THE SEA INSIDE by Alejandro Amenábar
by Andre Soares
Mar adentro / The Sea Inside (2004) 
Direction: Alejandro Amenábar. Screenplay: Alejandro Amenábar and Mateo Gil. Cast: Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas, Mabel Rivera, Celso Bugallo, Joan Dalmau
Although The Sea Inside often verges on melodrama, this story of a man, Ramón Sampedro, who wants to end his life "with dignity" is compelling and touching enough to make one forgive the not inconsiderable failings in Alejandro Amenábar’s direction. (Amenábar also composed the film’s at times overbearing score.)
Thanks to an excellent makeup job, Javier Bardem looks right for the part of Sampedro, though his performance frequently calls attention to itself in a manner that detracts from the character’s truth.
On the other hand, the supporting cast, led by Belén Rueda, Lola Dueñas, Mabel Rivera is generally first rate. Rivera, in particular, gives a superb performance as Sampedro’s stern but thoroughly devoted sister-in-law.
The Sea Inside won a total of 14 Goya Awards, making it the top Goya Award-winning film to date.
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