The Sea Inside - Movie Review

Is there a right to live? If there is a right to live, does that mean that there is also a right to die? If the government does not prosecute people for a failed suicide attempt, why would they prosecute someone for assisting a suicide? Isn't it the same action? I really don't know. I have always remained neutral on this topic (during the whole Kevorkian debacle) allowing the law to dictate. The Kevorkian issue is very different, though. Sampedro's friends did not flout the law and publicly become the face of Euthanasia. My division on this issue comes from my compassion for the afflicted balanced by a sense of eroding sanctity for life...which creates a tenuous neutrality on the issue.

The Sea Inside does not hammer away at viewers with a message supporting euthanasia. Instead, the thoughtful writing engages the audience with a complex and interesting set of characters, rich dialogue and imperfectly timed revelations. The writing simply tells Sampedro's story and how it touches the people around him. The delicate issue affects his family in many different ways and on differing levels. The story captures the anguish of the family and even delivers some potent lines that would suggest the alternate argument on this issue. The level of examination of this story makes it more a story of humanity than a single issue...bringing the story home effectively.

Ramon Sampedro was a sailor who lived a lot of life and saw much of the world in the 25 years before his diving accident. The accident left Sampedro a quadriplegic, a condition that he argued left him with no dignity. He required assistance from his family in every aspect of life...from changing his position in bed, to putting music on the radio. Sampedro was also a gifted writer and inventor, creating several devices to help him cope with his condition. He sketched out his ideas on paper using an easel and a pencil attached to a stick with a paddle end that he held in this mouth. For 29 years, Sampedro challenged the Spanish court system to change the laws regarding assisted suicide. His challenges were met with legal wrangling and defeat. Sampedro conceives a plan to end his own life that requires the involvement of accomplices. The difficult part is convincing anyone to help.

Sampedro is portrayed by Javier Bardem, whose age was enhanced effectively enough that it took me a minute to realize it was him. Bardem is a gifted actor. I will watch a movie simply because he is in it. I was impressed with Bardem's ability to create passion within the confines created. The urge to use his hands to talk must have been great. Sampedro's attorney, Julia (Belen Rueda) has her own affliction, which adds dimension to this story. Rueda was warm, bringing charm to her character. A local girl named Rosa (Lola Duenas) befriends and falls in love with Sampedro, eventually changing her views on euthanasia. Duenas seemed plain and average, with a deep undercurrent that brought sweetness and passion to her role. Sampedro also shares a special relationship with his nephew Javi (Tamar Novas), who he views as his own son. Novas infuses his character with traits that make him seem conflicted and compassionate. I enjoyed the entire cast. The performances had symmetry, never attempting to go over the top.

The pastoral Spanish countryside gives way to rocky crags, followed by an intensely clear, green, sparkling sea. The rich backdrop provides inviting scenery in support of the tender story. The scenes often looked like they could have been captured in photographs to be made into postcards. The beautiful scenery has put Spain on my list of places I need to visit. I was impressed with the rich cinematography that effectively captured the essence of the countryside.

The Sea Inside provides a glimpse into the issue of assisted suicide. The mature subject matter may be questionable for younger viewers (or at least spark a lot of questions from them). There are some adult moments that are tastefully treated with no sex or nudity. The difficult subject matter results in a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. The rating is accurate, but you can use your judgment in allowing younger viewers to watch. Just be prepared for the questions. Run time is two hours, five minutes.

The Sea Inside is a true story, which adds poignancy to the film. But what I found most prevailing was the use of strong characters and balanced writing to convey the full issue. The story does not preach about the issue, but rather presents it. There were times when the story seemed to support one side and times when it seemed to go the other way. Sampedro's father seems adrift during the film and barely says a word. There is one quiet moment between the two where it seems like the father might make a moving statement...but he simply leaves. Later, during a family discussion, the father delivers a rather succinct interjection revealing his feelings (against). The great use of timing and incredible dialogue added dimension to the complex characters. The Spanish countryside and seascapes were a bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was glad it avoided any need to "take a side" on the issue, focusing instead on the way the issue related to the people around it. I would highly recommend this Academy Award winning film. 9/10.

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