethany Hamilton is on the surf board in Thailand and Sarah Hill is watching, a slightly bald man is over her shoulder. The group of people (including the same man) walks over but in the next shot he is over her same shoulder again.

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Quotes

Bethany Hamilton: Love is bigger than any tidal wave or fear.

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Crazy Credits

During the ending credits, videos of the real Bethany Hamilton are shown, many of similar (or possibly the inspiration for) moments in the film.

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Connections

Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #19.119 (2011)

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Soundtracks

"Mele Hula: E Kuini E Kapiolani"
Performed by Nona Oshiro

User Reviews

An Uplifting and Inspirational tale about turning Tragedy into Triumph.

Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a 13 year old competitive surfer with big dreams and a courageous spirit. Coming from a family of surfers, riding the waves is all Bethany can dream about. But her dreams turn into a nightmare after a sudden shark attack takes her left arm and her hopes of ever surfing again.

Soul Surfer is an inspirational film for the entire family about overcoming obstacles and turning tragedy into triumph.

Filmed entirely in Hawaii, it offers some gorgeous cinematography and wonderful surf-action shots and features an all-star cast including Helen Hunt, Denis Quaid, Craig T Nelson and AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, the teen titan with a heart of gold.

Soul Surfer is a well produced film, that leans heavily on it's soul-lifting story, stellar acting and a rocking soundtrack on a moderate budget. It's encouraging to see such big Hollywood names doing such inspirational family fare without the inflated-sized salary demands.

Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid actually seem to be enjoying themselves alongside the rising talents of the young cast members, most notably AnnaSophia Robb, best remembered for her role in Bridge to Terabithia, Jumper and Because of Winn Dixie. AnnaSophia delivers a powerful and gripping performance that is sure to win your heart and leave you breathless as she struggles to overcome all odds. Carrie Underwood seems a bit misplaced as the youth pastor who comforts and encourages Bethany, but while her screen time is short, she proves that singing may not be her only talent.

For a film based on a true story, I got caught up in the action and well paced story-telling. I found myself entranced by and caring for each of the characters. When the shark attack scene unfolded, I found myself holding my breath and completely taken in by the film. A rare victory few films can achieve.

I admired the way the film presented Bethany's family and their Christian faith, being faithful to church and being such positive role models. But I was disappointed in the failed opportunity to present more biblical truth to a secular audience. Like many recent films being marketed to a Christian audience, the presented faith in Soul Surfer was played a bit too safe and generic to arouse any converts since it lacked in any gospel message, but if viewed with a Christan who knows how to use the film as a topic starter, it can be a great tool or ice breaker.

Another refreshing bonus was the lack of any profanity or sexuality, making it completely suitable and safe for viewing in a church or youth group setting.

I highly recommend this entertaining and uplifting film for the entire family.