Soul Surfer

From the moments the film lights up the big screen, a stream of home videos of the Hamilton family spread across the big screen, explaining the Hawaiian culture and the Hamilton family from Kauai for who they truly are. In the opening scene near the North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany joins her family at a beachside church service under a tent. It is rare for a Hollywood production, to so openly, embrace any faith. Director-producer Sean McNamara explained, "I was never going to shy away from the fact that she's a Christian. We aren't hiding anything… I want to show these people for who they really are." Anna Sophia Robb, the protagonist, perfectly depicts Bethany as a beautiful, blond, brave, young thirteen-year-old girl with a love for the ocean …show more content…
Chris Brochu, moreover true to Timmy, portrayed him in the film as the fun, loving, charming and creative older brother. Bethany Hamilton describes him as “The guy who enjoys being the odd one out – the class clown.” Finally, Lorraine Nicholson, as Bethany’s best friend Alana, was also perfectly represented in ‘Soul Surfer’ with her love for the ocean, fun and cheeky personality as well as the raw emotions she felt during Bethany’s attack. However, although ‘Soul Surfer’ accurately portrayers all the main characters true to their characteristics and personalities, there were two fictional characters in the film. Reflecting some of the issues a competitive surfer faces in the industry, Malina Birch was created (representing a variety of competitors Bethany had encountered in her life) as the one stereotypical villain. Also, Taoki, another fictional character, was the stereotypical love interest of the main protagonist, creating hope that she could also live happily ever after. Bethany Hamilton however explained that, “even if there is some fictional in there, my family and I approved of it and we worked with the writers and directors to come up with something that moves the story as long as it doesn’t water things