Soul Surfer

     Soul Surfer is an inspiring movie based on a true story of a girl named Bethany Hamilton. Living in Hawaii, it was no coincidence that she picked up the sport of surfing at a very young age. At the age of thirteen; however, her life changed when her entire left arm was taken by a 14-foot tiger shark on Kauai's North Shore. She lost over half of her blood, but somehow managed to survive the accident after many surgeries and avoiding infection. This tragedy didn't stop her though. She was determined to surf again. Her parents were a nervous wreck with her decision to get back in the water, and it caused small arguments between them. Bethany started losing hope and was aggravated at her parents. Her parents came to realize that surfing was what she loved, and that they should continue to support her. With continuous dedication and effort, Bethany Hamilton soon became a professional surfer, and did it all with one arm. Her story is inspirational to all ages. She had to go through the trials and tribulations of re-learning how to perform daily-life activities, such as driving and changing clothes. Bethany is so motivational to me because she kept pursuing her goal, when many other people would have quit and used it as an excuse. Even cutting a sandwich became troublesome for her, along with many other simple things you would never think of being a challenge. This movie, like most others, has a happy ending. She didn't win first place in the competition like you would initially expect, but she did place, and she was satisfied. She didn't have to win to feel successful and happy. She was able to surf again, and that is what she loved. The fact that she could push up her body weight on a moving surfboard using only one arm is amazing, and being able to stay up and balance through the waves was even more incredible. Even though you expect happy endings from most movies, they keep drawing you back and you keep watching them. I am not a huge movie man, but the fact Bethany Hamilton really exists and that this tragedy actually happened to her keeps pulling me in. Also, I feel this movie is not a "chick flick" and that guys would enjoy watching it as well and also feel inspired and motivated by the perseverance of this young soul surfer.