Movie Small Group Discussion Questions

Soul Surfer

Movie Summary: 13 year-old Bethany Hamilton is a champion surfer who was born to be in the water. But after a fun night out night surfing and what should be a fun day in the water, she is attacked by a shark and loses her arm. Rushed to the hospital, she remains calm, and maintains her faith in God. Now she has to re-learn how to do everything with only one arm - including how to surf. It will take her friends, family, and her Christian faith to get her back into the water, but if that is where she is meant to be, she will find a way to get there.

Discussion Questions:

Prior to meeting in your small groups, select a couple questions from the list below to discuss with your group.

· How does Bethany respond to the attack? What does her reaction reveal about her strength of character? How does her reaction foreshadow her ability to persevere?

· Can you relate to the power of perseverance? Have you ever experienced adversity that you eventually overcame with determination? If so, what happened?

· What does Holt tell Bethany when he visits? How does his description of the events immediately following the shark attack paint a portrait of Bethany’s perseverance?

· Dr. Rovinsky (Craig T. Nelson) says, “There’s going to be a lot of pain because of the trauma that you’ve endured.” Does the statement apply to more than physical trauma?

· What is the significance of Bethany’s question (“When can I surf again?”)? Why might Tom Hamilton view the question as a good sign where Bethany’s recovery is concerned?

· How does Bethany’s passion for surfing motivate her? Why is motivation an important aspect of perseverance for anyone striving to overcome adversity?

· What are your thoughts as you watch Bethany’s clumsy attempts to get on her surfboard? How do you feel when she finally achieves her goal and rides her first wave back?

· When Bethany asks why she had to lose everything, what does her father say? How does his answer encourage Bethany toward an attitude of thanksgiving rather than despair?

· Sarah tells Bethany that compassion can move people to do great things and can also provide a new perspective. Why does compassion change the way we view things?

· Since relationships (friends, family, etc.) are extremely important to Bethany, how is the fan mail an extension of the community that’s so vital to the young surfer?

· What did you think about the film’s soundtrack? Can you recall various scenes where music was used? Did the music enhance the film?