Review of The Sea Inside (2004) by Minerva P — 06 Apr 2008
The Sea Inside is the real-life story of Ramón Sampedro, a tetraplegic in Spain who, after living with his condition for 30 years, attempts to fight for his right to end his life with the help of some others.
This was Javier Bardem's break-out role. Now he is internationally recognized and an Oscar winner, but this is really where first began to get noticed. And it's no wonder - Bardem's mastery of the lead role is indicative of the type of brilliance he would later bring to No Country For Old Men.
The film is largely about the relationships he forms from his bed with several women, also his relationship with his family who has cared for him for 30 years, and coming to terms with the injury and before.
That was the only odd thing I found about the film, that we only see merely a glimpse of the character's life before his injury. But I can see why this is done; after all, Ramon's life, as it was, began again after he fell.
The direction and cinematography is typical of a Spanish film in that it is creative and stylistically. But this I have to expect from director Alejandro Amenábar - who displayed just as much stylistic flair in 1997's Open Your Eyes.
The cast is great all around but the film really centers on Bardem, and this is a great chance to see some of his earlier work, so do it!
This review of The Sea Inside (2004) was written by Minerva P on 06 Apr 2008.
The Sea Inside has generally received very positive reviews.
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