Parents' Guide to

Soul Surfer

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Earnest sports biopic tugs at heart despite clichés.

Movie PG 2011 105 minutes
Soul Surfer Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 53 parent reviews

maria R.
maria R. Parent of 14-year-old
May 22, 2023
age 14+
That she never give up surfers

This title has:

Great messages
Maxx C.
Maxx C. Parent of 9, 13 and 18-year-old
March 19, 2023
age 10+

Great movie, some violence

Very great movie!! But a lot of violence.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
See all 53 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on true-life events, SOUL SURFER chronicles the life of Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) in the weeks leading up to the shark attack that resulted in the loss of one of her arms -- and the months of healing that followed. Her parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) struggle to keep her strong even as they learn how to process the overwhelming feelings. Bethany ultimately has two challenges to face: getting back on the board with confidence and joy and coming to peace within herself over the tragedy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (53):
Kids say (185):

To be honest, SOUL SURFER gets off to an iffy start, full of cheesy shots of beachy fun in the sun. The characters, especially Bethany's parents, seem one-dimensional and unrealistically saintly; they just don't seem real. But the minute tragedy strikes -- and does it ever -- the movie finds its footing. It roots its way into your conscience with its determined (but not pushy) message about digging into your soul -- could that be the reason for the title? -- for the wherewithal to continue.

None of the actors are all that complex here, except perhaps for Hunt in one scene of utter anguish. Even Robb, who plays Bethany, feels a bit hollow. Still, the movie works. First, the camera angles showcase the waves and the surfers who ride them at their glorious best. Credit also goes to Soul Surfer's unabashed earnestness: Yes, it's a message movie, but the message burrows deep enough under your skin to make the movie, given its utter conventionality, unexpectedly stirring. Bring tissues.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's messages about facing life's challenges. Do you think you'd be able to respond to a life-changing tragedy the way the main character does? How do you think she manages it?

  • What does Bethany learn from her experience, and what does she teach others?

  • The movie is based on a true story. Do you think that means everything happened exactly the way it's shown here? Why might filmmakers change some facts while making a movie?

Movie Details

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