The Sea Inside

The high level of acting (especially Bardem’s performance) and the sensitivity of the directorial approach to psychology perhaps don’t deserve so much sentimentality, which drowns the philosophical potential in tears, as if it was intended for soap-opera viewers. But perhaps Alejandro Amenábar did that intentionally in order to appeal to the broadest possible audience. In my view, however, that causes his film to lose a bit of its value and it becomes more of an ideal TV movie than a great story for the big screen. But I’ll be damned if I didn’t tear up and was rendered speechless during one scene, namely the flying scene. This is exactly what my “flying dreams” look like. Beautiful. (12/29/2004)

Beautiful film. The sensitive approach to the material allows the viewer to have their own opinion on the issue. You will either respect Ramón’s wish to die, or you will see him as someone weak and unable to cope with his destiny and live at least the way his condition will allow. As a supporter of euthanasia and the right to absolute freedom to one’s own life, I’d say let him end things the way he wants, but it’s certainly not a decision I would make in such situation, there are people who have it a lot worse. (07/03/2009)

Thematically and in terms of how it was made, this is an exceptionally powerful albeit unsettling film. The weighty theme of voluntary departure from life is captured realistically, without cheap sentiment, and yet extraordinarily emotively. Javier Bardem gives an excellent performance in the lead role, and both of his female partners excel in their respective roles. A socially significant film, of which there are few. Overall impression: 95%. (10/21/2009)