Blue Crush 2

Blue Crush 2, directed by Mike Elliott, is a 2011 direct-to-video film that sets itself up as a loose sequel to Kathryn Bigelow's drama-surfing movie of 2002. Located in South Africa, the film stars Sasha Jackson, Elizabeth Mathis, and Ben Milliken.

The plot primarily revolves around a young woman named Dana (played by Sasha Jackson), who leads a luxurious life in the sun-kissed landscapes of California. Despite the affluence and comforts, she can't shake off her profound longing for an adventurous life. Inspired by her late mother's diaries, Dana embarks on a soul-searching journey to the exotic beaches of South Africa, following her mother's footsteps, who was a legendary surfer.

The film beautifully depicts Dana's journey from the comfort of her home to the wide, invigorating shores of South Africa. She carries only the surfboard of her late mother, hoping to ride the gigantic waves that her mother once conquered. This adventurous phase of self-discovery and wild unrestricted life represents an alternative to her existing structured life.

Sasha Jackson flawlessly portrays Dana’s determined character, her commitment to her mother’s legacy, and her passion for surfing. She gives viewers a glimpse of a brave young woman set out to find herself in an unknown land, all while facing the giant waves.

Accompanying Dana is her adventurous friend, Pushy (played by Elizabeth Mathis). Pushy, whose spirit complements Dana's craving for thrill and adventure, becomes an unwavering support throughout Dana's thrilling journey. Mathis brings into play an alluring confidence that establishes her character as a strong and dauntless figure.

The scenery in Blue Crush 2 is breathtakingly beautiful. From the captivating beaches of Jeffrey's Bay to the Big Wave beaches of Cape Town, the locales in the film are as brave as the central character Dana herself. The mesmerizing views work perfectly for a film that lives and breathes within the spectrum of blue waters and sand-speckled beaches.

Juxtaposed against this enormous backdrop is Dana’s romantic interest, the protective and handsome Tim (played by Ben Milliken). Although Milliken's offering may seem like a routine love interest character in many movies, his performance infuses life into the character, making it something more than a mere love angle.

Thrown into this mix is Tara (played by Sharni Vinson), an outrageously ambitious competitor for Dana. Vinson’s portrayal of Tara gives viewers a taste of rivalry and competition that dominates the surfing circles, thus bringing the much-needed antagonist twist to the story-line, displaying Dana’s determination and drive.

The film is heavily laden with awe-inspiring surfing scenes. The cinematography doesn't hold back when it comes to showcasing the athletes against the towering waves that are both scary yet beautifully exhilarating to watch. The fact that professional surfers were used as stunt doubles for the cast only increases the realness of the film's several heart-racing surf sequences.

Throughout her journey, Dana understands her mother's love for the sport, encounters the breathtaking biodiversity of South Africa, all while staying true to her commitment to protecting the environment. With the backdrop of the surfing subculture, the film explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, love, and the quest to live fearlessly amid the inevitable tides of life.

Blue Crush 2 is a balance of stunning surf sequences and a passionate journey of self-discovery and respect for the environment. It boasts a talented cast who managed to bring their characters to life, creating an engaging and moving story. Even though it slightly deviates from its predecessor in terms of location and characters, it sticks to the core theme – the transformative power and the crushing force of the sea, the thrill of surfing, and the courage of young women to create a space for themselves in the high-stakes world of professional surfing. By blending the struggle of identity with the sport’s inherent unpredictability, the film delivers an inspiring story illuminated by indomitable spirit and fierce competition.

In a nutshell, Blue Crush 2 is a worthy successor with a unique identity – it's an exciting, enjoyable, and dynamic film that is both about the majestic sport of surfing and about the beautiful human spirit that refuses to be crushed by the waves of life.