SOUL SURFER REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

When people think of shark-attack films, they think of Steven Spielberg's iconic Jaws. When I think of shark-attack films, I think of Soul Surfer. While Jaws is an exciting thriller, Soul Surfer is a powerful drama, yet it's one of the most underrated films.

13-year-old Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) is a surfer who was born to be in the water. She has competed and won several times. It's her passion. Unfortunately, after she loses her arm in a shark attack, Bethany becomes worried she'll never be able to surf again. Throughout the film, she must learn how to live with only one arm and, eventually, how to surf. 

The film has a strong opening. By showing us clips of the real Bethany as a child playing in the sea, we see how much she loves swimming. We then see her over a decade later becoming a champion of surfing and winning a trophy. In Robb's solid performance, we see how happy she is. Unfortunately, things take a dramatic turn when Bethany loses her arm in a shark attack. The majority of the film is spent with her learning to live with one arm. At first, Bethany doubts she'll be able to surf again after trying with a prosthetic arm but with encouragement from her friends and family, she overcomes her trauma and becomes one of the most talented surfers in Hawaii. 

This film has everything a drama should be. The story is compelling and has great performances from everyone involved, especially Robb. Since appearing in children films such as Bridge To Terabithia and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, she has become a really talented performer. I am yet to see her in a bad film. She is perfect as Bethany and gives a moving performance. 

This is one of my favourite drama films to watch because it's uplifting. If you are a fan of dramas, I'd definitely recommend this film.

8/10