Soul Surfer Movie

[dive-in]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the movie about the surfer Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer, here on the Hawaii board. It was released April 8.

I saw it yesterday and there's lots of Kauai and Oahu scenery. Most of the outside scenes are beach shots and the area around Hanalei on Kauai. I recognized a lot of it. It was supposed to be Sunset Beach on Oahu, but I've never been there so can't say for sure that's where it was. For all I know, the inside shots were done on a sound stage in Hollywood.

For those that don't know the story, Bethany grew up on Kauai and was on her way to becoming a professional surfer. That journey took a detour when a tiger shark bit off most of her left arm while she was surfing. (Maybe no one has discussed it because it's not the image you want to have when going to the beach in Hawaii.) She struggles with things at first but then works her way back to the pro surfing circuit.

My quick review is that it is an inspiring story along the lines of Rudy. Be sure to take some tissues. There are places you can tell the special effects aren't that great but for the most part, it's pretty seemless. Think Lt. Dan on Forrest Gump except missing an arm. Can't say the acting is that great but it's worth the $7 I paid for a matinee. Will probably go back to see it again.

 

[gstepic]

We were thinking of seeing it before our trip

We leave April 30th for Kauai and we were going to try and find time to see the movie before then. I read where it was filmed on Oahu's north shore so I appreciate your information.

I was thinking of posting and asking if there was any scenery filmed on Kauai, so thanks for reading my mind!

 

[GregT]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the movie about the surfer Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer, here on the Hawaii board. It was released April 8.

I saw it yesterday and there's lots of Kauai and Oahu scenery. Most of the outside scenes are beach shots and the area around Hanalei on Kauai. I recognized a lot of it. It was supposed to be Sunset Beach on Oahu, but I've never been there so can't say for sure that's where it was. For all I know, the inside shots were done on a sound stage in Hollywood.

For those that don't know the story, Bethany grew up on Kauai and was on her way to becoming a professional surfer. That journey took a detour when a tiger shark bit off most of her left arm while she was surfing. (Maybe no one has discussed it because it's not the image you want to have when going to the beach in Hawaii.) She struggles with things at first but then works her way back to the pro surfing circuit.

My quick review is that it is an inspiring story along the lines of Rudy. Be sure to take some tissues. There are places you can tell the special effects aren't that great but for the most part, it's pretty seemless. Think Lt. Dan on Forrest Gump except missing an arm. Can't say the acting is that great but it's worth the $7 I paid for a matinee. Will probably go back to see it again.

My 10 and 8 year old daughters know the story (and had read about Bethany before) and want to see the movie.

I'm reluctant because of the potential impact of the shark attack scene -- how is it handled? I don't want these kids afraid to go in the water after seeing the movie...

Any thoughts? (and yes, it's a fabulous and inspiring true story -- I understand she was back on a surf board 30 days after the attack and back to winning surf competitions)

Thanks very much!

Greg

 

[glypnirsgirl]

While we were in Kauai, many of the locals were excited about the release of the movie. There were posters advertising it in many of the local shops --- and the shops were not related to movies or souvenirs. I thought it was probably local pride in a local production.

elaine

 

[Karen G]

Our daughter and son-in-law just got back from Kauai and we watched the DVD of the Blue Hawaiian helicopter ride. The pilot pointed out various places as they flew around the island. Just after they had passed Ke'e beach, he pointed out a beach where the shark attack had occurred. According to Wikipedia, it happened along Tunnels beach.

 

[dive-in]

My 10 and 8 year old daughters know the story (and had read about Bethany before) and want to see the movie.

I'm reluctant because of the potential impact of the shark attack scene -- how is it handled? I don't want these kids afraid to go in the water after seeing the movie...

Any thoughts? (and yes, it's a fabulous and inspiring true story -- I understand she was back on a surf board 30 days after the attack and back to winning surf competitions)

Thanks very much!

Greg

You probably see the shark's head for <1 second during the attack. It's not terribly intense and in no way really gory. You see mostly blood and a little bit when the friend's dad is putting the tourniquet on. The build up to the attack was worst for me because you don't know when it's coming. Once they get her in the back of the truck, the worst visually is over. It is a PG movie so it's intense but not excessive.

If you take your kids, one mark to remember is that the attack happens after they go night surfing. I think it is the next scene. Maybe 20 minutes or so into the movie. When you see Bethany and her friend lying on their surf booards and Bethany has her arm in the water you know it's about to happen. Again, once they get her in the back of the truck, the worst is over.

Most of the Kauai shots seem to be in Hanalei. There may be some at Ke'e and Tunnels but when the shots are from the sea looking back in, it's hard to tell. Some of the attack did look like Tunnels to me but again, it's hard to tell.

A few of points I would take from the movie and discuss with young kids are:

1) Surfers are a long way from shore. I feel pretty safe close to shore.
2) Use it as a lesson in courage. She was ready to go back out after that!?!
3) Use it as a lesson in passion. She had a passion for surfing and nothing would stop her.

Probably many more.