Based on the True Story of Bethany Hamilton
Soul Surfer features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb (Race to Witch Mountain, Bridge to Terabithia), Helen Hunt (What Women Want, Pay It Forward) and Dennis Quaid (Dragonheart, The Parent Trap) with Carrie Underwood in her film debut.
Directed by Sean McNamara
Release date: Sept 23rd / Certificate: PG / Running time: 106mins
SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.
In the moving aftermath of this headline-making story, Bethany fights to recover and grapples with the future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Quaid) and Cheri (Hunt), she refuses to give in or give up, and begins a bold return to the water. Still, the questions keep hammering her: Why did this happen? Why did she have to lose everything? Will she ever feel the joy and power of riding the waves again? And if she can’t be a surfer, then who is she?
The devastating 2004 tsunami in the Pacific Ocean unexpectedly gives Bethany a new perspective. Traveling to Phuket, Thailand with her youth-group leader Sarah Hill (Underwood), she witnesses life beyond her own shoreline and discovers her greater purpose—she can make a difference in the lives of others. Filled with a new sense of hope and direction, she returns home with a renewed resolve to conquer her own limitations and set an encouraging example for people facing adversity. At the National Championships, Bethany bravely faces off with her fiercest rival, Malia Birch (Sonya Balmores), and takes her astonishing one-armed surfing technique to the limit. But as the horn blows, and the suspenseful competition kicks off, Bethany is no longer thinking about the challenges of her body. Now, her surfing, her biggest dreams and her life have become about pushing her own physical limits to touch the souls of others.
“This is a well-made, family-friendly, feel-good movie that will uplift and inspire you, whether you are a surfing fan, a sports film lover or neither; the lessons and challenges learned and overcome by Bethany on her journey will captivate and remind you of how with Christ we truly can do all things.” Premier Christian Radio
