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Soul Surfer

Play trailer Poster for Soul Surfer PG 2011 1h 46m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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45% Tomatometer 106 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
A natural talent in the sport of surfing, teenager Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) loses an arm in a shark attack. Bolstered by the love of her parents (Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid) and refusing to give up, she plans to return to competition, although questions about her future continue to trouble her. Upon seeing the devastation in Thailand caused by the 2004 tsunami, Bethany discovers a greater purpose: to make a difference in the lives of others.
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Soul Surfer

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Critics Consensus

There's an amazing true story at the heart of Soul Surfer -- and unfortunately, it's drowned by waves of Hollywood cheese.

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Critics Reviews

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Anna Smith metro.co.uk 08/24/2018
2/5
Soul Surfer is a heavy-handed plea for sympathy that doesn't do the real-life story justice. Go to Full Review
Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard 09/23/2011
2/5
Clearly Bethany was quite a girl but this film prompts one simply to say "Amen". Go to Full Review
Xan Brooks Guardian 09/22/2011
2/5
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. Go to Full Review
Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson 07/31/2025
4/5
You can try to call it formulaic and attempt to single out the expected cliches of being a comeback sports movie, but "Soul Surfer" is definitely something special and unique. Go to Full Review
Mark Jackson Epoch Times 03/22/2022
3.5/5
"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. Go to Full Review
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com 09/24/2020
3.5/4.0
I celebrate the chance to see such a story of resilience, faith, and love on the big screen. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Mitchell S @Mitchstur 1d It feels a little too much like your standard sports movie, but it does a pretty good job of reminding you of Bethany's inspiring story. See more Logan S @Spider2003 6d Soul Surfer is a really good inspirational based on a true story movie has a great cast story score and a wonderful message in it. 4 out of 5 stars 8 out of 10. Fun for the whole family and audiences. Recommend giving it a watch and see what you think of it. It is worth adding to your collection of based on a true story inspirational movies collection both physically and digitally. When you come back from a loss, beat the odds, and never say never, you find a champion. With God all things are possible Matthew 19:26 I Can do all things through christ who strengthens me Phillipians 4:13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 See more David B. @shakeyD Sep 25 Great movie! Surfing is real. Heartfelt performances from Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Dennis Quaid. See more Aurela S @Raepie 07/28/2024 Movies based on real life are my favorites. You get to see what people have been through and it touches you in ways you never thought possible. Lived the move and have seen it a dozen times. See more SkyRo P @TheMovieSearch 01/29/2024 While not reaching the status of a cinematic masterpiece, "Soul Surfer" effectively portrays the moving journey of a young girl facing life-threatening challenges, eliciting deep emotional responses from viewers. Despite potential areas for improvement in overall quality, the strong performances by the cast, including a surprisingly commendable effort from Carrie Underwood, contribute to the film's impact. The movie serves as a poignant reminder of how seemingly minor events can snowball into significant life-altering moments, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the small things. Rather than vilifying predators like sharks, "Soul Surfer" encourages understanding their behavior in their natural habitat, promoting a more nuanced perspective. The exceptional performances by the cast, alongside Underwood's notable foray into acting, add layers of authenticity and depth to the storytelling. The film offers a unique glimpse into Underwood's early acting endeavors, showcasing her talent during the early stages of her career. Overall, "Soul Surfer" presents a compelling true story that goes beyond being simply a "girl flick" or a "shark flick." It is a movie worth watching for its emotional resonance, inspiring narrative, and the valuable lessons it imparts. I recommend giving it a try to experience its impactful storytelling and powerful performances. See more Emilliano Jr S @emill_santos 07/19/2023 An inspiring cheesy drama. See more Read all reviews
Soul Surfer

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Movie Info

Synopsis A natural talent in the sport of surfing, teenager Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) loses an arm in a shark attack. Bolstered by the love of her parents (Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid) and refusing to give up, she plans to return to competition, although questions about her future continue to trouble her. Upon seeing the devastation in Thailand caused by the 2004 tsunami, Bethany discovers a greater purpose: to make a difference in the lives of others.
Director
Sean McNamara
Producer
David Zelon, Douglas Schwartz, Dutch Hofstetter, David Brookwell, Sean McNamara
Screenwriter
Sean McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz, Michael Berk
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
Island Film Group
Rating
PG (Some Thematic Material|An Intense Accident Sequence)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 8, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$43.9M
Runtime
1h 46m
Sound Mix
Dolby, SDDS, DTS
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