Main Review
Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and
courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. I
got the great privilege to attend a screening of this very inspirational and moving faith-based movie in February. I have
three young daughters, ages 11, 7 and 4 and my youngest daughter is named Bethany. Thankfully I didn’t sob out loud as
much as I feared I would when I watched the film but I did well up many times throughout this film. You can find many
write-ups that give the facts about Bethany and the film and for sure, Bethany Hamilton is one of the most courageous
people of our time. Her story and her faith in God are excellent examples to those of us struggling with much more minor
incidents and crises than being attacked by a shark and losing an arm. Bethany’s eternal faith-based perspective and
positive outlook on life are the best aspects of her incredible story which is portrayed by the excellent young actress
AnnaSophia Robb.
I’ve seen most of the recent faith-based movies and this film clearly attracted an A-list of well known film stars, including
her parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt), and the film debut of Bethany’s youth group leader Sara (Carrie
Underwood). When I saw those names I wasn’t sure if they would water down the portrayal of Bethany’s strong faith in
Jesus as her personal Savior which is strongly worded throughout her excellent autobiography Soul Surfer : A True Story
of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, co-written with Rick Bundschuh and Sheryl Berk in 2006, almost
three years after the incident on October 31, 2003. I strongly recommend reading the book if you are looking for Bethany’s
full story as it is a fast-paced compelling read (only 240 pages) and will really explain how Bethany’s faith kept her going
during this incredible and terrifying experience. She is a great evangelist now, explaining that her faith in Jesus is what
guides her and that God only gives us what we can handle and Bethany has handled this crisis and the fame with the
utmost humility and gives God all the glory for saving her life and for the platform to share the Gospel to the masses.
The film includes a few references (not as many as the book) to Bethany’s faith, starting with a great scene at Bethany’s
family church service, at Calvary Chapel, where they fully sing Matt Redman’s “Blessed Be Your Name,” with Carrie
Underwood as one of the praise band members. The song is an excellent choice for the film with it’s compelling lyrics
which come from the Book of Job, “You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, blessed be Your Name.” What I
love is how that sentiment is truly the story of Bethany as she continues to praise God despite her circumstances. Some
other scenes that really display her faith include praying with her father (Quaid) in the hospital after losing her arm and
reading a passage from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I was extremely moved by that scene as a Christian father with three
young daughters and my oldest daughter is only a few years younger than Bethany was when she was attacked as a 14
year old young teen.
The other character in the film and scenes that display Bethany’s strong faith are all with her youth group leader Sara,
portrayed with a very sincere and natural performance by country music star and American Idol winning artist Carrie
Underwood. She challenges Bethany’s priorities before her accident at a youth group meeting where they are planning a
missions trip to Mexico which Bethany skips for a surfing competition. After the accident, Bethany is consoled by Sara and
they pray together in a very moving scene where they also cling to God’s Word and promise from Jeremiah 29:11. Without
giving too much away, my favorite scene in the entire film comes later when Bethany and Sara see the full meaning of
faith despite terrible circumstances from the affects of the tsunami which hit Asia not long after Bethany’s shark attack. I
also loved the inclusion of great songs by Christian music artists Francesca Battistelli and Britt Nicole throughout the film’
s soundtrack.
"Bethany's story is so powerful," says Soul Surfer Director Sean McNamara. "Most people would have given up after what
happened to her, but not only did she make an amazing return to surfing, she excelled at it, and has turned her life into an
inspiration for people all around the world. She is someone you look at and think, 'If she can do all the incredible things
she's done, I can set the world on fire, too.'" says Sean.
Closing Thoughts
Bethany’s remarkable strength and Christian testimony makes her one of the best teen role models I’ve ever seen and I
can’t wait to share this film with my three young daughters. Soul Surfer is a very inspirational and moving film and don’t
miss the chance to support an extremely well made and compelling film. Bethany’s story truly teaches all of us to not give
up hope and to know that God only gives us what we can handle. Most of all, Bethany’s strong faith in Jesus Christ as her
personal Savior is an inspiration to all of us to not let seemingly bad circumstances prevent us from praising God.
Review Written By: Kevin Davis [kevin.davis@christianmusicreview.org] on 4/4/2011
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