Resurface
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Moving docu on surf therapy has mature themes, cursing.
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Resurface
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What's the Story?
On the beaches of Santa Cruz, California, surfers are preparing to hit the waves. But these are no ordinary surfers. They are young veterans who suffer the mental, emotional, and physical scars of combat -- veterans struggling with PTSD, severe depression, amputated limbs. They are taking part in Operation Surf, a program in which veterans are given the opportunity to learn how to surf, and by doing so, rediscover a sense of joy and hope in life at a time when 22 veterans a day commit suicide in America. Operation Surf was started by Van Curaza, a lifelong surfer who used surfing to overcome his own struggles with substance abuse, and found in surfing a way to give back to those who bravely served in the military. RESURFACE is the story of veterans who have benefited from surf therapy, who have found in the ocean a sense of peace and purpose that had been hard to come by since returning home from their tour of duty.
Is It Any Good?
In a time when "Support Our Troops" is lazily thrown out by politicians, sportscasters, and the like, when 22 veterans in America die by suicide every day, this documentary shows the power of action. Van Curaza, the creator of Operation Surf -- an organization in which Curaza teaches mentally, emotionally, and physically scarred veterans how to surf -- offers an inspiring call to action at a time when so many offer little more than thoughts and prayers. Surf therapy is shown to be not (in the words of one of the participants) "hippie-dippie," but "hard science." The results are self-evident, in the testimonials and actions of veterans taking part.
Resurface is only 27 minutes, but manages to pack in so much. The horrors of war and its aftermath aren't avoided in the veterans' interviews. Nor are the struggles they have contended with upon returning home, when even the bravest of the brave, trained to maintain stoicism and resiliency in the face of all challenges, are unable to cope. But there's also a tremendous and inspiring sense of hope and renewal in what these veterans have discovered in their experiences with surfing. Ultimately, Resurface is a story of giving back to one's community and the benefits of exploring as many forms of therapy as possible beyond just pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy.
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Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 1, 2017
- Cast: Van Curaza
- Director: Josh Izenberg
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Empathy, Integrity
- Run time: 27 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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