Review of Soul Surfer (2011) by Skyview B — 04 Sep 2013

This movie is not just about radical surfing and winning competitions since she was little but the overwhelming action of when she had lost her arm in a shark attack. She continues to have more than enough determination to get back up and inspire others along the way! She walks you through the difficulties surviving life with one arm while teaching Perseverance, in her unknown future endeavors.

Plot Summary: The plot is, placing your Trust in God while maintaining your Faith and accepting the love and support around you. I believe the plot was unpredictable because who would know the reactions, situations, and conflicts that would occur within yourself in this life changing ordeal. Her major conflicts seemed to be why this had happened to her, does anyone understand, how is she going to continue on with surfing, and can she ever find happiness inside herself? But then she realized It was important for everyone to know its about shining your light to inspire others throughout difficulties and tragedy. Eventually Bethany learned that you do not need all your body parts to be whole and that continuing to do her passion of surfing touched more lives than, if this tragedy had never occurred.

Themes: In this touching movie, the overall message seemed to be no matter what devastation you face in your life if you truly believe all things are possible through God and that only He has a purpose for you, sometimes all it takes is just placing your Faith, Hope, and Trust in Him and Beauty can unravel itself through inspiration and love. This movies entertainment values are abundant but overall the inspiration values are what make this film worthy!

Technical Elements: The camera shots were phenomenal experiences of going through waves of life and surfing. The locations are dream destinations for most people, the visuals of Hawaii's terrain, oceans, sunsets, surroundings, captured an audiences interest! The suspense of the underwater shots taken shows shocking points of view during the shark attack. However, the unbelievable and spectacular camera angles of Bethany traveling through a total tubular wave brings this movie's conclusion to an enlightenment ending. I would have to say some of the set designs were totally radical and shocking experiences of costumes. Such as, AnnaSophia Robb, reacting the actual version of loosing her arm to be completely gone, showing others the real story as if it had happened to her. The inspirational Christian music used throughout the film was a perfect fit to help encircle her Strength and Courage throughout her whole ways of overcoming struggles through God's Grace!

Conclusion: In my opinion this movie is not for religious, action packed, or even romantic people but its fit for all ages, people, and hearts to set your aspect of point of view in life to maybe help to overcome what you may think in life is tough. But, the commonalities to all humans on this planet are that we all have a start, middle, and ending in this life. The great task is to find your purpose throughout it all, whether we need to give love or be loved, we all need love! So this movie teaches inspiration in the good times as well as bad and who you choose to lean on during tragedies and devastation is something each one of us searches for! For me my Faith builds stronger knowing with God all things are truly possible to those who believe in Him.

-SL, 8th Grade Student.