Review of Soul Surfer (2011) by Rachel T — 25 Mar 2018

I honestly don't understand all the lackluster reviews this film has received. No, it's not a perfect movie, but no movie is. Also, it's a PG version of a real life tragedy that's aimed for young people so they can experience it and learn the lessons in a way they can understand.

Yes, some parts of the movie were cheesy but most parts as an adult has me holding back tears and fighting the chills. The shark attack scene was intense and realistic and the aftermath of what such an event would do to a close-knit family is totally believable.

Not to mention Bethany herself and her family helped consult the director and crew of this movie. The first time I saw this film in theaters I was 11 and after that I faced a very difficult point in my life where I was handicapped for almost a year.

This movie and Bethany Hamilton's real story helped me a lot. Anyone who has seen this movie and connected with it in some way has faced similar hardships and can respect it's PG movie approach to get a lovely message across.

As an adult and a huge appreciator of well directed and realistic movies, Soul Surfer holds up to my 11 year-old splendor till this day!