Soul Surfer
Soul Surfer (2011) is an inspiring biographical drama recounting the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer from Hawaii who tragically loses her left arm in a shark attack at the age of 13. The film chronicles Bethany's journey of faith, resilience, and determination as she navigates her recovery and strives to return to competitive surfing. It highlights the profound support she receives from her family and community, and the central role of her unwavering Christian faith in overcoming immense physical and emotional challenges. Geared towards families, particularly older children and teenagers, the movie offers a powerful message of hope and perseverance.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film features a highly intense and traumatic shark attack scene with clear depictions of injury and blood, which can be frightening and disturbing, especially for younger viewers. Additionally, scenes depicting the aftermath of a natural disaster show widespread devastation and human suffering.
1. The shark attack scene is sudden and graphic, showing Bethany's arm being bitten off and significant blood in the water. Images of her severe injury and the stump of her arm after the attack are shown. 2. Bethany later witnesses firsthand the widespread devastation and human suffering in Thailand following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, including scenes of destruction and displaced people, which are emotionally intense.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe movie contains highly intense and potentially frightening content, mainly concentrated around the shark attack and its immediate aftermath. Emotional intensity also arises from Bethany's struggle with her recovery and faith, as well as scenes depicting a natural disaster.
1. The shark attack is a sudden and impactful event where Bethany loses her arm, with vivid portrayals of blood in the water and urgent rescue efforts, followed by images of her severe injury and significant blood loss. 2. After her recovery, Bethany visits Thailand following the 2004 tsunami, where scenes show widespread destruction, displaced people, and emotional suffering, which is emotionally intense and provides a new perspective on her own tragedy.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film 'Soul Surfer' itself does not contain any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes within its narrative. However, the real-life subject of the movie, Bethany Hamilton, has publicly expressed views regarding transgender women in sports that have drawn controversy from LGBTQ+ communities. Additionally, a lawsuit was reportedly filed by an openly gay surfer alleging discrimination during the film's production, though this is external to the film's content.
1. In February 2023, Bethany Hamilton announced her refusal to compete in World Surf League events following their policy allowing transgender athletes to participate in women's categories, which sparked significant backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates. 2. A lawsuit was reportedly filed by openly gay surfer Keala Kennelly against the film's producers, alleging she was denied a role in 'Soul Surfer' due to her sexual orientation, indicating a potential issue during the production process.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic content is mild, limited to chaste expressions of affection. The film frequently shows characters in swimwear appropriate for a beach setting, which may be a modesty concern for some parents, including a scene discussing swimsuit styles and poses, though generally without sexual overtones.
1. Mild romantic content includes Bethany's parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt), sharing a kiss, and some mild flirting between Bethany and a male friend. 2. Characters are regularly depicted in bikinis and swimming shorts. One scene involves a discussion about swimsuit styles and 'provocative poses' during a photoshoot, and Bethany and a friend comment on a tiny bikini being 'too small'.
Profanity
MediumThe film contains infrequent, mild profanity, primarily instances of misusing God's name, which some parents may find objectionable. Despite some claims of 'zero foul language,' other reviews specifically note the presence of blasphemous language.
1. The Lord's name is misused at least three times, including during the shark attack scene (seen in subtitles) and another instance from a young girl. 2. Specific instances cited include 'Oh my G*d' and 'G*d' used in vain.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural elements within the film. The narrative is grounded in realism and Christian faith.
1. The film explicitly focuses on Bethany Hamilton's true story and her Christian faith, with no mention or depiction of occult practices. 2. Review sources confirm an absence of occult themes in 'Soul Surfer'.
Substance Use
LowThe film does not contain any depictions or significant references to substance abuse, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking. The focus remains on the characters' healthy, active lifestyles and faith.
1. Review platforms and parent guides for 'Soul Surfer' do not list substance use as a concern. 2. The narrative centers on Bethany's athletic pursuits and recovery, which are incompatible with substance abuse, and no characters are shown consuming alcohol or drugs.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowThe film generally portrays positive family dynamics and supportive relationships. While Bethany experiences internal struggles and questions her faith, and at one point prioritizes a surf competition over a mission trip, these are not depicted as overt acts of disrespect or rebellion against authority figures.
1. Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) questions her faith and asks her youth group leader Sarah Hill (Carrie Underwood), 'How can this be God's plan for me?' after her accident, reflecting an internal struggle rather than defiance. 2. Early in the film, Bethany initially bails on a church mission trip to Mexico to attend surf tryouts, indicating a temporary misplacement of priorities, which she later rectifies by going to Thailand.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowFar from being anti-Christian, the film strongly emphasizes and positively portrays Christian faith as a central theme. Bethany Hamilton's deep faith is depicted as the primary source of her strength, resilience, and recovery, with her family and church community actively supporting her spiritual journey.
1. The Hamilton family is consistently depicted as devout Christians who attend church, pray, and discuss God's role in their lives, with Bethany's youth group leader, Sarah Hill, providing spiritual guidance. 2. The narrative directly attributes Bethany's ability to overcome her devastating injury and return to surfing to her unwavering Christian faith, presenting it as a powerful and positive force in her life.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
10+ due to the intensity of the shark attack scene, some depictions of blood and injury, and discussions around modesty. While rated PG by the MPAA for thematic material and an intense accident sequence, the film's impactful scenes and themes may be more suitable for pre-teens and teenagers who can process the serious nature of the events depicted.
Additional Notes
The film is based on a true story and consistently promotes themes of faith, family support, perseverance, and finding purpose through adversity. While the shark attack scene is very intense, the overall message is uplifting and focuses on hope and recovery. Parents should be aware of the external controversies surrounding the real-life subject's personal views, although these are not reflected in the film's narrative.
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