To Die or Not to Die. Review on The Sea Inside - Spanish Movie

The Sea Inside(Mar Adentro), released in 2004, written by Alejandro Amenabar is a gripping story about a man who wants simply to die with dignity after living nearly 30 years as a quadriplegic. Brilliantly played by Javier Bardem, Ramon SanPedro is a man who is visibly aged, decrepit but full of zest for what life he has left. I hardly recognized the feeble man that lay in bed, previously known for his devilish good looks and charm(BeforeNight Falls, The Dancer Upstairs and No Country for Old Men) Although the movie is subtitled, I found myself mesmerized by Bardem's Galican(Spanish) accent almost as if for a fleeting moment I actually spoke the language and understood every word.

This is the second movie made on the life of SanPedro, the previous Condenado a Vivir(2001 TV Movie) and some can argue that it is not nearly as good as the first version. This later film, though, has breathtaking Cinematography and an invigorating cast, not to mention a much larger budget. Still the story is compelling and provokes argument for both sides of the issue: Euthanasia. As a younger man(and 28 years ago), Alejandro dived from a cliff just as the ocean began to ebb, paralyzing him from the neck down. A cripple and dependent on those around him, he is more full of life than ever, now understanding the beauty of life with a wisdom that only comes from missing it. One would presume that his life ended with his accident, but we soon find that he has a different approach to wanting a euthanatize death than we would expect.

Humiliated by his need for full time care, with daily tasks that we take for granted, Ramon lives in a world that includes six characters, ranging from caregivers, to family and even a young single Mother who originally visits SanPedro to talk him into changing his mind about wanting to die. SanPedro does not just want to die; He does not want to go on living as he is-Half a man with dependence on others to care for him. He can no longer be a man, a fisherman, a lover, a thrill-seeker.What kind of world are we that we can let our pets die with dignity when there is suffering and immanent death but for people who actually have a voice and can voice their desire are not heard? How much pain do we have to endure in a lifetime let a lone a few days or months before dying? How long must we suffer? Why is this not OUR decision, instead of society's?

This is the story of one man's point of view on dying with dignity and also supports the other side that a human life is sacred-at all costs. Both arguments are commendable, but in the long run, I have to side with the person who is the subject of this debate. To enjoy this film, you have to be curious about this argument and be open to the side that may not be your initial belief. Bardem is so compelling as a passionate that he becomes all that is a part of his character's spirit. I truly enjoyed this film even long after the movie's end. Bring a tissue with you.