The Sea Inside (I) (2004)
"Mar adentro" (original title)

The real-life story of Spaniard Ramon Sampedro, who fought a 30 year campaign in favor of euthanasia and his own right to die.

Director:

Alejandro Amenábar

Writers:

Alejandro Amenábar (screenplay), Mateo Gil (screenplay)

Stars:

Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas

Won 1 Oscar. Another 61 wins & 30 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Javier Bardem	...	Ramón Sampedro
Belén Rueda	...	Julia
Lola Dueñas	...	Rosa
Mabel Rivera	...	Manuela
Celso Bugallo	...	José
Clara Segura	...	Gené
Joan Dalmau	...	Joaquín
Alberto Jiménez	...	Germán
Tamar Novas	...	Javi
Francesc Garrido	...	Marc
Josep Maria Pou	...	Padre Francisco (as José María Pou)
Alberto Amarilla	...	Hermano Andrés
Andrea Occhipinti	...	Santiago
Federico Pérez Rey	...	Conductor
Nicolás Fernández Luna	...	Cristian

Storyline

Life story of Spaniard Ramón Sampedro, who fought a 30-year campaign to win the right to end his life with dignity. Film explores Ramón's relationships with two women: Julia, a lawyer who supports his cause, and Rosa, a local woman who wants to convince him that life is worth living. Through the gift of his love, these two women are inspired to accomplish things they never previously thought possible. Despite his wish to die, Ramón taught everyone he encountered the meaning, value and preciousness of life. Though he could not move himself, he had an uncanny ability to move others.

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Plot Keywords:

lawyer | euthanasia | freedom | right to die | quadriplegic | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for intense depiction of mature thematic material

Details

Official Sites:

New Line Cinema [us]

Country:

Spain France Italy

Language:

Spanish Catalan Gallegan

Release Date:

3 September 2004 (Spain)

Also Known As:

The Sea Inside

Filming Locations:

A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

€10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$151,642 (Brazil) (18 February 2005)

Gross:

$2,086,345 (USA) (13 May 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sogepaq, Sociedad General de Cine (SOGECINE) S.A., Himenóptero

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital EX DTS-ES

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the most awarded Spanish movie at the Goya Awards, winning 14 of the 15 awards for which it was nominated.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Gené: Relax. You're feeling calmer and calmer. Now imagine a movie screen, opening before you. On it, imagine your favorite place. Concentrate on your breathing, allowing your whole body to relax, to feel at peace. Keep it going. Just let it come and go... come and go... Now you are there. Notice the details: the colors, the textures, the light, the temperature. Feel the temperature. Let this tranquil scene unfold before you. The sensation of peace is infinite.

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Connections

Featured in 49º premis Sant Jordi de cinematografía (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Nessun dorma"
from "Turandot"
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Orquesta Sinfónica de Radio Televisión Española (as Orquesta de Radio Televisión Española)
Tenor: José Manuel Zapata

User Reviews

A wonderful team of artists make a masterpiece

This story about a man's 28 year struggle for a death that would liberate him from his already dead body becomes a masterpiece to be remembered,thanks to a team of artists in a state of grace. Directed, written,edited and scored by Alejandro Amenabar, it touches you from the very first images, and doesn't leave your eyes and your heart to rest until the last credits, thanks to Alejandro and a group of wonderful actors and actresses at their best. Bardem is an acting animal:One of those few comedians that can make a masterpiece from almost any character, the supporting actresses are great in their roles and the story is told with such a sensibility that one laughs and cries in the same minute, as we used to do with the great old masterpieces. The year's best film in all senses. 10 / 10