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 is the second Spanish movie about Ramon Sampedro's life. The first one was Condenado a vivir.

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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 The 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Negra sombra"
Lyrics by Rosalía de Castro
Music by Carlos Núñez
Performed by Luz Casal

User Reviews

Masterpiece on human dignity

This small, quiet, harmonious movie grows into a masterpiece on human dignity. It is intelligently structured, filled with meaningful little details and important side-plots. It tells a story of one man with great humanity without positioning itself politically, but fostering life as a precious right (not an obligation) and underlining individual's right to choose. It enjoys the richness of different landscapes (mental and physical) and languages (important detail). Outstanding acting by each of the actors, especially unbelievable Javier Bardem. His screen-presence has such a force that you forget that this is fiction. The movie has a wonderful rhythm, it is beautifully shot and outstandingly directed. It takes real talent to make a movie on such a difficult theme with understanding, humour and heart. Six stars out of five.