Review by John Delia, Sr.
A heartfelt documentary with oceans of inspiration, Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable opens in theaters today. With determination that most of us would love to have and a strong will to put her tragedy behind her, this is one woman’s story you’ll never forget. It’s great for the whole family or if you just want to get your adrenaline pumping.
When she was just a teen, avid surf boarder Bethany Hamilton found herself on the edge of death she has her left arm torn from her body by a 14 foot Tiger shark. Depressed, but not wanting to make it something that would take away her drive and determination, she works herself back up on the board. With the help of coaches and family, Bethany not only rides the waves, but starts competing in tournaments, winning a lot of them in the process of becoming a star and a mom.
The documentary adds a whole lot more than the film Soul Surfer that was made back in 2011. In fact that film was a huge success as well, because it showed how one person never gave up and always faced the next challenge. During the release of the film Soul Surfer I interviewed Bethany and I will never forget her amazing personality that exuded an aura of pride and courage. It was not only an interview, but an awakening for me because this young 21 year old cared about others passing along her spirit to challenge even myself. https://acedmagazine.com/bethany-hamilton-the-soul-surfer-an-interview/Â Â
Taking you back to her childhood we see clips of local surfers holding Bethany’s surfboard with a shark bite taken out of it. The jaws of the huge 14 ft. Tiger Shark are indented showing the volume of the bite. Photos and video of Bethany in the hospital show the aftershock of the girl who just lost her left arm. It’s a nightmare, but one she will come back from.
Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable includes early childhood, her winning and losing, her marriage, super challenges and having a son. You will be treated to that fighting spirit through actual films and news reels of her rise to surfer fame. Director and writer Aaron Lieber edits the movie with an opening sequence that shows Bethany as an adult wanting to ride the biggest wave she can find, and that being Hawaii’s “Jawsâ€. It’s a 50 ft. monster that looks like a tsunami. That’s like a 5 story building at its peak and when it crashes down the power is beyond belief. You can see how calm she is as she talks about wanting to work the wave for the ride of her life. Smart editing and filming is what makes Lieber a stand out filmmaker.
The film has been rated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material. PLEASE stay through the credits as it shows clips along the way to the very end where the last heartfelt surprise scene is one you will never forget.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A documentary that shows courage, integrity and inspires. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Bethany Hamilton
Directed and co-written by: Aaron Lieber
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material
Running Time: 1 hr. 52 min.
Opening Date: July 12, 2019
Distributed by: Entertainment Studios
Released in: Color, Standard