What Is North Shore (1987) About?
“North Shore” is a 1987 American sports drama film directed by William Phelps. The film follows the story of a young surfer from Arizona named Rick Kane, played by Matt Adler, who dreams of riding the big waves of Hawaii’s North Shore. Determined to make his dream a reality, Rick travels to Hawaii to compete in a prestigious surfing competition.
Once in Hawaii, Rick faces numerous challenges, including the skepticism of the local surfers who doubt his abilities and the cultural differences he encounters. Throughout the film, Rick learns valuable lessons about perseverance, respect for the ocean, and the importance of friendship.
“North Shore” captures the essence of surfing culture and showcases breathtaking surfing scenes filmed on location in Hawaii. It’s a coming-of-age story that celebrates the pursuit of one’s dreams and the bonds formed through shared passions.
What Is the Plot of the Movie?
The plot of “North Shore” revolves around Rick Kane, a young surfer from Arizona who dreams of riding the big waves of Hawaii’s North Shore. Determined to make his dream a reality, Rick saves up money from odd jobs and purchases a one-way ticket to Hawaii. Upon arrival, he quickly realizes that surfing in Hawaii is much more challenging than he anticipated.
Rick encounters skepticism and hostility from the local surfers, who view him as an outsider and doubt his surfing abilities. Despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges, including wipeouts and injuries, Rick is determined to prove himself and earn the respect of the local surf community.
Throughout the film, Rick forms friendships with various characters, including Turtle, a laid-back surfer who becomes his mentor, and Kiani, a native Hawaiian girl who teaches him about the importance of respecting the ocean and the local culture.
As Rick prepares to compete in a prestigious surfing competition on the North Shore, he must confront his fears and insecurities while navigating the intense competition and the powerful waves of Hawaii. Along the way, Rick learns valuable lessons about perseverance, humility, and the true meaning of surfing.
In the end, Rick’s journey culminates in a thrilling surfing showdown on the North Shore, where he must summon all of his skills and courage to conquer the waves and prove himself as a worthy surfer. The film concludes with Rick earning the respect of his peers and achieving his dream of becoming a surfer on the North Shore.
Reasons to Watch It
“North Shore” is a gripping tale featuring breathtaking surfing scenes filmed on Hawaii’s North Shore, making it a must-watch for fans of the sport seeking an immersive experience with stunning visuals. Additionally, it offers a timeless coming-of-age story rich with cultural exploration, scenic beauty, nostalgic ’80s vibes, and motivational themes, ensuring an uplifting and inspiring viewing experience for audiences of all ages.
- Surfing Action:
- The film features breathtaking surfing scenes filmed on location in Hawaii’s North Shore. For fans of surfing or those interested in the sport, “North Shore” offers an immersive experience with stunning visuals of surfers riding giant waves.
- Coming-of-Age Story:
- “North Shore” tells the classic coming-of-age story of a young man pursuing his dreams and finding his place in the world. It’s a relatable and inspirational tale about determination, perseverance, and self-discovery.
- Cultural Exploration:
- The film explores the culture of Hawaii and the unique dynamics of the local surf community. Viewers can learn about Hawaiian traditions, values, and customs while enjoying the story of Rick’s journey to earn the respect of his peers.
- Scenic Beauty:
- Hawaii’s North Shore is known for its natural beauty, and “North Shore” captures the stunning landscapes and ocean vistas of this iconic surfing destination. From pristine beaches to rugged coastlines, the film showcases the beauty of Hawaii’s environment.
- Nostalgia:
- For those who grew up in the 1980s or have an affinity for ’80s cinema, “North Shore” offers a nostalgic trip back in time with its fashion, music, and overall aesthetic. It’s a reminder of a bygone era in filmmaking.
- Motivational Themes:
- The film is filled with motivational themes such as overcoming obstacles, pursuing your passions, and never giving up on your dreams. It’s an uplifting and inspiring story that can resonate with viewers of all ages.
Overall, “North Shore” is a compelling film that offers a mix of action, drama, and inspiration, making it an enjoyable watch for anyone interested in surfing, coming-of-age stories, or Hawaiian culture.
Is the Movie a Real or Fictional Story?
“North Shore” is a fictional story. While it captures the essence of surfing culture and incorporates real-life locations such as Hawaii’s North Shore, the characters, events, and storyline are created for the purpose of the film. It’s not based on a specific true story or individual, but rather it draws inspiration from the surfing scene and culture of the 1980s.
Is It Critically Panned or Acclaimed?
“North Shore” received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its release in 1987. While some praised the film for its surfing scenes and visuals, others criticized it for its clichéd plot, wooden acting, and lack of depth in character development. Overall, it did not achieve widespread critical acclaim and is generally regarded as a cult classic among fans of surfing movies or ’80s cinema.
| Aspect | Criticism |
|---|---|
| Plot | Clichéd and lacking depth in character development |
| Acting | Wooden performances |
| Visuals/Surfing | Praised for breathtaking surfing scenes and visuals |
| Cultural Exploration | Limited exploration of Hawaiian culture |
| Overall Reception | Mixed to negative reviews; not widely acclaimed, but gained a cult following among surfing enthusiasts |
What Does the Movie Explore?
“North Shore” explores the vibrant and competitive world of surfing, highlighting the challenges faced by protagonist Rick Kane as he strives to establish himself in the sport and earn the respect of the surfing community. Through Rick’s journey from Arizona to Hawaii’s North Shore, the film delves into themes of personal growth, cultural exchange, and the importance of friendship and mentorship in overcoming adversity and pursuing one’s dreams.
- Surfing Culture:
- The film delves into the vibrant and competitive world of surfing, particularly focusing on the challenges and camaraderie within the surfing community.
- Personal Growth:
- Through the protagonist, Rick Kane, the movie explores themes of self-discovery, determination, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Rick’s journey from Arizona to Hawaii and his experiences on the North Shore contribute to his personal growth and development as a surfer and as an individual.
- Cultural Exchange:
- “North Shore” provides a glimpse into Hawaiian culture, although it’s somewhat limited. It touches on aspects such as the reverence for the ocean, the importance of respecting local customs, and the clash between outsiders and locals.
- Overcoming Adversity:
- The film showcases the challenges faced by Rick as he tries to establish himself in the competitive world of surfing. From skepticism and hostility from the local surfers to physical injuries and setbacks, Rick must overcome various obstacles to achieve his goals.
- Friendship and Mentorship:
- Rick forms friendships with fellow surfers, including the laid-back Turtle, who becomes his mentor. These relationships play a significant role in Rick’s journey, offering support, guidance, and companionship along the way.
Overall, “North Shore” explores themes of perseverance, friendship, cultural understanding, and the pursuit of passion, all set against the backdrop of the dynamic world of surfing.
Memorable Moments in the Movie
“North Shore” offers a series of memorable moments, including Rick Kane’s arrival in Hawaii, facing the challenge of a massive wave, competing in a thrilling surfing showdown, forming a close bond with Turtle, and exploring Hawaiian culture. The film’s satisfying conclusion, where Rick completes his journey of personal growth and earns respect within the surfing community, leaves viewers with a sense of fulfillment.
- Rick’s Arrival in Hawaii:
- The film opens with Rick Kane arriving in Hawaii with dreams of surfing the legendary North Shore. This moment sets the stage for his journey of self-discovery and challenges to come.
- The Big Wave Scene:
- One of the most memorable scenes is when Rick faces the challenge of surfing a massive wave on the North Shore. This scene captures the intensity and danger of big wave surfing and showcases Rick’s determination and courage.
- The Surfing Competition:
- The climax of the film occurs during the surfing competition on the North Shore, where Rick competes against skilled surfers in a thrilling showdown. This scene is filled with tension, excitement, and breathtaking surfing sequences.
- Rick’s Friendship with Turtle:
- Throughout the film, Rick forms a close bond with Turtle, a local surfer who becomes his mentor and friend. Their friendship provides moments of humor, camaraderie, and emotional support, making it a memorable aspect of the movie.
- The Cultural Exchange:
- “North Shore” also features memorable moments that explore Hawaiian culture, such as the rituals surrounding surfing, the reverence for the ocean, and the clash between local traditions and outsider perspectives.
- The Ending:
- The film concludes with a satisfying resolution as Rick completes his journey of personal growth and earns the respect of the surfing community. The ending is uplifting and leaves viewers with a sense of fulfillment.
Overall, “North Shore” is filled with memorable moments that capture the excitement, challenges, and camaraderie of the surfing world, making it a beloved film among fans of the genre.
Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From
“North Shore” may be available for streaming on various platforms. However, availability can vary depending on your region and the licensing agreements in place. Here are some popular streaming platforms where you might find the movie:
- Amazon Prime Video:
- Amazon Prime Video often offers a wide selection of movies for streaming, including older classics like “North Shore.”
- iTunes/Apple TV:
- You may be able to rent or purchase “North Shore” through the iTunes Store or watch it on Apple TV if it’s available in your region.
- Google Play Movies & TV:
- Similar to iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV allows users to rent or buy digital copies of movies, including “North Shore.”
- YouTube Movies:
- YouTube often has a selection of movies available for digital rental or purchase, and “North Shore” may be among them.
- Vudu:
- Vudu is another platform where you can rent or buy digital copies of movies, including “North Shore.”
- Netflix/ Hulu/ Disney+:
- While these platforms primarily focus on newer releases and original content, they occasionally add older titles to their libraries. It’s worth checking if “North Shore” is available for streaming on any of these platforms in your region.
- Cable/Satellite On-Demand:
- Depending on your cable or satellite TV provider, you may have access to “North Shore” through their on-demand services.
Keep in mind that availability is subject to change, and it’s a good idea to check each platform individually to see if “North Shore” is currently offered for streaming. Additionally, some platforms may offer the movie for free with a subscription, while others may require a rental or purchase fee.
