Parents' Guide to

Resurface

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Moving docu on surf therapy has mature themes, cursing.

Movie NR 2017 27 minutes
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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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