Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2013

Surf drama about the rise of the surfing-gear industry in West Australia in the 1970s, striking a balance between the spiritual side of this elemental sport, man and making enough money to keep doing it. It’s a tad predictable and perfunctory, but it’s also somehow, well, likable. While not stellar, the acting’s believable (many of the actors grew up surfing in WA). Avatar’s Sam Worthington is funny as a nomadic hippie surf photographer, sometimes intentionally. The script’s tight and the surfing footage is most excellent. It could have been oh, so much worse (ref. the upcoming Chasing Mavericks).

Opening May 25