Review of The Sea Inside (2004) by Sophie B — 30 Mar 2011
The premise is dreadfully familiar: a true story of a quadriplegic fighting for his right to die. But no worries, this riveting true tale of Ramon Sampedro (Javier Bardem, in a knockout turn), the Spanish sailor who ruptured his spine in a diving accident at the age of twenty-six and spends the next thirty years of his life in the care of his family.
What sounds like treacly bio-pic swill is crafted into cinematic poetry courtesy of director-writer-editor-composer Alejandro Amenabar, who can expertly execute mood that resonates, as he showed in Open Your Eyes and The Others.
Bardem delivers a tour de force, especially when he's aged, with help from Jo Allen's outstanding makeup design. It's just one in a string of terrific performances that include two Oscar-nominated turns (Before Night Falls, Biutiful) and his Oscar-winning role in No Country For Old Men. He imbues the role of Ramon with humor and touching gravitas. Kudos too must also got to Belen Rueda as the lawyer helping Ramon, harboring her own fears. The Sean Inside has a spirit that earns its cheers, aptly summarized in a scene when Ramon dreams he's leaping out his window and flying. It's beautiful.
This review of The Sea Inside (2004) was written by Sophie B on 30 Mar 2011.
The Sea Inside has generally received very positive reviews.
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