"Relax..." is the first word of the film, which sets an ironic tone due to Ramón's disability.  However, the word's purpose is of serenity, as the voice of Gené (Clara Segura), tries to induce mental state that can help Ramón dream and imagine of how life could have been if he never were injured.  This scene illustrates the power of the mind, as Ramón drifts into his personal paradise where the waves of the ocean brush the perfect beach while the water gently sweeps over his feet during his walk.  His stroll along the beach provides an opportunity for him to feel the warm wind run between his fingers and against his skin.  Everything is perfect, until reality returns in form of a thunderstorm outside.  Only the mind can create these sensations in artificial manners such as dreaming.  In reality, Ramón needs help with basic needs such as sleep, food, water, and toilet visits which requires continuous loyal support.  For example, someone must turn him or he will most likely suffer a bed soars that could give him an infection.  His lives a life with constant distance where privacy does no longer exists, as time simply passes before him.

Over time Ramón has learned that crying does not sooth his pain within, as he must rely on others.  As a result, Ramón smiles whenever he cries, and he does a lot of smiling throughout the film.  When Julia (Belén Rueda), a lawyer that will help Ramón to achieve his ultimate goal in life, which is to end his life asks the question why he desires to die Ramón replies that he wants to die because his life offers him no dignity.  However, in order to help push through a law that could help euthanasia for Ramón, she must dig deeper into his psyche and his identity.  Through the portrayal of Ramón the audience learns that he was an active person who loved his freedom while traveling the world.  His dreams of the ocean and being able to fly enhances his desire for freedom, which he cannot obtain.

The film continues to propose notions about love, freedom, death, and life.  Rosa (Lola Dueñas), a factory worker and radio host, becomes heavily involved with Ramón, but through her fear of loosing him she persists to keep him alive.  Instead of being loving and accepting the others wishes, she becomes selfish and through her selfishness Ramón remains a prisoner to life.  Ramón has a similar relationship to his brother.  There is also an interesting scene in the film is when a quadriplegic priest visits Ramón and tries to convince him that life is worth living.  Throughout the discussion between the two men the priests says, "Freedom without a life is not freedom."  Ramón counters with "A life without freedom is not a life."  This might sound slightly arrogant by Ramón, but he also does not judge others, as he simply wants to live with dignity.  These ideas and many others offer a poignant solution to what he wants and what others want, which offers much to ponder.  

Alejandro Amenábar directs an absolutely amazing film that brings the audience a taboo topic up close and personal.  Previously, Amenábar has directed terrific films such as the frightful Thesis (1996) and brilliant visual maze Open Your Eyes (1997).  This time he continues to show improvement in his skills as a filmmaker, as many viewers will probably see much more from this up and coming director.  The Sea Inside covers almost every possible angel that relies on a great script, which keeps the audience engrossed in the cinematic experience.  The meticulous camerawork captures every detail of the astounding mise-en-scene.  This enhances the artistic and visual experience.  Lastly, the terrific cast around Javier Bardem helps augment his stellar performance, as it will leave many viewers in deep contemplation in regards to its theme.

DIRECTED BY

COUNTRY

Spain

Filmography links and data courtesy of