About Rip Girls

Rip Girls is a 2000 family drama television movie that aired on the Disney Channel, directed by Joyce Chopra. The film tells the story of 13-year-old Sydney Miller, who returns to her birthplace in Hawaii upon inheriting a large tract of sugarcane farm land, discovering her love for surfing and a sense of self and belonging along the way.

During her time in Hawaii, Sydney makes new friends, learns about her late mother’s past, confronts her fears, and understands the real value of her inheritance. As she experiences the enchanting beauty and traditions of the island, she gradually finds the courage to rip the monstrous waves of Hawaii on a surfboard, earning her the title of "Rip Girl".

Making / Production

The movie was filmed on location in Queensland, Australia, and Hawaii, USA, and was a production of the Disney Channel. It beautifully captures the scenic beaches and culture of Hawaii. Despite being a television film, it stood out for its high production values and strong performances.

Actors

• Camilla Belle stars as the lead actress, Sydney Miller, who portrayed the character with sincerity and passion, making Sydney's journey relatable and inspiring.
• Stacie Hess played the role of Gia, a local surfer girl. Her portrayal portrayed the authentic warmth and spirit of the local Hawaiian people.
• Dwier Brown played the role of Sydney's father, Ben Miller. His performance was instrumental in keeping the emotional quotient of the movie intact.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Rip Girls was originally aired on the Disney Channel on April 22, 2000.
• Although set in Hawaii, many of the scenes were shot in Queensland, Australia.
• This was one of the first big roles for Camilla Belle, who would later star in big-budget Hollywood films.

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for the film was composed by Phil Marshall, providing a vibrant and fitting background score that complemented the Hawaiian setting.
• Songs like "Free" by the Moffatts and "Rock On" by Deluxx Folk Implosion were featured in the film, adding to its youthful appeal.

Quotes

• "Surfing's not about rules, it's about freedom."
• "This isn't just land, it's our heritage."
• "You can't have the waves, unless you're willing to ride them."