HYPEBy Eunice Ng
The Lowdown
A calm, but thought-provoking film about Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem), the Galician quadriplegic who sparked off controversy in Spain in 1998 for his campaign to end his life voluntarily. The 55-year-old had been paralysed since he was 25 after a diving accident. Constantly fighting for his attention are four women – Manuela (Mabel Rivera), his sister-in-law who takes care of him, Gené (Clara Segura), a representative from Death With Dignity, Julia (Belén Rueda), his lawyer, and Rosa (Lola Dueñas), a single mother who visits him to share her problems.
The Love
It is hard to understand why such an outspoken, visionary man who is loved and admired wants to end his life. Though hardly ever leaving his bed, Ramón’s eloquence, charm and determination manage to win the hearts of the ladies who visit him, and ironically encourages them to further embrace life.
The Rest
Because a large part of the movie is filmed in just one room, The Sea Inside may be too slow-moving for many. The movie will definitely not impress action and suspense junkies. Watch it though, if you’re in the mood for a peaceful, yet clever piece that discusses the all-time taboo topic – death. While at it, be charmed by Bardem’s remarkable acting. The Best Actor at the European Film Awards in 2004 has an unrivalled way of touching the hearts of viewers through his wide range of facial expressions and honest delivery, as seen here in his role as the bedridden Sampedro.
Rating: 3/5
DVD Info
English Title: The Sea Inside
Spanish Title: Mar Adentro
Language: Spanish
Subtitles: English
Movie Release Date: Sep 3, 2004 (in Spain)
DVD Release Date: May 17, 2005
Rating: NC16
Run Time: 125 minutes
Where to get it: Video Ezy, Amazon.com