Indie Gems: The Sea Inside

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Life is a right, not an obligation.

Ramon (Javier Bardem) has been paralyzed from the neck down for the past 28 years. He longs to end his life, however the courts will not allow it without calling it a homicide. He hires a lawyer, Julia (Belen Rueda) who has an ailment herself to represent him. His path also crosses with Rosa (Lola Duenas) a woman who wants him to continue living.

As I'm making my way through the best foreign film Oscar winners, this is another one that's absolutely breathtaking. Bardem is wonderful here. Despite being in the situation he's in, and wanting it all to be over, he spends 90% of this movie smiling. It brings up an interesting subject on whether or not euthanasia should be legal or if "right to die" is valid. It reminds me of that girl that was in the news earlier this year who ended her own life before her terminal cancer could make everything even more painful. I thought of her a lot while watching this.

The movie feels a little longer than it should be at times, but the performances were wonderful and the story itself was very intriguing. My only issue was the character of Rosa. I found her to be very clingy and offputting, even if she somewhat redeems herself at the end.

Grade: A-

Memorable Quote: "Yes, run. You can do that." - Ramon (Javier Bardem)

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 16, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    This movie has been on my list forever. I need to see it soon. I love the way you described it -- breathtaking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMay 16, 2015 at 7:56 AM

      It's on Netflix Instant. I was really impressed with it. Even as an Oscar winner, you don't hear much about this film in the states.

      Delete
  2. Candice FrederickMay 16, 2015 at 6:10 PM

    it's a little slow, but it is SO well acted. glad you got around to this one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JoshMay 16, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    Oh, Bardem is terrific in this. Too bad he wasn't nominated for an Oscar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMay 17, 2015 at 12:57 PM

      I thought he was stronger in this than he was in Biutiful.

      Delete
  4. Alex WithrowMay 18, 2015 at 4:11 PM

    So glad you sought this one out. I agree, it's a breathtaking film that more people should see. Bardem is so damn good here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMay 18, 2015 at 9:08 PM

      Well said! I can't wait to discuss this one during 4 Ways a Best Picture.

      Delete

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