‘Soul Surfer’ (2011) is Hamilton’s tale of true inspiration 

In “The Descendants,” another great Hawaii-set film from the same year, George Clooney says “This is paradise? F*** paradise.” And his character merely has financial issues. He doesn’t get his arm bitten off by a shark, as happens to Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) in “Soul Surfer” (2011). 

Paradise is no protection from sharks 

Bethany never says “f*** paradise.” This is a Christian film for one thing, but for another, that’s not her attitude. After the incident when she was 13, the real-life surfer climbed back to the top of the ranks, inspiring people around the globe and becoming a rare surfer whose name is known among non-fans. 

“Soul Surfer” is the film equivalent of cross-genre music hits from the likes of Jars of Clay, Yellowcard and Lifehouse. Well, except that Bethany and her family – dad Dennis Quaid, mom Helen Hunt and two supportive brothers – are obviously Christian, saying grace and quoting their favorite Bible passages.  

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(Among the supportive brothers is Ross Thomas of “Beyond the Break.” Also look for Sonya Balmores from that Aughts TV series as our heroine’s rival.) 

But director/co-writer Sean McNamara’s film doesn’t proselytize; it aims to show the Hamiltons as they are. If the film is accurate, they’re my favorite kind of religious people – it works for them, but they don’t assume it’s right for everyone. Religious viewers will see Christianity as central to the Hamiltons’ life, atheist viewers will see it as a healthy supplement. It doesn’t matter who is right. 

“Soul Surfer” also doesn’t proselytize about prosthetics. Bethany – having only a stump of her left arm – is better off without a false arm, because it would only be for aesthetic value. Hamilton has continued in life without a prosthetic, posing for many photos without her stump covered. 

Procedural, emotional challenges 

“Soul Surfer” is sort of a procedural, as Bethany and her dad figure out the logistics of surfing with one arm. A big moment comes when he devises a rope handle in the middle of the board, allowing her to keep her balance while “duck diving” (paddling through a wave in order to get farther from shore). 

Although she was 18 rather than 13, Robb (“The Carrie Diaries”) is perfect for the role (she looks a little like Hamilton) and I’m surprised she isn’t an A-list star as an adult. There’s something about seeing such determination – rather than flightiness – on a cute teenage face that automatically punches up this story. 

Quaid (also known for the inspirational baseball movie “The Rookie”), Kevin Sorbo and Craig T. Nelson provide grizzled male positivity in Bethany’s sphere. So does skateboarder friend Keoki (Cody Gomes), although it’s a little surprising the film doesn’t explore a romance there. It’s cool that “Soul Surfer” is never about a girl overcoming a challenge, it’s about a human. 

Bethany’s bestie Alana (Lorraine Nicholson) — who is present at the shark attack — has a nice little arc about dealing with her friend’s near death and resultant challenges. Alana continues on with two arms, a sponsorship deal and bikini photoshoots while Bethany re-learns how to chop vegetables. 

In addition to the logistical challenges, “Soul Surfer” touches on emotional challenges. Bethany fears that no guy will like her, since she is missing an arm. McNamara and his three co-writers don’t dwell on any one thing, though. 

Brisk yet relaxed vibe 

The film moves briskly yet maintains a laid-back Hawaiian “paradise” vibe – which, despite the “Descendants” line, isn’t a bad backdrop for life, even if it doesn’t shield you.  

More known for dark horror films, cinematographer John R. Leonetti enjoys a comparative vacation and makes “Soul Surfer” colorful. No piece of vibrant swim or surf gear is used twice by the clothing department. McNamara handles the surfing (one of the most difficult sports to fake on screen) with artistry, including shots of Bethany’s glowing face as she glides through a tube of water, in her element. 

After the shark attack, we’re always aware Bethany has been dealt a raw deal. But when we see her successfully surf with one arm – both in the film itself (with Hamilton herself doing wide-angle stunts) and in real footage over the end credits – it’s like she has gained superpowers. Seeing her surf with one arm looks cooler than two-armed surfers doing the same trick. 

No viewer will be faked out by any given moment in “Soul Surfer,” but the emotions just might sneak up on you. Flooded with fan mail from all over the globe even before she returned to the top of the podium, Bethany says in a voiceover that she managed to embrace more people with one arm than she ever could have with two.  

It’s not a cliché, it’s her unique power. If you fancy yourself a tough guy, watch “Soul Surfer” alone so no one can see you cry through your smile.