The Sea Inside

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Our next Rialto Recommends is 2004's THE SEA INSIDE starring Javier Bardem. Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem) is a Spanish ship mechanic and part-time poet who is left a quadriplegic after a diving accident. This film tells the true story of Sampedro's 30-year battle for the legal right to end his own life. He develops close relationships with his long-term lawyer Julia (Belén Rueda) and his friend Rosa (Lola Dueñas), who tries to convince him that his life is worth living. Despite his situation, Ramon manages to inspire those around him to live life to the fullest. Held aloft by a transfixing performance from Javier Bardem as a terminally ill man who chooses to die, THE SEA INSIDE transcends its melodramatic story with tenderness and grace. Rolling Stone raved "What could have been a preachy biopic becomes poetry in the hands of the gifted director and writer and editor and composer Alejandro Amenabar." The Los Angeles Times said "One of the most profound and uplifting dramas of the year." THE SEA INSIDE is available to rent for a modest fee from Amazon, GooglePlay, YouTube, Vudu and others. Check out this overlooked gem of a film. For a film that is about someone who wants to die, the film is full of life and stunningly life affirming.