Based on the true
story of Ramon Sampedro who fought for the right to die with dignity
via euthanasia.
CRITIQUE
The Sea Inside
is a very emotionally complex film. It deals with serious and
controversial subject matter in a very blunt manner, which is both
refreshing and heartbreaking at the same time.
Ramon Sampedro is a
man who has been paralyzed for over 26 years and wishes to die.
However, in Spain
it is illegal to practice euthanasia, so he has hired a law team to
help convince the courts to grant his request to die. His family,
however, have mixed feelings about his decision. The love him dearly
and do not see him as a burden, even though he thinks of himself as
such. Things become further complicated when two women fall in love
with him, a single mother trying to talk him out of killing himself
and a lawyer who is willing to help him.
Director Alejandro
Amenabar delicately weaves a portrait of a man who cannot do any of
the simplest things that we all take for granted. He gives the
audience all the necessary elements of human tragedy but never allows
these elements to ever overwhelm the film. The film contains moments
of levity, but these moments flow naturally from the story and are
never exploited. Everything in the film is shown in a natural way.
Javier Bardem’s portrayal of Sampedro is real. We never see an actor
lying in bed, we see a man who has been trapped in the same location
for 26 years. Even the portrayal of his family feels natural. They
love Ramon dearly but are also are frustrated with his wishes. They
are never over the top dramatically. Nothing in the film feels false.
This is not a film
that tells us that we must pity Sampedro. We are given information
about his life, before and after the accident and left to make up our
own minds in regards to Sampedro’s decision. Whether or not you agree
with his reasons for euthanasia, Ramon Sampedro’s life is worth taking
a look at, and seeing things from his point of view.
THE VIDEO
The transfer is
standard. The colors never seem muted, nor do they seem particularly
enhanced. The transfer looks nice, and that’s all.
THE AUDIO
The film is
presented in Spanish 5.1 Surround and in Spanish Stereo Surround.
Both mixes are good, but nothing remarkable.
THE EXTRAS
Deleted Scenes:
Three scenes that are interesting to watch, but add only a little bit
to the overall film. Two of the scenes deal with Julia’s relationship
with her husband and the reason why we see her at the end of the film.
Commentary by
Alejandro Amenabar:
The director’s commentary is a very insightful look into the making of
the film and his reasons as to why he chose this particular subject.
A Trip to The
Sea Inside: An excellent making of feature. It gives the viewer a diary like look
into every aspect of the film making process, from the script through
post-production.
Galleries:
Storyboards, On Set photos, etc.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Sea Inside
is destined to be a cinema classic. It’s well crafted and very poetic
without ever being overly indulgent. The subject matter may turn off
some viewers, but it does give those who stick through it something to
discuss about euthanasia.
