Based on the true story of a young girl named Bethany Hamilton comes an unbelievably motivating film that tells the story of

the girl surfer who was attacked by a shark while surfing in the ocean. Only thirteen years old, the main character, Bethany, overcomes her great fear, after having her arm torn off of her body, just as Hamilton had in 2003, and learns how to do everything all over again.

Working hard at surfing up until the accident happened, Hamilton had been training to become a pro-surfer. However, after her arm was removed, she had to face the hard truth. Hamilton then learns how to cope with what she was dealt in life. Though this was a major challenge, nothing stopped her from doing what many thought was the impossible.

With her caring and supportive family by her side and the many letters written to Bethany from kids all over the country with the same problem, Hamilton was inspired to get back up and do what she was naturally born to do: be a surfer. She knew that the whole process would not be easy, but she also knew that it needed to be done. As Bethany stated in the film, “I don’t need easy. I just need possible.” This shows how tough she really was and that she wasn’t going to let this hold her back.

Returning to the ocean, Bethany realized how dangerous it would be with her condition, but she challenged herself to become one of the greatest girl surfers out there once again. Having only one arm proved to be risky, but she was willing to take that chance once again in order to complete in the regional competition she had previously signed up for.

Though in the movie it only took a few falls and attempts to try again for Bethany to get back on her board and really pull through with those waves; in reality, the real Bethany Hamilton spent a few months learning how to do everything all over again. During all of the time spent training and re-learning how to manage with only one arm, Hamilton learned more about herself and grew as a surfer and a person.

Hamilton’s youth leader, Sarah Hill, gave Hamilton some perspective and questions to think about, especially the question of “why this had to happen to her?” When Bethany later goes on a trip to Thailand to help with the tsunami relief and to teach the children there how to surf, she realized that she did not lose everything; instead she still had a fighting chance.

87% of viewers who voted on rottentomatoes.com enjoyed the movie, many saying that it was an amazing true story and heartwarming. Soul Surfer is a movie for all to enjoy.