While most of the world knows Bethany Hamilton as “the girl who had her arm bitten off by a shark,” Bethany Hamilton knows she is more than that. Check that: Bethany Hamilton knows that God has made her for much more than that.
In the new documentary, the Soul Surfer seeks to show that she cannot be defined by a single nickname or an arm-size limitation. In the course of the documentary, director Aaron Lieber shows beautiful shots of the Hawaiian Islands (and elsewhere), while providing audiences close-up views of Hamilton, her husband Adam Dirks, and numerous family members, surfing experts, and others. While most people have probably seen Hamilton on Oprah or other national news programs, Lieber’s camera takes the audience behind the scenes, showing the extreme obstacles Hamilton has overcome and some of her inner perspectives.
While the narrative of the film shows how Hamilton recognized that she would need to reinvent herself from a surfing perspective, with new balance and training required, the film also shows the development of Hamilton as a person, a wife, a mother. Visually, the audience will be captivated by the powerful vistas, but the audience’s heart will be moved by the triumphant spirit of Hamilton and her faith in believing that God was with her all along.
The Dove Take:
Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable provides viewers with a reminder that our struggles and limitations don’t define who we are or our potential in God’s plan for us.
Photo Credit: Trevor Murphy
