The Sea Inside (2004)

The Sea Inside (2004)
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Two of the most talented figures in contemporary Spanish cinema -- actor Javier Bardem and director Alejandro Amenábar -- collaborate for this powerful drama, based on a true story. Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem) was a fisherman and part-time poet who, at the age of 26, suffered an accident while diving that left him a bedridden quadriplegic. Now 54, Ramón must depend on his family to survive -- his macho brother José (Celso Bugallo), José's wife, Manuela (Mabel Rivera), and their son, Javi (Tamar Novas). While grateful to his family and friends for their help, Ramón was always an active person, and as the years wore on, he has come to see his life as frustrating and pointless and wishes to die with what remains of his dignity. José, however, is bitterly opposed to the notion of assisted suicide, and Spanish laws would implicate anyone who helped Ramón end his own life, which is something Ramón does not want to do. Through Gené (Carla Segura), a friend who works with a "Right to Die" organization, Ramón is introduced to Julia (Belen Rueda), a lawyer he hopes will help him persuade the courts to let him end his own life. Julia is dealing with her own mortality issues since being diagnosed with a degenerative disease, and Ramón hopes her condition will make her arguments more persuasive. As Ramón and Julia work together on his case and help to prepare a book of his poems for publication, Ramón finds himself falling in love with his attorney, who happens to be married, but while his infatuation gives Julia second thoughts about the case, Ramón remains convinced that the greatest gift to him would be an end to his life. Javier Bardem's performance in The Sea Inside (aka Mar Adentro) earned him the Best Actor award at the 2004 Venice Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Javier BardemBelén Rueda, (more)
Director(s):
Alejandro Amenábar
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13
Format(s):
DVD,  (View All Versions)
 

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Synopsis of The Sea Inside

Two of the most talented figures in contemporary Spanish cinema -- actor Javier Bardem and director Alejandro Amenábar -- collaborate for this powerful drama, based on a true story. Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem) was a fisherman and part-time poet who, at the age of 26, suffered an accident while diving that left him a bedridden quadriplegic. Now 54, Ramón must depend on his family to survive -- his macho brother José (Celso Bugallo), José's wife, Manuela (Mabel Rivera), and their son, Javi (Tamar Novas). While grateful to his family and friends for their help, Ramón was always an active person, and as the years wore on, he has come to see his life as frustrating and pointless and wishes to die with what remains of his dignity. José, however, is bitterly opposed to the notion of assisted suicide, and Spanish laws would implicate anyone who helped Ramón end his own life, which is something Ramón does not want to do. Through Gené (Carla Segura), a friend who works with a "Right to Die" organization, Ramón is introduced to Julia (Belen Rueda), a lawyer he hopes will help him persuade the courts to let him end his own life. Julia is dealing with her own mortality issues since being diagnosed with a degenerative disease, and Ramón hopes her condition will make her arguments more persuasive. As Ramón and Julia work together on his case and help to prepare a book of his poems for publication, Ramón finds himself falling in love with his attorney, who happens to be married, but while his infatuation gives Julia second thoughts about the case, Ramón remains convinced that the greatest gift to him would be an end to his life. Javier Bardem's performance in The Sea Inside (aka Mar Adentro) earned him the Best Actor award at the 2004 Venice Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
125 mins

Complete Cast of The Sea Inside


Director(s):
Alejandro Amenábar
Writer(s):
Alejandro AmenábarMateo Gil
Producer(s):
Fernando BovairaAlejandro Amenábar
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13(Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language)
The Sea Inside Awards:
  • 2004 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Foreign Language Film
  • 2004 - Golden Globe - Best Foreign Language Film
  • 2004 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Foreign Language Film
  • 2004 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Foreign Film
  • 2004 - National Board of Review - Best Foreign Film
  • 2004 - Venice International Film Festival - Grand Jury Silver Lion
  • 2004 - Venice International Film Festival - Best Actor
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Member Reviews (77)

 
Laith H.

You know that a movie is great when, even after the movie ends, you find yourself pinned to your seat, speechless, filled with emotions, and wishing that there would be more, just one more scene… This movie was definitely one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. It will move and provoke you. It’s the kind of movie that really makes you think about life and death, and human dignity…Movies like this one remind you what movie-making should be about. Here is a quote from a review I read that reflects my sentiment: “If you go to the cinema to be entertained, amused, so as to fill up your time, do not go out of your way to watch this film. If you go to the cinema to appreciate the depths of human-kind, the feelings of real people, to explore the characterology of personalities, if you go to the cinema to absorb magnificent photography, be sure to put this film very high on your list, preferably in first place.”

Yes   |   No

 
Celia N.

You WILL have to read the subtitles quickly, but in the end, you will be rewarded with a movie filled with powerful performances by even the most insignificant characters. While the subject matter is difficult and, for ourselves, we don't agree with the conclusion, you can't help but be drawn in emotionally. Don't overlook the beauty of the cinematography and symbolism. Amazing performances by everyone!

Yes   |   No

 
Alexander P.

This is one of the most profound films I've ever seen. It takes on the "right to die" issue and shows both sides evenly, something Million Dollar Baby tried to do, but was unsuccessful. Javier Bardem is fantastic in everything, and this might be his most impressive performance yet. In this film he just lies on his back, only able to move from the neck up, yet he still conveys every imaginable depth of emotion. And he does it all in a language I DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND. I had to read everything he said, and he still affected me in ways most English speaking actors just can't. He's phenomenal. So is Alejandro Amenabar, who wrote and directed and composed the score for the film.

Yes   |   No

 
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