Soul Surfer, released in 2011, tells the true story of champion surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost an arm due to a shark attack. It features 22 songs by artists such as Britt Nicole, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Two Door Cinema Club and Bla Pahinui on its soundtrack.
Surfing purists have long been known as “soul surfers.” This term refers to their passion for preserving nature’s roots while at the same time honoring cultural history.
Sound of Sunshine
Soul Surfer, based on a true tale, tells the inspirational tale of one girl’s triumphant battle against hardship through faith and her support of family. Boasting an impressive cast including Helen Hunt, Denis Quaid and Craig T Nelson alongside AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton; this family film will warm hearts everywhere!
This film boasts a modest budget while not skimping on visual effects, including an eye-catching sea creature which briefly appears in one key scene and provides a good example of high-definition CGI without being cartoonish or silly; surf-action shots are great too, which adds another level to this inspiring family flick. Plus, big Hollywood names are making inspirational family fare on moderate budget rather than opting for bigger paychecks from Syfy movies!
As is fitting of a movie about surfing, this flick features stunning visuals from start to finish. The cinematography is sublime with plenty of attention paid to details and brilliant lighting that never pushes skin tones into fake territory.
Carrie Underwood comes across as a bit too self-indulgent in this movie, while real Bethany Hamilton has always been outspoken about her Christianity – yet her presence in this film results in awkward, preachy Christian messages that come across more as distractions than drama. Furthermore, an unnecessary heartless rival who should add drama instead becomes an unnecessary source of distractions.
Ho’oheno Keia No Beauty
An action movie about an exuberant surfer girl who loses an arm to shark attack demands an equally exuberant soundtrack, and this album delivers with its engaging blend of alternative rock, CCM, teen pop and Hawaiian music. Beginning with “Sound of Sunshine”, nine more amiable tracks from former American Idol contestant Chris Sligh include Katy Perry’s “Firework”, among others.
Mailani hails from Oahu’s West Side and is an award-winning composer, ukulele instructor and founder of Na Kama – an innovative Hawaiian music group. To date he has recorded three albums and one Christmas CD with Na Kama, his 2009 release Crossroads being honored with a Hawai’i Music Award for Contemporary Hawaiian.
Ho’oheno Keia No Beauty was featured in the movie Soul Surfer and depicts a singer’s fascination with an attractive flower she discovers while seeking shelter from rainstorms. This stunning bloom captures her senses and leads her to imagine that their ancestors once cared for it and imbued it with sacred significance; eventually its beauty seduces her so completely that she drinks its waters for sustenance.
Firework
Soul Surfer starts out like many films: you wait and hope that it will happen soon. Helicopter shots whiz across the screen, camera pans down through crystal-clear water towards arms and legs dangling off surf boards, fireworks burst above a nighttime surfing party… but no CGI shark appears out of nowhere to bite Bethany Hamilton off! Director Sean McNamara has created an anti-Jaws by keeping bloodshed to an absolute minimum while emphasizing Bethany Hamilton’s bravery under such incredible duress.
Once underway, this movie becomes an uplifting sports drama similar to “Rudy” or “Miracle”. Additionally, it is family friendly, without any instances of foul language and only one brief shark attack scene that may upset younger viewers.
Marco Beltrami, best known for his work in horror and science fiction films, also composed the musical score for this drama, showing a keen emotional and thematic sensibility by including traditional Hawaiian mele chants to capture Bethany’s spiritual life.
Soul Surfer marks an exciting new chapter for faith-based films. Produced by Affirm Studios – a division of Sony Pictures dedicated to producing mainstream Christian movies – it tells an inspiring tale about family love and faith amid immense tragedy. Though likely targeting younger audiences first, Soul Surfer should appeal to viewers across generations with its upbeat message and inspiring spirit.
Runaway
Runaway’s music video draws its inspiration from Bethany Hamilton’s true story as a surfer who lost an arm after an attack from sharks but managed to overcome these odds through sheer determination and faith in God – unlike most mainstream music videos that simply promote dance trends or trends; Runaway goes deeper by challenging its audience to take its artistic statements seriously.
Kanye uses the phoenix as a metaphor for his rise to fame and ultimate fall, creating visuals not simply intended to impress with flashiness but that capture the essence of each song itself. He may sometimes veer into self-referential territory but few artists make such grandiose artistic statements through just one music video as Kanye does.
Runaway clocks in at just under 35 minutes, giving it enough time for a long ballet scene, multiple explosions, gadget/interior design porn and subtle digs at both media and vain artists. As such, this video pushes viewer patience limits but remains so engaging and compelling that it’s hard to ignore.
Kanye West’s talent shines through even in this age of video content with tired tropes and mindless flash. Although his ego sometimes gets in his way, few other artists can rival his ability to convey an idea fully in its complexity – something Runaway still does six years after its debut.
This Is the Life
Soul Surfer is based on the true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost an arm due to a shark attack, yet went on to compete in surfing competitions afterwards. Its central message is faith can overcome any obstacle; even its soundtrack echoes this sentiment with songs by various Christian artists.
Though most songs on the soundtrack celebrate life’s beauty, some contain more subtle undercurrents. One such song is Amy Macdonald’s tune “This Is the Life”, in which she references an event she attended as part of his fan club: an appearance by Pete Doherty at an arena show she and her friends attended together – though she does not directly address him throughout.
As the song continues, it suggests that everyone experiences hardship and disappointment at some point; these difficulties should be used as opportunities to appreciate life more fully and embrace their individual beliefs more fully. Listeners of this song are encouraged to appreciate every small joy in life as much as they can and learn to appreciate those little pleasures of everyday living that bring great pleasure and comfort.
This release also boasts two exclusive recordings made exclusively for this release, such as Nashville singer-songwriter Mat Kearney’s “Runaway” and Chris Sligh, an American Idol finalist who performed Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Overall, the album offers a diverse blend of alternative rock, CCM and teen pop genres that is available to be downloaded at Amazon, iTunes or other online music stores.
Soul Surfer is inspired by Bethany Hamilton, a young surf champion who was attacked by sharks and suffered permanent arm loss as a result. Bethany persevered against all odds to be victorious against incredible odds.
Rhino Records released the soundtrack for soul surfer in 2011. It features numerous artists such as James “Bla” Pahinui, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Britt Nicole, and Two Door Cinema Club.
1. Ho’oheno Keia No Beauty
Soul Surfer depicts an inspiring true story about teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton. When her arm was lost due to a shark attack, she refused to surrender; with help from family and friends she eventually returned to surfing.
The film’s soundtrack is both emotive and eclectic, featuring styles ranging from James “Bla” Pahinui’s Hawaiian slack-key guitar (“Ho’oheno Keia No Beauty”) to Brian Setzer’s surf rock (“Go Go Godzilla”). Britt Nicole’s inspirational pop (“Like A Star”) and Two Door Cinema Club’s indie rock (“This Is The Life”) can also be heard here.
Mat Kearney of Nashville contributes a special cover version of Katy Perry’s hit “Firework,” used during key scenes in the film and recorded specifically for this release.
One of the movie’s most captivating aspects is how it portrays Bethany’s relationship with her father, showing their mutual affection and respect throughout. Music adds poignant layers to this theme – especially Mailani’s rendition of “Miulana,” wherein she describes a Hawaiian flower that may have been cared for by ancestors who treated it sacredly; its melody may be simple but its words deeply moving and touching.
2. Go Go Godzilla
Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of Bethany Hamilton, an individual who after losing her left arm in a shark attack returned to surfing against all odds. Directed by Sean McNamara and based on the 2004 memoir written by Hamilton herself, Soul Surfer stars AnnaSophia Robb in the role of Bethany while Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood Sonya Balmores Branscombe Richmond and Craig T Nelson portray her family and friends.
Marco Beltrami, known for his works in horror and psychological drama films, provided the music score for this film’s soundtrack. Although an unlikely choice at first, he managed to capture all the emotions and tones from within its pages through his music compositions; truly making this soundtrack something more than an average accompaniment.
This song from the soundtrack pays a fitting ode to Godzilla, an evil creature wreaking havoc across the planet. Beginning with an atmospheric intro and building into an unforgettable rock beat that perfectly portrays its power, this tune then slows down for a guitar solo by Buck Dharma which adds another level of emotion to this piece.
This song is a testament to how powerful music can be, its combination of lyrics and instrumentation making it one of the most unforgettable songs ever. Additionally, its impact has helped shape “monster rock”, an emerging subgenre which includes songs with lyrics referencing popular horror and sci-fi themes; making this classic an important landmark in rock history.
3. Half Pint Boards
Beltrami took inspiration from Soul Surfer and created one of his most stirring scores ever; even the more disturbing moments (such as “Shark Attack”) have an approachable tone, proving once again his musical genius and Bethany’s spiritual journey is the core theme here – here where Beltrami truly excels with his musical compositions.
Hawaiian chants that opened the score in “Main Titles” continue with their soothing and peaceful sounds throughout, further accentuating Bethany’s journey of recovery while giving her strength and spirit a voice. Even better yet, one of the vocalists from the shark attack cue reprises in “Half Pint Boards”, as Bethany realizes her injury has changed not only her own life but others as well for the better.
Small ensemble vocal performances are also featured throughout, with female voices providing upbeat location chants and two deep throated male contributions representing Bethany’s triumphant victory against the ocean’s evils. Piano and guitar performances depict family healing moments such as “Homecoming” or touching moments like Bethany and Dad meeting again after years apart; there are also beautiful cues such as “Bethany and Dad”, or the energetic Big Drum Competition or Paddle Battle with orchestral performances underpinned by tribal shakers and rattles and large big drums!
4. Set The World On Fire
At 13 years old, Bethany Hamilton lost her left arm due to a shark attack; yet, this did not deter her from her goal of becoming a professional surfer. Bethany became an inspiration for people all around the world; serving as proof that with faith and perseverance anyone can overcome any challenge they encounter in life.
She prioritizes her spiritual life and sets an exemplary example for Alana, as her parents (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) support her endeavors. Additionally, Sara Hill (Carrie Underwood), serves as her youth pastor who encourages and motivates her through faith to realize her goals.
Soul Surfer may not fall under the category of strictly Christian movies like Facing the Giants and Fireproof; nevertheless it remains an inspiring tale about a Christian family’s values and mission in today’s society. Soul Surfer seeks to appeal to teens so that it may spread its message of God’s love, forgiveness and hope among audiences of all kinds.
Marco Beltrami created an inspiring soundtrack for this film that includes music to inspire faith and hope in times of difficulty. His score features traditional Hawaiian mele chants, pop songs and modern rock. Furthermore, this music serves to showcase Hawaiian culture while at the same time communicating messages about faith and hope against all odds.
“Set the World on Fire” is an uplifting, catchy tune that will have you dancing and singing along in no time! Not only that, but its lyrics provide motivational advice about never giving up your dreams. One of the finest tracks from this soundtrack!
5. This Is The Life
Soul Surfer tells the remarkable true story of Bethany Hamilton, an elite youth surfer bitten by a tiger shark and left armless after an attack by one. However, Bethany quickly recovered her love for surfing and returned to competitive surfing shortly thereafter despite losing one arm. Based on Bethany’s 2004 autobiography of the same name published as an ebook entitled ‘Soul Surfer,’ although some details were altered for dramatic effect the majority of events remain faithfully depicted as they occurred in real life.
This song from the soundtrack is an infectious tune that perfectly captures the youthful excitement and freedom associated with youth. It celebrates living in the moment while acknowledging that nights out must eventually end and one must go back to daily tasks of life. While the song mentions Robert Riger and his motley crew specifically, its lyrics can also be taken as representing any group of friends gathering for dancing and socializing events.
Filming of this inspiring tale took place mostly in Hawaii, which boasted breathtaking scenery and backdrops for this moving story. Oahu, Kauai and Big Island beaches served as breathtaking settings for surfing scenes in this movie, lending itself perfectly as natural backdrops. AnnaSophia Robb played Bethany Hamilton alongside Carrie Underwood making her acting debut. This movie should not be missed for anyone seeking an inspirational tale that celebrates faith and the courage of human spirit!