The Sea Inside (2004)

The factual story of Spaniard Ramon Sampedro, who fought a thirty-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 67 wins & 36 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 | sailor | freedom | dignity | 

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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

Country:

Spain France Italy

Language:

Spanish Catalan Gallegan

Release Date:

4 March 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Sea Inside

Filming Locations:

A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

€10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

€2,289,271 (Spain), 5 September 2004, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$55,681, 19 December 2004, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,086,345, 15 May 2005

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$38,535,221, 31 December 2005

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sogepaq, Sogecine, 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

Selected by the Spanish Cinematographic Academy to represent Spain in the Best Foreign Language Film Category of the 2004 Oscars.

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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

Prelude to the Act 3
from "Tristan und Isolde"
Written by Richard Wagner

User Reviews

Learning to Cry with a Smile

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Alejandro Amenabar creates life against all odds in this based on a true story version of one man's struggle to control his destiny. The great Javier Bardem is fascinating to watch in his role as Ramon. His eyes and head movements leave little doubt what is going on in his mind. The dream and fantasy sequences are not overused so prove very effective in explaining why he wants what he wants. Rather than force us to answer the euthanasia question, the real question posed is , What is Love? At every turn we see people in love, looking for love or dying to be loved. The script is tight and keeps the film moving despite being filmed mostly in one room. The supporting cast is wonderful and we truly feel their pain and how each family member deals with Ramon's decision. This is a gem and deserves to be seen.