Guest blogger: Leeanna F2

Soul Surfer is a film based on a real life story about a girl, Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm to a shark while out surfing one day. She lived in Hawaii and began surfing at a very early age in life and had become and everyday event. Around a month after her shark attack, she was back on her board out in the wave trying to surf again. Bethany is played by actor AnnaSofia Robb in the film and portrays a young girl making her dream come true despite the circumstances she came across. Bethany’s goal is to try and become a professional surfer and Robb plays very well of a girl attempting at making this goal a reality. Bethany’s character in the film shows a lot of determination and she never stops trying to accomplish what she wants. Her family is very supportive in her times on need due to the attack. A lot of the other characters’ actions in the film only motivate Bethany even further in her pursuit of becoming a champion surfer. Some common themes in the movie are never give up and finding good in horrific situations. Bethany never gives up in her surfing life and this is seen throughout the film. Also, although a horrible thing happened to Bethany, she still can find good in the situation. The situation only made her try harder and see life from a new perspective. Movie critic Robert Ebert says, “AnnaSophia Robb is a convincing, cheerful heroine.” I agree with this because I think she does do a great job in the movie. Overall, I think that this film is very inspirational and tells a great story about a real girl who was attacked by a shark. Her determination was seen in the film which was a great influence on those who saw the film. It was a great movie and is definitely worth your time and money to go see it.