Synopsis
The 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.
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Cast
- AnnaSophia RobbBethany Hamilton
- Helen HuntCheri Hamilton
- Dennis QuaidTom Hamilton
- Carrie UnderwoodSarah Hill
- Kevin SorboHolt Blanchard
- Ross ThomasNoah Hamilton
- Chris BrochuTimmy Hamilton
- Lorraine NicholsonAlana Blanchard
- Jeremy SumpterByron
- Sonya BalmoresMalina Birch
Recommendations
- 88
Orlando Sentinel
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. - 70
Variety
Distinguished by splashy cinematography, engaging performances from Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt as the girl's go-get-'em parents. - 67
Tampa Bay Times
The sermons are subtle, raising the film's chances of crossing over to secular audiences. Soul Surfer is so clean that it squeaks, but sometimes that's a nice change of pace. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
A true story of courage, determination and guts that deserves a more exciting approach. - 60
Time Out
Superb limb-erasing effects and lush cinematography are bonuses, though not so much the cloying presence of American Idol's Carrie Underwood. - 58
The A.V. Club
Unique as an inspirational personal-achievement film in the way it focuses on the protagonist not merely as a bastion of strength, but as part of a supportive community and family. - 50
Chicago Reader
AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is too subdued as the teenage heroine; one might expect more affect from a young woman fighting to overcome disability and return to competitive surfing. - 40
Boxoffice Magazine
Sappy melodrama, clumsy dialogue and heavy-handed proselytizing derail the inspirational story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton.
