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"Soul Surfer" is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton , a champion surfer who in her early teens was attacked by a shark and lost almost all of her left arm. One month later, she was back on a surfboard, has since won several championships and is at age 21 a professional surfer. All of those are remarkable facts.

My problem with "Soul Surfer" is that it makes it look too simple. Bethany ( AnnaSophia Robb ) has a loving family of professional surfers and a big, friendly dog. She lives in walking distance of the beach. She was and is a committed churchgoer and got great support from her spiritual leaders. She was an indomitable optimist with a fierce competitive spirit.

But there had to be more to it than that. I applaud her faith and spirit. I give her full credit for her determination. I realize she is a great athlete. But I feel something is missing. There had to be dark nights of the soul. Times of grief and rage. The temptation of nihilism. The lure of despair. Can a 13-year-old girl lose an arm and keep right on smiling?

The flaw in the storytelling strategy of "Soul Surfer" is that it doesn't make Bethany easy to identify with. She's almost eerie in her optimism. Her religious faith is so unshaken, it feels taken for granted. The film feels more like an inspirational parable than a harrowing story of personal tragedy.

Even its portrait of her recovery and rehabilitation is perfunctory. There's a particularly unconvincing scene where she's fitted with a prosthetic arm and refuses to wear it. They're making remarkable progress in the field of prosthetics. But the arm that she's offered looks no more useful than the arm that she rips off her Barbie doll the same night (in one of the movie's rare moments of depression).

Although I can understand a good prosthetic might not help her balance on a surfboard, I believe one might be of use in other situations — and I don't mean cosmetically. Maybe I'm mistaken.

Because Bethany actually was in the water a month after the attack, there can be no quarrel with those scenes in the film. What I missed was more information about her medical condition. What did her doctors advise? What risks were there to the wound? Having totaled almost a year in three trips through the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, I've known people who lost limbs and I know it's very difficult and complicated. Maybe Bethany was so young and resilient, and in such a happy situation with her family and her church, that it was this easy for her. But the movie feels too simple.

One of the best sequences in the film involves a trip that her church group makes to Thailand to bring aid and supplies to the survivors of a tsunami. This episode looks so realistic, it's uncanny. It has one detail that made me smile: Bethany packs cans of Spam for the victims. I don't know how you feel about Spam, but I know that in Hawaii, it's considered one of the basic food groups. (I like it with Colman's English Mustard — but I'm drifting.)

"Soul Surfer" is a wholesome movie, intended as inspirational. Whether it will cheer viewers who are not as capable as Bethany is an excellent question. AnnaSophia Robb is a convincing, cheerful heroine. Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt , as Bethany's parents, are stalwart and supportive, although the script indeed leaves them with no other choice.

One character I question is Malina Birch (Sonya Balmores), one of Bethany's competitors, who sneers and is mean and does cruel things and, of course, always wears black. Why? Does she know that she has been cast as the villain?

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

Soul Surfer (2011)

Rated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material

106 minutes

Craig T. Nelson as Dr. Rovinsky

Dennis Quaid as Tom Hamilton

Carrie Underwood as Sarah Hill

Lorraine Nicholson as Alana Blanchard

AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton

Helen Hunt as Cheri Hamilton

Directed by

• Sean McNamara
• Deborah Schwartz
• Douglas Schwartz
• Michael Berk

Based on the book by

• Bethany Hamilton

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Soul surfer, common sense media reviewers.

Earnest sports biopic tugs at heart despite clichés.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

The movie's strongly positive message is that you

Bethany is a very positive role model, choosing to

A shark attacks a young surfer. It happens quickly

Flirting, girls in bikinis, shirtless males.

"Jerk" and "oh my God."

Brand names and logos for surfing sponsors, includ

Parents need to know that this inspiring true story about a promising young surfer who was attacked by a shark could give tween and teen viewers lots to think about, from trying to figure out their purpose in life (even at a young age) to trying to come to terms with adversity. With the exception of the attack itself …

Positive Messages

The movie's strongly positive message is that you can get over the worst of tragedies with perspective, self-determination, and the support of friends and family.

Positive Role Models

Bethany is a very positive role model, choosing to respond to enormous loss and tragedy with grace and kindness both for herself and others. Instead of dwelling on what she doesn't have, she focuses on what to give to others.

Violence & Scariness

A shark attacks a young surfer. It happens quickly but ferociously, with lots of blood and some gore.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Brand names and logos for surfing sponsors, including Rip Curl and Red Bull. Spam.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this inspiring true story about a promising young surfer who was attacked by a shark could give tween and teen viewers lots to think about, from trying to figure out their purpose in life (even at a young age) to trying to come to terms with adversity. With the exception of the attack itself -- which, although quick, unfolds in a gory, violent manner -- the movie is squeaky-clean, with no iffy language, sex, or alcohol or drug content. And the main character is an extremely positive role model, responding to tragedy with grace and kindness instead of bitterness. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (55)
• Kids say (187)

Based on 55 parent reviews

Our favorite family movie

Excellent tween movie, what's the story.

Based on true-life events , SOUL SURFER chronicles the life of Bethany Hamilton ( AnnaSophia Robb ) in the weeks leading up to the shark attack that resulted in the loss of one of her arms -- and the months of healing that followed. Her parents ( Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt ) struggle to keep her strong even as they learn how to process the overwhelming feelings. Bethany ultimately has two challenges to face: getting back on the board with confidence and joy and coming to peace within herself over the tragedy.

Is It Any Good?

To be honest, SOUL SURFER gets off to an iffy start, full of cheesy shots of beachy fun in the sun. The characters, especially Bethany's parents, seem one-dimensional and unrealistically saintly; they just don't seem real. But the minute tragedy strikes -- and does it ever -- the movie finds its footing. It roots its way into your conscience with its determined (but not pushy) message about digging into your soul -- could that be the reason for the title? -- for the wherewithal to continue.

None of the actors are all that complex here, except perhaps for Hunt in one scene of utter anguish. Even Robb, who plays Bethany, feels a bit hollow. Still, the movie works. First, the camera angles showcase the waves and the surfers who ride them at their glorious best. Credit also goes to Soul Surfer 's unabashed earnestness: Yes, it's a message movie, but the message burrows deep enough under your skin to make the movie, given its utter conventionality, unexpectedly stirring. Bring tissues.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the movie's messages about facing life's challenges. Do you think you'd be able to respond to a life-changing tragedy the way the main character does? How do you think she manages it?

What does Bethany learn from her experience, and what does she teach others?

The movie is based on a true story. Do you think that means everything happened exactly the way it's shown here? Why might filmmakers change some facts while making a movie?

Movie Details

• In theaters : April 8, 2011
• On DVD or streaming : August 2, 2011
• Cast : AnnaSophia Robb , Dennis Quaid , Helen Hunt
• Director : Sean McNamara
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Columbia Tristar
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : Sports and Martial Arts , Great Girl Role Models
• Run time : 105 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : an intense accident sequence and some thematic material
• Last updated : March 14, 2024

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Film in Review

‘Soul Surfer’ Is Bethany Hamilton’s Shark Tale

• Share full article

By Andy Webster

• April 7, 2011

Make no mistake, “Soul Surfer” celebrates Christianity. The church is a somewhat stealthy supporting player within the film, based on the true tale of Bethany Hamilton , the rising 13-year-old amateur competition surfer in Hawaii who in 2003 lost an arm to a shark. But the piety takes a backseat to the welcome glimmers of grit. As a portrait of a spirited, resilient athlete, the movie succeeds best, unafraid to face its heroine’s daunting challenges directly.

After scenes introducing its characters, including Bethany’s surfer parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt, both excellent), Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) is attacked in Hanalei and raced to a hospital. (The sequence, while gore free, is agonizing and not for young children.) From there the film presents her efforts to get back in competition; her fitful, painful setbacks; and a lesson in context when she helps tsunami victims on a volunteer church expedition to Thailand. Ms. Hunt and Mr. Quaid may be a surprising presence here, but not the country singer Carrie Underwood, as a saintly youth counselor.

The movie dazzles in its surfing sequences, in which the director, Sean McNamara, works nimble editing and a tropical palette to a fine sheen. And Ms. Robb makes an appealing Bethany, wounded but determined and largely self-reliant. During the closing credits the real Ms. Hamilton appears on screen and thanks Jesus in voice-over. While this story is certainly about faith, “Soul Surfer” is most inspiring when it exalts faith in one’s self. 

“Soul Surfer” is rated PG (Parental guidance suggested). It has an intense attack-and-rescue sequence.

SOUL SURFER

Opens on Friday nationwide.

Directed by Sean McNamara; written by Mr. McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk, based on the book by Bethany Hamilton, Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh and a screen story by Mr. McNamara, Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Schwartz, Mr. Berk, Matt R. Allen, Caleb Wilson and Brad Gann; director of photography, John Leonetti; edited by Jeff Canavan; production design by Rusty Smith; costumes by Kathe James; produced by Mr. McNamara, Mr. Schwartz, David Brookwell, Roy (Dutch) Hofstetter and David Zelon; released by TriStar and Film District. Running time: 1 hour 46 minutes.

WITH: AnnaSophia Robb (Bethany Hamilton), Dennis Quaid (Tom Hamilton), Helen Hunt (Cheri Hamilton), Carrie Underwood (Sarah Hill), Kevin Sorbo (Holt Blanchard), Lorraine Nicholson (Alana Blanchard), Jeremy Sumpter (Byron), Ross Thomas (Noah Hamilton), Sonya Balmores Chung (Malina Birch) and Chris Brochu (Timmy).

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Soul surfer: film review.

AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt star in director Sean McNamara's idealized take on one-armed surfer Bethany Hamilton.

By Kirk Honeycutt

Kirk Honeycutt

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Sportswriters invariably call any last-minute heroics or unbelievable upset a “Hollywood ending,” yet in reality Hollywood usually does a poor job with sports stories based on real-life events. Such stories force filmmakers to drastically alter the filmmaking playbook, draining away all color or quirks of personality from characters based on living people and removing any complications that might distract viewers from the “inspirational” message they’re determined to convey.

Which is what happens in Soul Surfer , a true story of courage, determination and guts that deserves a more exciting approach. No doubt, the film will reach its target faith-based audience but a wider audience may elude the TriStar release. However, if the film’s real-life heroine, Bethany Hamilton , promotes the film with enough personal appearances, Soul Surfer may break through to general audiences.

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Her story has certainly been told repeatedly, including an autobiography and an earlier short doc, Heart of a Soul Surfer , made by her sister-in-law. A lifelong surfer born to a family of Hawaiian surfers, she lost her left arm in a 2003 shark attack when she was 13. She returned to surfing a mere month after her harrowing ordeal and continues to compete in contests today, having perfected a one-armed surfing technique.

Few stories can be more inspiring but this one apparently didn’t inspire the filmmakers to think outside the box. Director Sean McNamara and no less than seven credited writers, in additional to the three that co-authored Hamilton’s book, recite the basic facts in dramatic form but give a viewer little sense of who these people — Bethany, her family and friends — are or what makes them tick.

The film’s main actors do fill in some of the gaps, especially young AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany and Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt as her parents. Robb goes full-bore in her surfing scenes — she is actually a beginner — as well as the dramatic ones, giving the heroine the determination of youth broken only a couple of times by doubts or self-pity. Having been virtually born to surf, she had no real way to give it up. It goes against her entire upbringing.

With little makeup, Quaid and Hunt play people who spend as many hours as possible in the sun: Their leathery, lean skin and unadorned faces speak to a deep love for the outdoors and especially the ocean. Taken together this trio, along with Ross Thomas and Chris Brochu who play Bethany’s older brothers, present a family of pro surfers whose sport has given them a competitive spirit and a commitment to excellence that see them through this terrifying ordeal.

But the filmmakers treat them with kid gloves. Put it this way, you would never create such nearly perfect, idealized characters for any fictional story. You’d bore an audience to tears.

The 10-minute episode concerning the shark attack and rush to a nearby hospital is the best sustained sequence in the film. Additionally, all the water work involving cameras mounted on surfboards and jet skis is superb as is the surfing, often performed by doubles that include Bethany herself.

On land though, the film suffers from the Hollywood-itis those sportswriter so frequently invoke. A fictional villain is created in a rival surfer, played by a perennially scowling Sonya Balmores, who ridicules and cheats Bethany at every opportunity. The film uses a 2004 humanitarian aid trip to Thailand by Bethany following the devastating tsunami to give its heroine a sentimental shot in the arm to further motivate her to return to competitive surfing.

The film curiously characterizes the media that descends on the Hamilton house as a force of terror that drives Bethany and her family to cover. This is an all too common, even clichéd movie portrayal of reporters, but in this instance more than a little mendacious given the countless interviews the young woman has given in the weeks following the attack up until today.

Singer Carrie Underwood makes her film debut in a superfluous role as Bethany’s church young group leader while Kevin Sorbo and Lorraine Nicholson play the father and daughter who no doubt saved her life by their quick thinking and reactions in the moments following the attack.

As with all the roles throughout the movie, they perform a specific function within the known storyline but are thinly characterized.

Composer Marco Beltrami should be singled out for a score that brilliantly utilizes old Hawaiian music and songs.

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Soul Surfer: movie review

Biopic 'Soul Surfer' is not as inspiring as the real-life story of Bethany Hamilton, a teen surfer who made a triumphant comeback after a shark attack.

• By Peter Rainer Film critic

April 8, 2011

“ Soul Surfer ” is a by-the-book biopic about Bethany Hamilton , the real-life teen surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack and then fought her way back to competition and a renewed sense of self. It’s an inspiring story but, as directed by Sean McNamara , not an especially inspiring movie.

Hamilton is played, blandly, by Anna Sophia Robb , and her devoted parents, less bland, are played by Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt . The surfing footage, much of it shot off the coast of Kauai , is not bland at all. Grade: C (Rated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material.)

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Soul Surfer Reviews

"Soul Surfer" is a powerful archetypal story first, a surfing movie second, a Christian movie third, and all-in-all, an inspirational film you should have a family couch viewing of, along with some homemade popcorn.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 22, 2022

I celebrate the chance to see such a story of resilience, faith, and love on the big screen.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 24, 2020

The problem with a story like this is that the real drama lies in the first act, courtesy of the shark. After that, it's an uphill slog to a resolution that holds no surprises...

Full Review | Aug 19, 2019

If you can get over the technical flaws there is a lot to like.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | May 4, 2019

Soul Surfer's family-friendly lesson in perseverance is marred by an inability to connect with the audience or subject matter on either an emotional or intellectual level.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Dec 1, 2018

Soul Surfer is a heavy-handed plea for sympathy that doesn't do the real-life story justice.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 24, 2018

From the production values to the savvy delivery of its Christian message, Soul Surfer is a champ.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 8, 2018

A solid and inspiring story about faith and family.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.0/5 | Jun 30, 2013

A well-intentioned, big-hearted, wannabe-crowd-pleaser that just happens to be so incompetently made that it might be rejected by Oprah's channel.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Jun 23, 2013

The best faith-based film ever made, an uplifting, entertaining and wonderfully-acted account of surfer Bethany Hamilton's life before and after a shark bit her arm off in the waters off her favorite Hawaiian beach.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 9, 2013

All that separates this from made-for-TV territory is another strong turn from gifted young lead AnnaSophia Robb.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 8, 2012

A well-meaning, handsomely staged biopic of the top Hawaii-based surfing star Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm to a shark in 2003 at the age of 13...

Full Review | Sep 25, 2011

It's ultimately let down by some heavy-handed sentimentality, an over-abundance of Bible-bashing and some dodgy CGI sequences.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 24, 2011

Essential viewing for any injured armed forces veteran or contender for next year's Paralympics.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 23, 2011

Sure, the film has its mawkish moments, but it's a remarkable, well-intentioned tale that deserves to ride its wave rather than to wipe out on it.

The film is sincere and even a little sanctimonious in the way it depicts Hamilton's family, strong Christian values and work with post-tsunami orphans in Phuket.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 23, 2011

Clearly Bethany was quite a girl but this film prompts one simply to say "Amen".

With a tale this strong, what could go wrong? Pretty much everything, as it turns out, with the story buffeted into oblivion by a tidal wave of syrup.

The film that follows is thin and frothy, though watch out for that final sentimental upsurge. It could drag and lift you against your will.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 22, 2011

It's clear that Quaid learned nothing from Jaws 3.

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Soul Surfer – review

O ne of a series of "inspirational" Hollywood films consciously aimed at both faith-based audiences and a more general public, this is a well-meaning, handsomely staged biopic of the top Hawaii-based surfing star Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm to a shark in 2003 at the age of 13, but through her Christian conviction went on to become a global heroine and top surfing professional. Jaws meets Job, you might say. At one point, apparently, the men in suits decided the words "Holy Bible" should be digitally removed from the good book Bethany's father was reading beside her hospital bed, but the men of the cloth won out. It also features product placement for Spam.

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• DVD & Streaming

Soul Surfer

• Drama , Sports

Content Caution

In Theaters

• April 8, 2011
• AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton; Helen Hunt as Cheri Hamilton; Dennis Quaid as Tom Hamilton; Carrie Underwood as Sarah Hill; Craig T. Nelson as Dr. Rovinsky; Kevin Sorbo as Holt Blanchard; Lorraine Nicholson as Alana Blanchard; Sonya Balmores as Malina Birch

Home Release Date

• August 2, 2011
• Sean McNamara

Distributor

• TriStar Pictures

Movie Review

The 1960s term “soul surfer” has been used to describe everyone from die-hard boarders who quit their day jobs, to beach bums who only think they can handle a wave. But for Bethany Hamilton it means far more. Her soul truly is engaged in her passion for surfing. She even thinks God made her for it.

As a gifted child surfer in Hawaii, Bethany spent more time wet than she did dry. In fact, her mother was fairly convinced her daughter was a mermaid. To Bethany, pure joy meant catching a perfect wave and calling her ocean home. And she didn’t want to leave it even after tragedy ordered her to stay ashore.

It was 2003 when, at the age of 13, real-life Bethany lost her left arm in a tiger shark attack. Soul Surfer tries to tell the story of her courageous, indefatigable fight to return to competitive-level surfing. It also serves as a testament to the spiritual, emotional and physical restoration she attributes to “God’s healing touch.”

Positive Elements

Even as Bethany faces a crushing, life-altering misfortune, she harbors little or no self-pity and fear. And though at times she tearfully questions God’s plan for her life, she never blames Him for her struggles. Encouraged by her spiritual mentor, Sarah, she trusts God to bring good out of the hardship.

Her oldest brother, Noah, recently told CBN, “It was hard at first; I think that was a natural feeling. And there was definitely some questioning: ‘God, why Bethany? She had such an amazing future. Why?’ But in the hospital, when we saw that joy of the Lord in Bethany, with no self-pity and grateful to be alive, that really pulled me out of despair.”

We don’t see much of Noah’s personal journey onscreen. But we see a whole lot of Bethany’s indomitable spirit, and how it generally affects everyone around her. It’s not that she’s instantly OK in her head about her arm. But before the credits roll, she gotten over herself , as it were, and has fully refocused herself on others rather than her own situation. Fan mail fills the Hamilton household as people hear of her injury and brave journey back to competition. And as she reads of their hardships, realizes the unique public platform God has given her to help encourage them.

Bethany’s family is hopeful and loving, as are her community and church family. With their support she tackles her new life one task at a time until she relearns how to do simple things she’d once taken for granted. She also faces her injury boldly, training even harder to overcome it and doggedly paddling her way back toward her dreams—even in the face of almost certain defeat.

On some level Bethany’s rescuers risk their own lives to bring her to safety. And everyone’s—especially Bethany’s—levelheaded, calm response to the crisis contributes to keeping her alive.

Spiritual Elements

Why is tragedy allowed in our lives? And what does God have in mind for us when it strikes? Bethany doesn’t know the answers to those questions. But she shows us that even in our ignorance we can have the assurance that He is loving. And that He does have a good and perfect plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to our tear-soaked hearts and minds.

Before her injury, Bethany’s youth group leader, Sarah, shares with her Jeremiah 29:11. The verse becomes an anchor for the teen as she gamely faces her new future. Clinging also to Philippians 4:13, she perseveres, and with time and greater perspective she realizes how little she has suffered in comparison to others. While in Thailand on a summer missions trip, for example, she helps people who have lost many of their loved ones and most of their village to the 2004 tsunami.

There, a poignant moment has her teaching a very young, orphaned boy how to overcome his fear of the water and learn how to ride a surfboard. And speaking of summer missions trips, they get a pretty significant plug in Soul Surfer . They are shown to be a big part of the Hamilton family’s mindset, and are by extension promoted as life-improving ventures—for both those who are ministered to and those who do the ministering.

Elsewhere, Bethany publicly thanks Jesus Christ for giving her courage. We see her attending her church’s youth group. And at a church service the praise chorus “Blessed Be Your Name” is sung. Believers pray before meals. Bethany’s anxious dad reads a Bible while at her hospital bedside.

A note about a few of the specific symbols of Christian faith in this film: The Jeremiah reference was for a time removed during editing. But when Carrie Underwood, who plays Sarah Hill, reportedly asked the filmmakers to “tell the story” fairly and accurately by preserving both the verse and its reference, they listened. Deemed too conspicuous and “prop-like,” the words “Holy Bible” were also digitally removed from the cover of Bethany’s dad’s Bible. (Most Bibles these days don’t have much on the front.) But after Tom Hamilton e-mailed a photo of his own Bible—emblazoned with big text similar to that on the Gideon’s Bible used in the scene—the words were reinstated. Hamilton told The Hollywood Reporter , “I could see the words bright and clear. I looked at my wife and whispered, ‘Thank you, God, they put it back.”

Sexual Content

This is a surfing story set in Hawaii, a beach culture where bikinis and board shorts are little more than landscape. As Bethany’s mom, Cheri Hamilton, told Focus on the Family in an interview, “You can’t exactly wear a parka on a beach.” And when asked by Focus’ Dr. Juli Slattery about modesty, Bethany replied, “Good-looking surfer guys aren’t looking at the girls. They’re looking at the waves.”

Still, when bronzed bodies modified by nothing more than small swatches of cloth fill the movie screen, there aren’t always waves waiting to divert your attention. Guys go shirtless. Teen girls and women wear bikinis, and some of the suits are pretty skimpy. We see Bethany’s bare back as she’s trying to tie her top with one hand after the accident. Her friend Alana changes suits on the beach with only a towel blocking everyone’s view. She also strikes some sultry poses for a magazine photo shoot.

When Bethany and Alana look at a one-piece suit, they dismiss it as something a 100-year-old woman would wear. Yet … in that same scene, Bethany also encourages her friend to wear more than the “eye patch” bikini top Alana deems “hot,” saying she’ll be plenty sorry if she wipes out big while wearing so little.

Married couples kiss. Teens casually flirt.

Violent Content

The shark attack happens quickly, and the large fish is barely seen—just as Bethany says the attack occurred in real life. The aftermath of the bite is chaotic, and a large flow of blood from Bethany’s shoulder billows into the water as her friends scramble to save her. The camera doesn’t linger on her bloodied stump, but we do fully get the idea that she’s sustained a life-threatening injury and will bleed to death if somebody doesn’t do something fast.

Surfing is a contact sport of sorts—contact with wild waves and, occasionally, people who want to foul your path toward a good one. Alana blocks Malina, Bethany’s fiercest opponent, trying to prevent the girl from beating Bethany to one of those waves. Later Bethany is battered in the impact zone—the worst place to be as a surfer, where the lip of the wave crashes back into the ocean, sending people deep underwater. Several shots show surfers struggling to surface or complete a maneuver.

Racing to save Bethany, a teen throws a rock through a truck window to retrieve a cellphone that’s locked inside. Scenes of a Thai village devastated by a tsunami are shown. Shell-shocked people walk amid the debris.

Crude or Profane Language

Dialogue contains no language harsher than one or two uses each of “oh my gosh” and “darn it.” At worst, name-calling includes the put down “psycho.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Other negative elements.

Bethany and Alana sneak out to go night surfing, disappointing Cheri when she discovers it. The girls are also sarcastic toward the equally snide Malina (though Bethany gradually decides that she can extend a genuine hand of friendship to her strongest competitor).

When under stress at the hospital after Bethany’s injury, her brother and father argue. After she’s sponsored by a surfboard company and feels she should train more, Bethany reneges on her commitment to go on a missions trip.

“This is the first movie I’ve ever been involved in,” Tom Hamilton told Fox News. “What really counts is what ends up on the screen. And we are absolutely thrilled with the way the film turned out, and the wonderful way it portrays Bethany’s and our family’s story and faith.”

Many moviegoers will feel exactly the same way.

Bethany didn’t have to win her big post-injury competition to inspire people. She just had to try. And as she says onscreen, she doesn’t need easy, she just needs possible. Now, through her struggles, millions of people are being touched by her message of God’s loving purpose in our lives.

She said in an interview with CBN, “We never know what life brings. Maybe there are some rough times for you now or in the future. I think that if you seek God first and focus on Him, you’ll be able to endure those struggles and hardships.”

She doesn’t say it exactly like that in Soul Surfer . But the gist is there, loud enough to be heard over the pounding surf. Clear enough to be seen amidst all those bodies on the beach. Thanks to her amazing courage and determination, and the supportive love of friends and family—and God—Bethany is thriving once more. And in many ways she’s able to embrace more people with one arm than she ever could have with two.

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Movie review: ‘Soul Surfer’

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“Soul Surfer” begins like most other coming-of-age movie dramas. A young heroine, surfer girl Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb), sketches out the details of her sunny life in a quick voice-over. She lives on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, has a loving family and, from the moment she rode her first wave, knew she wanted to be a pro surfer.

“It’s my passion, my way of life,” Bethany says with matter-of-fact conviction.

We then see Bethany practicing her passion in the Pacific and next thing you know, she’s slipping on a sundress and (wait a minute, what’s this?) joining her family at an outdoor church service, where Carrie Underwood, playing a youth group leader, is singing. And five minutes in, even if you don’t know Hamilton’s rather remarkable story, you realize the conflict in this movie might not come from a boy or a parent or from buying the wrong bikini.

It’s going to come from God, and it’s going to address the timeless question of why bad things happen to good people.

Now, before we get too existential here, realize that the people posing the question in “Soul Surfer” are the creative folks behind “Baywatch,” the live-action “Bratz” movie and innumerable Disney Channel sitcoms. That “Soul Surfer” rates as a giant leap for this team speaks well about the conviction the movie’s actors bring to the material as well as the respect afforded the Hamiltons and their faith.

The Hamiltons’ lives were shaken when a 14-foot tiger shark ripped off Bethany’s arm during a morning surf nearly eight years ago. She lost 60% of her blood, but survived. Recovering, Bethany discovered she lost something else that day — her identity as an up-and-coming surfer.

“How could this be God’s plan for me?” Bethany asks. Her parents, played with tremendous feeling by Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt, offer support but also know that their daughter will need time and space to work through her issues of image and faith.

True, there’s not a lot of grappling or many dark nights of the soul on display here. Part of this is a function of the writers’ (four are credited) penchant for mining the most obvious aspects of Hamilton’s story in ways that sometimes feel rushed. But if you’ve seen the real-life Hamilton on the ESPYs or Nickelodeon’s Teen Choice awards, you know she’s as much a force of nature as the waves she rides.

And yes, that’s Hamilton, or at least her body, performing most of her own surfing scenes. L.A.-based effects company Engine Room later morphed Robb’s head onto Hamilton’s body, and digitally removed one of Robb’s arms throughout the film. As for the shark attack, you don’t see much, and it’s over in six minutes.

“Soul Surfer” owns its PG rating, not to mention its Christian themes, proudly.

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SOUL SURFER

"real courage".

What You Need To Know:

(CCC, BBB, VV, N, A, M) Very strong Christian, moral worldview lifting up God’s Grace in song, word and deed about a girl whose faith sustains her through real tragedy; no foul language; intense but not graphic violence when shark bites off girl’s arm with a quick cutaway and minor violence when she has to adjust to having no arm and falls, and lots of perilous surfing situations with gigantic waves and undertows; husband and wife kiss several times; men and women in bathing suits, but no sexual nudity, and some of the girls are curvaceous; beer drinking; no smoking but light references to pain medicine; and, some minor indiscretions such as staying out late without parent’s permission and not keeping one’s word but rebuked.

More Detail:

SOUL SURFER is a powerful, encouraging and poignant story that brings tears to the eye and joy to the heart. It has a great cast, but please note that the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts.

The movie tells the famous true story of Bethany Hamilton, a rising star on the teenage surfing circuit who loses her arm in a shark attack. Bethany, played wonderfully by AnnaSophia Robb, is, as her mother says, a mermaid. She’s surfed since early childhood in front of her parents’ house on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Her whole family lives to surf and is very competitive. She has two older brothers, Noah and Timothy, who drive her to excel, as does her father, Tom. Her mother, Cheri, adds some balance to the family.

The movie opens with wonderful Gospel music, in a very happening, live Christian service in a tent on the beach. Bethany wins a surf competition, beating her best friend, Alana, played by Lorraine Nicholson, Jack Nicholson’s daughter, and her fiercest rival, Malia Birch. As a result, a sponsor approaches Alana and Bethany for their surfing career. Bethany decides not to go on a mission trip, disappointing Sara Hill, her youth group leader.

On Halloween Day, Bethany is surfing with her friend, Alana, and Alana’s family near a remote beach. A 14-foot tiger sharp leaps out of the water and eats her arm.

Alana’s father, Holt, played by Kevin Sorbo, and the other members of her family rush Bethany to the hospital. Everyone is praying fervently to God. Miraculously, she survives.

When Bethany leaves the hospital, she finds out life has changed irrevocably. Simple tasks are now almost impossible. She tries surfing again and struggles, but shows some promise.

After a dark night of the soul [SPOILTER ALERTS], where she questions God’s verse that says that we can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), she decides to go on a mission trip to an area of Thailand hit by a big tsunami. There, she learns God uses all things together for good to those who love Him. She returns home, with new resolve to become a champion surfer again.

SOUL SURFER has some very poignant moments that will bring tears to your eyes. The screening room audience walked out of the theater filled with joy at Bethany’s victory. It is one of those strong endings that make a movie work.

That said, some of the movie is very lightweight. Some of it is intentionally shot like a home movie, and some other scenes seem like a home movie. And, some of the dialogue is soft.

None of this matters, however, because the whole is greater than all of its part, and the whole is a powerful, inspirational story of real courage overcoming all odds.

The good news is that the real courage comes from deep faith in Jesus Christ, not just willpower. There are powerful church scenes in SOUL SURFER, but they shouldn’t alienate a secular audience because they are extremely real. The movie asks the profound theological question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Bethany finds an answer that is inspirational.

Many of the cast and crew are known for doing faith-filled roles. Many of them were quoted in the press notes saying that meeting Bethany and hearing her story as well as meeting her family was a life-changing experience.

SOUL SURFER is a highly recommended movie.

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Soul Surfer

Dove Review

This inspiring film is well-made and features a very convincing A-list cast; Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Kevin Sorbo and Carrie Underwood. AnnaSophia Robb (Bridge to Terabithia) is spot on as Bethany.

Dove is pleased to award this moving inspirational story our “Family-Approved” Seal for all ages. Caution to parents of young children: there is a very quick scene of a shark attack.

Dove Rating Details

A young girl is bitten by a shark causing the loss of her arm - while the scene is not overly graphic, there is quite a lot of blood in the water after the attack.

Husband and wife kiss

Bikinis as typically worn by surfers are common throughout

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Soul Surfer Parent Guide

This movie adaptation of the young surfer's comeback will likely touch many teen and adult viewers who are eager for an uplifting and engaging family film..

Sun, sand and waves are all a young teen (AnnaSophia Robb) needs to keep her happy. Well on her way to a championship season as an up and coming surfer, she has a bright future until she loses her arm in a shark attack. Now she must fight her fears to get back in the water.

Release date April 8, 2011

Run Time: 106 minutes

Official Movie Site

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The guide to our grades, parent movie review by kerry bennett.

On October 31, 2003 a 14-foot tiger shark attacked Bethany Hamilton while she was surfing off Kauai’s North Shore. This is the dramatized story of her indomitable spirit, her return to the sport she loves and her faith.

AnnaSophia Robb plays the blonde Hawaiian who was only thirteen at the time of the incident, but appears to be older in this adaptation. Bethany, along with her friend Alana Blanchard (played by Jack Nicholson’s daughter Lorraine) are inseparable water buddies who are homeschooled by Bethany’s mom (Helen Hunt) in order to give them more time to surf. With a recent win under their belts and a major competition only weeks away, the girls look for every opportunity to practice their sport.

Luckily for Bethany, she is surrounded by friends, supportive parents (Hunt and Dennis Quaid) and two older brothers (Ross Thomas, Chris Brochu). Even the family’s physician (Craig T. Nelson) greets his favorite patient with an affectionate kiss on the top of her head. The teenager also belongs to a strong religious community and has a youth leader (Carrie Underwood) who buoys her up when the reality of her new situation crashes down on her like a rogue wave. Without being overly preachy, this script emphasizes the strength and perspective Bethany gains from her Christian beliefs. It is something she needs as she learns to do things with one hand and faces the inquisitive stares of reporters and strangers.

Strong performances by many cast members and some heartfelt scenes (as when Bethany gets her first real look at the stump of her arm) help create genuine emotion in this story and a deeper appreciation for the impressive attitude of this young surfer. As well, the accomplished boarding skills of the young competitors make this film a fun watch.

Given the nature of the attack, the film portrayal is not overly graphic, although the ocean water surrounding the young girl fills with blood following the amputation. Other scenes of blood and a dead shark may disturb some audience members as well.

In this story, Bethany’s will to overcome her physical challenges, and the best intentions of adults who want to protect her from further pain and disappointment, are inspiring for many child amputees and others with physical difficulties. As well, this movie adaptation of the young surfer’s comeback will likely touch many teen and adult viewers who are eager for an uplifting and engaging family film.

About author

Kerry Bennett

Soul surfer rating & content info.

Why is Soul Surfer rated PG? Soul Surfer is rated PG by the MPAA for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material.

Violence: Despite the severity of the shark attack, the depiction is fairly brief and restrained. (Blood fills the water after the incident and oozes through a shirt used to cover the injury.) A girl vomits and has nightmares after seeing the accident. A dead shark is shown. A married couple argues briefly. A surfer is pummeled by heavy waves during a competition. The aftermath of the Thailand tsunami is portrayed.

Sexual Content: Characters are continually seen in beachwear including bikinis and swimming shorts. A girl poses flirtatiously during a photo shoot. A couple kisses.

Language: None noted.

Alcohol / Drug Use : A man proposes a toast during a holiday gathering, although there is no indication the group is drinking alcohol.

Page last updated July 17, 2017

Soul Surfer Parents' Guide

How does Bethany’s passion for surfing help her overcome her fear to return to the water? Why did her father need to let her desire to compete be her ambition and not the fulfillment of his own dreams for her? What can a person do to face their anxieties after a traumatic event?

How does Bethany feel when she meets the tsunami survivors? How does their plight help put her own problems in perspective? What does her youth leader mean when she says, "Don’t be sorry for having compassion?"

Do movies about physical or mental challenges ( The King’s Speech , The Horse Whisperer , My Life , Rear Window , Adam ) give people a better understanding of those who face difficulties?

The most recent home video release of Soul Surfer movie is August 2, 2011. Here are some details…

Soul Surfer releases to home video as a DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack. Bonus extras include:

- Featurettes: The Making of Soul Surfer, Surfing for the Screen: Inside the Action and Becoming Bethany .

- Documentary: Heart of a Soul Surfer

- Deleted Scenes

Related home video titles:

After a near fatal accident on a coral reef, a young surfer must push herself to take to the waves again in Blue Crush . Plenty of birds are hitting the beach in hopes of winning the Penguin World Surfing Championship in the animated movie Surf’s Up .

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Soul Surfer

• Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer, loses her left arm in a shark attack. Unwilling to pay attention to the gravity of her situation, Bethany decides to get back into the ocean and surf again.
• 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 must re-learn how to do everything with only one arm--including surfing. It will take her friends, her 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. — napierslogs
• Most teenagers would give up after a shark attack. But not Bethany Hamilton. She persists after the shark attack, and five years later she is a professional surfer and a world-champion surfer, thanks to her best friend Alana Blencha and her own faith in God and her family. — fmcco
• A champion surfer loses her left arm in a terrifying shark attack but summons the determination to make an incredible comeback in this inspirational sports drama. A lifelong surfer who always felt at home in the sea, Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) honed her surfing skills in Kauai, and went on to compete in numerous surfing competitions. Then, one fateful Halloween morning, the wave-riding teen was taking part in a national surf competition when a 14-foot-long tiger shark emerged from the depths and changed her life in the blink of an eye. By the time Bethany reached the shore, her left arm was almost completely gone. But just when it started to look like she would never ride a surfboard again, young Bethany used her faith and determination to reclaim the title of champion while being cheered on by her supportive parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt), and Sara (Carrie Underwood), the kind leader of a local youth group.
• In 2003, teenager Bethany Hamilton ( AnnaSophia Robb ) lives in Kauai, Hawaii with her parents Tom ( Dennis Quaid ) and Cheri ( Helen Hunt ), and two brothers, Noah ( Ross Thomas ) and Timmy ( Chris Brochu ). All are surfers, but she and her best friend Alana Blanchard ( Lorraine Nicholson ) have grown up with a passion for the sport and enter a competition. Her church youth ministry leader, Sarah Hill ( Carrie Underwood ), is disappointed when she has to withdraw from a planned missions trip because of the contest. Bethany and Alana place first and third, respectively, while the second place winner, Malina Birch ( Sonya Balmores ), proves to be resentful. Bethany invites both girls up on the winner's box with her, but Malina ungraciously refuses. The Rip Curl surfwear company offers to sponsor her and Alana in competition. The night before Halloween, Alana and Bethany sneak off with some friends to go surfing. Later while Tom goes to the hospital for knee surgery, both girls go surfing with Alana's father Holt ( Kevin Sorbo ) and brother Byron ( Jeremy Sumpter ). As Bethany dangles her left arm in the water, a tiger shark appears out of nowhere and sinks its teeth into it, biting it off near the shoulder. Holt gets Bethany out of the water and puts a tourniquet on her while Byron calls 911. An ambulance meets them on the way to the hospital. Just before starting Tom's knee surgery, Dr. David Rovinsky ( Craig T. Nelson ) is called to the emergency room to treat Bethany. Besides losing her left arm, Bethany also lost 60% of her blood and David calls her survival a miracle. Bethany's injury prevents her participating in the Rip Curl photo shoots, but she wishes Alana well. Inside Edition, a television program, offers to provide a prosthetic arm that is cosmetically perfect and has bendable joints, in exchange for an interview. Bethany angrily rejects it when she learns it will not help her surf as it is not weight bearing, due to the size of the stump of her arm. The onslaught of paparazzi also proves to be a great strain on her family and their privacy. The Hamiltons are grateful to Holt for his quick thinking and decisive action that saved her life. Bethany perseveres and, after a recuperation period, gets back in the water and learns to surf with one arm, eventually re-entering the competition. She tells her rival Malina not to take it easy on her, and rejects a five-minute head start offered by the judges. She does not perform well because she cannot stay on the board long enough to go out and catch a competitive wave and Malina wins. Disheartened, she decides to give up competitive surfing. Bethany sees the effects of the 2004 tsunami on television, which places her own problems in perspective. She decides to surprise Sarah by joining the youth group on another mission trip to help the devastated people of Phuket, Thailand. They are understandably afraid of the water, including a little boy. Bethany decides to go into it with a surfboard, hoping this will coax him into it. It works, and the realization that she can use her gift to inspire people motivates her to take up surfing again. Tom rigs a handle on her surfboard which she can use to prevent falling off while paddling out to the waves, which is not prohibited by the competition's rules. He also voices the belief that she possesses a great surfer's instinct for sensing when the best waves will form. She enters the national championship, thanks Malina for treating her as a serious competitor, and performs respectably, though she is still chasing third place. Suddenly, with only minutes left on the clock, the waves die down and all the surfers can only loiter, waiting for the waves to start back up. Tom's belief in his daughter's instinct is proven when she is the only one to sense a big wave forming, and she alone paddles out. When it forms, the others cannot get out in time and she catches it just as the horn sounds. If it is in time, she will win, but the judges rule that the time has expired. Malina is the winner, but she has finally gotten over her differences with her, inviting her up on the platform to share first place. Subsequently, Bethany lets the reporters interview her. One asks her what she would do if given the chance to undo the loss of her arm. She says that she would still lose it because she can embrace more people now than she ever could with both. The film ends with real video of Bethany surfing after the attack. Also showing video of interviews and special appearances that she has made.

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2024 summer movie preview

By john clyde for ksl.com | posted - may 27, 2024 at 5:16 p.m., a look at movies coming in the summer 2024 movie season. (paramount, dreamworks, disney/pixar et al.).

Estimated read time: 7-8 minutes

Anyone who knows me, or has read any of my writing on this website or others, knows I am a movie fan. I love the movies. I don't love every movie, but I love the art of storytelling, the spectacle of cinema, film scores that are the symphonies of our era, and the theater experience.

I know not everyone is with me on this front, and that's OK. I get the comfort and beauty of sitting on your couch at home and the ability to pause the movie to get more snacks or for a bathroom break. I love that, too, but there is something about seeing a movie in the theater.

Going to the movies was my favorite thing to do as a kid. My heart would race in anticipation of the house lights dimming, the THX intro blowing out my eardrums, and waiting for that first trailer of some movie I had never heard about. While I have always loved going to the theater I have to admit, summer was my favorite time of year. Sure, I loved playing outside, running through sprinklers, and scrounging up as much change as I could to get my bike with my buddies and ride to the rec center and swim in the overcrowded pool. But the real reason I loved the summer was for summer-movie blockbusters.

My dad subscribed to Entertainment Weekly and every year, in early May, it would release the "Summer Movie Preview." I would check the mail daily, waiting for the issue to arrive. When it did, I'd run inside and thumb through every page, learning about each new movie coming out and marking my mental calendar of the release date.

Yes, to answer your question, I was a huge nerd. But I don't care, because I loved the summer movie slate. Summer has given us huge blockbuster favorites like "Jaws," "Speed," "Independence Day" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

My enthusiasm for the summer movie season has waned some as an adult, but my love of movies and the cinematic experience has not.

What movies do we have to look forward to this summer? From imaginary friends to giant tornadoes — there may be something for everyone.

Here's a peek at summer 2024's movies.

" IF ": May 17

There are a few family films to look forward to this summer and John Krasinski's "IF" kicked them off. A departure from "A Quiet Place" (Krasinski's earlier directorial effort), this new film seems to boast a creative and fun trip to the theater.

" Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga ": May 24

This highly anticipated prequel to the "Mad Max" franchise, directed by George Miller, delves into the backstory of the fierce Furiosa, played this time by Anya Taylor-Joy, as she navigates the treacherous wasteland.

" The Garfield Movie ": May 24

Going toe-to-toe, or toe-to-paw with "Furiosa" is "Garfield." The lasagna-loving feline is back on the big screen with Chris Pratt lending his voice to the iconic orange kitty.

" Bad Boys: Ride or Die ": June 7

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their roles as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett in yet another "Bad Boys" sequel. When a new threat emerges, the dynamic duo must once again team up to take down the bad guys.

" The Watchers ": June 7

Ishana Shyamalan, the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, is following in her father's footsteps and releasing her own psychological thriller, "The Watchers." The film follows a young artist who gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

" Inside Out 2 ": June 14

Pixar returns with another emotional journey into the mind in this highly anticipated sequel to the beloved animated film. Join Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust as they navigate new challenges, adventures, and emotions.

" Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 ": June 28

Shot here in Utah, "Horizon" tells the story of pre- and post-Civil War expansion in the American West over a 15-year span. This is just Part 1 of Kevin Costner's bold epic.

" A Quiet Place: Day One ": June 28

The terrifying world of silence returns in this prequel to the hit horror film. Discover the origins of the deadly creatures and witness the first days of the apocalypse as humanity fights for survival.

" Despicable Me 4 ": July 3

Get ready for more Minion mayhem in the fourth installment of the animated franchise. Gru and his lovable minions embark on a new adventure filled with laughter, mischief, and heartwarming moments.

" Fly Me to the Moon ": July 12

This movie may be under-the-radar to some, but it stars Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson as they are tasked with filming the moon landing just in case the real thing doesn't go as planned.

" Twisters ": July 19

Remember "Twister?" It was one of those summer movies when I was a kid I was excited to see. Am I excited for "Twisters"? Not like a young and kind of chubby John was, but who knows? Maybe it'll be OK.

" Deadpool & Wolverine ": July 26

Deadpool is back for a third round, but this time he has Wolverine and Disney along for the ride. Don't plan on that meaning the hard R rating will be left in the past.

" Harold and the Purple Crayon ": Aug. 2

Based on the beloved children's book, "Harold and the Purple Crayon" follows the imaginative adventures of a Harold who makes it into our world with his magical crayon.

" Trap ": Aug. 9

M. Night Shyamalan has his own film coming out this summer. The movie centers around a father who has taken his daughter to a pop concert but becomes concerned as he finds out a serial killer has been identified and police are on the way. He's not worried about being in danger from the killer because he is the killer.

" Borderlands ": Aug. 9

Based on the popular video game, "Borderlands" promises to be an irreverent action flick filled with jokes, scoundrels and treasure.

" Alien Romulus ": Aug. 16

The "Alien" franchise is back for another round. I'd lay out the plot for you, but we've heard it before: Space travelers come face-to-face with the most terrifying life form in the universe as they scavenge a derelict space station.

" Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 ": Aug. 16

This is Part 2 of Costner's sweeping epic. Hopefully Part 1's three-hour run time left us wanting more to jump into Part 2.

" Reagan ": Aug. 30

Dennis Quaid steps in as President Ronald Reagan in a new biopic from the director of "Soul Surfer."

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How To Watch Daisy Ridley in the Inspiring New Movie ‘Young Woman and the Sea’

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When does 'young woman and the sea' come out, will 'young woman and the sea' be in theaters or on streaming, find showtimes for 'young woman and the sea', what is 'young woman and the sea' about, watch the trailer for 'young woman and the sea', three films like 'young woman and the sea' you can watch now.

It's an interesting time at the box office when even films slated to be hits have been falling below projected numbers . However, audiences never get tired of inspirational stories, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer , the filmmaker behind hits like Top Gun: Maverick , Remember the Titans , and Armageddon has proven that time and time again. Bruckheimer's latest film, Young Woman and the Sea , hopes to follow in these footsteps. The flick tells the incredible true story of Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle , an Olympic swimmer who became the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel. Once called "The Queen of Waves" by the press, Trudy was a trailblazer for women everywhere, and bringing her tale to the big screen is sure to inspire audiences around the world.

Based on the novel of the same name by Glenn Stout , Young Woman and the Sea is Disney's latest film, and is directed by the incredibly talented Joachim Rønning ( Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales ). The movie found its talented lead in Star Wars star, Daisy Ridley , who is also working as an executive producer on the project. The movie co-stars Tilda Cobham-Hervey ( Hotel Mumbai ) as Trudy's sister; Stephen Graham ( Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales ) as Bill Burgess , the sailor tracking Trudy's progress as she swims; Kim Bodnia ( Pusher ) as Henry Ederle , Trudy's father; Jeanette Hain ( The Whistleblower ) as Anna Ederle , Trudy's mother; and Sian Clifford as Jabez Wolffe , Trudy's trainer. To find out all the information we know about Young Woman and the Sea , check out the answers to the big questions below.

Young Woman and the Sea

Charting the true story of a pioneering female swimmer who sets out to conquer the English Channel, a feat dominated by men in the early 20th century. Her grueling preparation and the swim itself test her physical and emotional limits, challenging societal expectations and changing perceptions of women in sports.

The release date for Young Woman and the Sea is May 31, 2024. The Disney flick's competition on that release date will be the Robert De Niro -led film Ezra , directed by actor Tony Goldwyn , as well as Summer Camp , starring the iconic Kathy Bates and Diane Keaton and directed by Castille Landon .

While Disney originally intended for Young Woman and the Sea to be released on their streaming service, Disney+, test screenings gained such positive reviews from audiences that the decision was made to release the film exclusively in movie theaters. For all the information on how to purchase your tickets, check out the section below.

Because Young Woman and the Sea is only going to be in theaters for a limited time, there are also limited opportunities to see the incredible film on the big screen. To pre-purchase your tickets, check out the links below:

Young Woman and The Sea tells the incredible true story of Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle, a competitive swimmer from the United States who ended up being the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel. Trudy came into the public eye after winning the Olympic Gold Medal at the 1924 games, and it wasn't until two years later that she decided to try her hand at swimming the 21-mile stretch to England.

Young Woman and the Sea chronicles not only Trudy's fears of making the journey but those of everyone around her. Because the film takes place in the 1920s, much of the conflict happening between Trudy and her disbelievers is due to her being a woman. While sexism still has a ways to go even in modern times, the era during which Trudy was in the public eye was much worse for women wanting to attempt something for the first time, or even at all. In addition to the nay-sayers in the public arena, Trudy also faced scrutiny from her father, who didn't believe she should do the swim, either.

The official synopsis of Young Woman and the Sea reads:

Daisy Ridley stars as the accomplished swimmer who was born to immigrant parents in New York City in 1905. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the staggering achievement – a 21-mile trek from France to England.

"I know you've thought about it," says a voice at the beginning of the heart-pumping trailer for Young Woman and the Sea while Daisy Ridley's Trudy stares out at the ocean. It's clear through this preview not only how badly Trudy wants to make her journey, but also the incredible trials she faced just by being a woman in the 1920s. Adding to the stress of this venture is the danger of the swim due to the unpredictability of the ocean and other outside elements out of Trudy's control. The preview also gives a peak at some of the film's stars, as well as its incredible cinematography by Oscar Faura and its brilliant score by Amelia Warner . For the full trailer, check out the link below.

For more record-breaking swimming, competitive college rowing, and a death-defying comeback after a shark attack, these three picks are sure to inspire, embolden, and motivate their viewers.

'NYAD' (2023)

The biographical sports drama NYAD premiered in 2023 and starred five-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening ( American Beauty ) as Diana Nyad , a long-distance swimmer who set the record for her swim around Manhattan. Co-starring with Bening is Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster ( Silence of the Lambs ) as Bonnie Stoll , Nyad's best friend. The film tells the story of Diana Nyad as she attempts, at the age of sixty, to swim 110 miles from Cuba to Florida with the help of her coach, Bonnie Stoll. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes for the performances of Bening and Foster.

Watch on Netflix

'The Boys in the Boat' (2023)

Another inspiring true story , The Boys in the Boat follows the University of Washington rowing team and their efforts to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympic Games. Directed by Academy Award-winner George Clooney and written by The Revenant 's Mark L. Smith , The Boys in the Boat was adapted from the book of the same name written by Daniel James Brown . The film stars Joel Edgerton ( The Gift ), Callum Turner ( Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ), Peter Guinness ( Zack Snyder's Justice League ), Sam Strike ( Mindhunter ), Thomas Elms , Jack Mulhern ( Pet Semetary: Bloodlines ). Audiences not only enjoyed the tenacity of the characters in the film but also the old-school directorial style that Clooney chose to tell the story.

Watch on Prime Video

'Soul Surfer' (2011)

Soul Surfer tells the unbelievable true story of Bethany Hamilton ( AnnaSophia Robb ), a surfer who lost her arm to a Tiger Shark while in the ocean. While the horrible circumstances initially made it seem like Bethany would never be able to compete again, Soul Surfer chronicles her incredible comeback and all the people she inspired along the way. The film was released eight years after the tragic event and starred Helen Hunt ( As Good as It Gets ) as Bethany's mother, Cheri, and Dennis Quaid ( The Parent Trap ) as her father, Tom. Directed by Sean McNamara ( The Miracle Season ), the film also starred country music superstar Carrie Underwood , as well as Craig T. Nelson ( Young Sheldon ), and Chris Brochu ( Station 19 ).

• Daisy Ridley

‘The Surfer’ Review: Nicolas Cage Goes Full Cage in a Trippy Slapdash Comic Nightmare

He plays a desperate dad who squares off against Aussie surf jocks in a midnight movie that grows increasingly surreal.

By Owen Gleiberman

Owen Gleiberman

Chief Film Critic

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Nicolas Cage plays the title character of “ The Surfer ,” but it’s not until the film’s final minute that he climbs onto a surfboard. The movie, while set on a muscle beach in Australia, isn’t about surfing. It’s about male anxiety, male power, male midlife crisis, male rituals of pain and dominance, and how much theater Nicolas Cage can wring out of all of that. “The Surfer” premiered last night at a Cannes midnight show, and that’s smart programming, because it really is a midnight movie — the kind of trippy slapdash comic nightmare where the only way to watch it is to sit back and “go with it.”

Popular on Variety

Cage’s deal to buy his house starts to go south, as he’s outbid by an all-cash offer. On the beach, the local “bay boys” are surfer-jock “Straw Dogs” bullies who won’t let him surf, hitting him with the rule that if you “don’t live here, don’t surf here.” The cop (Justin Rosniak) he appeals to just taunts him like one of the bay boys. They steal his surfboard and put it over the door of their surf hut, but claim the board has been up there for seven years. When his phone runs out of juice, he can’t even buy a coffee, and instead of floating him one the bloke at the coffee stand treats him like a deadbeat.

We can see that he’s the victim of Aussie macho terror. But is he also losing his grip? Slipping into another reality? Beaten up and bloodied, his car trashed and stolen, he starts skulking around like a bum. Is the abandoned red jalopy he starts crashing in his actual car? Could the cranky bum (Nicholas Cassim) who keeps hanging around be…the Cage character?

Cage has what I would rate as a medium-grade Nicolas Cage field day sinking into deeper and deeper levels of dishevelment, degradation, and distorted anger. He seethes and grimaces. He mopes and pleads. He fills his empty bottle with icky orange water from a beach bathroom faucet and tries to drink it. He flirts with eating a dead rat, then uses it as a weapon. (The money-shot line of the movie: “Eat the rat!”) And then there’s what looked to me like it could be a Cage-eats-a-real-bug-in-“Vampire’s-Kiss” moment. He finds a nest of small eggs and breaks them open, pouring the raw yolks into his mouth. The incipient stoned surrealism is reinforced by token bits of hallucinatory imagery, mostly shots of lizards and porcupines and aerial screensaver views of aqua waves.

Is there a point? There actually is. “The Surfer,” in its threadbare gonzo way, is an allegory — of the new money, and of the new tribal rites of retro masculinity. That public beach is walled off from Cage because the surf-bum bullies are trust-fund kids shielding their private community. Cage, by contrast, is on the verge of losing his family, his home, his past, and his center of gravity as a man. The main bay boy, an athletic middle-aged dude named Scally (Julian McMahon), turns out to be the head of a local men’s cult where the mantra is, “You can’t surf if you don’t suffer.” What this means is that the Cage character has to hit bottom to purge himself, to come out the other side of his pain and his yuppie dream.

Or something. “The Surfer” is amusing to a point, but it has an overly broad and cursory quality that, I think, will limit its appeal in the real world. It’s not that I don’t take the promise of Nicolas Cage’s artful overacting seriously. It’s that I take it just seriously enough not to want to see it come out only at midnight.

Reviewed at Cannes Film Festival (Midnight Screenings), May 18. 2024. Running time: 99 MIN.

• Production: A Tea Shop Productions, Arenamedia, Gramercy Park Media, Lovely Productions production. Producers: Leonora Darby, James Harris, Robert Connolly, Nathan Klingher. Executive producers: Ford Corbett, Jatin Desai, Mark Fasano, Lorcan Finnegan, Greg Friedman, Sam Hall, Joshua Harris, Mark Lane, Apur Parikh, Robert Patterson, Michael Rothstein, Ryan Winterstern.
• Crew: Director: Lorcan Finnegan. Screenplay: Thomas Martin. Camera: Radek Ladczuk. Editor: Tony Cranstoun. Music: François Tetaz.
• With: Nicolas Cage, Julian McMahon, Finn Little, Nic Cassim, Alexander Bertrand, Rahel Romahn, Miranda Tapsell, Justin Rosniak, Charlotte Maggi.

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