Soul Surfer: Go See The Movie
By
Last night I had the privilege of seeing the upcoming movie, “Soul Surfer.” It’s the story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack. Bethany’s faith in the Lord and her story of perseverance is an incredible story that deserves to be told.
Our office also has a special interest in the film because Carrie Underwood is making her film debut portraying Sarah Hill, Bethany’s youth minister. Sarah will be coming to the Oklahoma Ladies’ Retreat April 15-16 at Falls Creek. This is a special opportunity for you to hear more of the real story and Sarah’s own incredible journey of faith.
While I’m not a professional movie critic, I do want to offer some thoughts as you consider attending the movie that begins playing nationwide on April 8.
1) Movies that have a strong faith theme sometimes get labeled “cheesy” or that the acting is sub-par. I found the movie to be very professional in all ways, including acting by well known celebrities such as Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Anna Sophia Robb. Carrie Underwood did a pretty good job for her first try on the big screen too.
2) The faith message was not watered down. Unlike so many movies today, Soul Surfer portrays a family who is loving and supportive. It shows the struggle of questioning in God in a tough situation and finding out that our purpose is much bigger than our talent or abilities.
3) What about bikinis and modesty? So, I’m a huge modesty geek (ask the high school girls of my youth group and my strict camp rules) But, I think it would have been ridiculous to portray surfers in Hawaii in a one-piece tank. I just don’t think it would have been as realistic. And, in the surfing competition scenes, girls wear surfer shirts. Let’s not get too legalistic on this issue if this is causing you to not attend the movie.
4) The shark attack was handled well. The movie producers did not shy away from the terror and shock, but it is not something most people will have problems watching. (there’s a lot worse on prime time television)
So, go see the movie. Your support of films that have a good message are important. And it’s important to go the first weekend it is out. We need more films like this and without your attendance, Hollywood just won’t get the picture.
I am the Women's Missions and Ministries Specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Our purpose is to encourage women to embrace and echo God's heart for the world.
Hi!
Appreciate your ministry and encouraging people in their faith!
Just have a question for you based on your comment/review on the movie Soul Surfer.
I’m having a hard time with the fact that church’s around the country and ministry leaders/authors are promoting it. I admire Bethany Hamilton’s courage and faith in spite of her circumstances…just don’t know if I agree with the way Hollywood portrays her and other girls throughout the movie.
I work with teenage girls at my church….and our church along with others across the country teach the issue of modesty and how a Christian girl striving to honor Christ and others should/shouldn’t dress and behave.
We also work with our guys on the issue of purity/lust/guarding their hearts and eyes to not let there eyes fix on things that would cause them to stumble or have impure thoughts.
I guess i’m concerned as to how many teenage guys/and possibly men, who are encouraged to go and see this Christian film (produced by Hollywood) will struggle through the whole movie fighting impure thoughts due to the way the girls are dressed (bikinis….which by the way are nothing more than underwear, and many times worse……100 years ago women would have probably been put in jail for indecent exposure….Christians are buying into what culture says is okay in many ways….including how we dress, look at others, what we watch, listen to, etc. rather than truly holding it up to God’s Word and His standard and considering if it is Holy and pleasing to HIM!
I’ve ready many other reviews, where I’ve noticed guys commenting on how they don’t think they could sit through the movie because of this issue.
Just curious about your thoughts on this issue and the movie, whether it is 100% wholesome movie for families (including teen boys) to watch, based on the trailers I’ve seen. (especially the scene where the girl is shown from the back trying to tie her bikini top!!!!! really?? couldn’t they have shown her trying to tie her shoe????! )
Really not wanting to come across as condemning or legalistic…that is not who I am or what I’m about…..just really concerned for guys and men who will be encouraged to see this film but struggle with lust/impure thought life.
Would love to hear your feedback and reason for endorsing!
Thanks so much!!
I really appreciate your concern for our guys and to encourage purity for students. It’s greatly needed. I understand your concerns, and while I wasn’t part of the discussion on “why” they chose to portray some of those things, I do realize that the people portrayed in the movie do wear bikinis. As a mom of a 16-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old son, I don’t allow my daughter to wear a two piece when she is at the pool in mixed company. I also struggle with the girls who do when my son is around. I think the issue is one of personal conviction. The movie is great on so many levels and compared to the other movies teens watch, this is definitely mild. Your thoughts and concerns are much appreciated!