Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 52 Ratings

  • Starring: Belén Rueda, Javier Bardem, Lola Dueñas
  • Summary: Based on the profoundly moving true story that captured the world's attention, The Sea Inside is about Spaniard Ramon Sampedro (Bardem), who fought a 30-year campaign to win the right to end his life with dignity. The film is the story of Ramon's relationships with two women: Julia (Rueda), a lawyer who supports his cause, and Rosa (Duenas), a local woman who wants to convince him that life is worth living. (Fine Line Features) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Based on a true story, the movie has abundant humor and uplift - but it's a heartbreaker of extraordinary dimension.
  2. Reviewed by: Kim Newman
    80
    The more intimate scenes are almost unbearably poignant.
  3. 80
    Rare is the motion picture which grapples with issues this provocative and profound. Rarer still is one which does so this well.
  4. Reviewed by: Nelson Pressley
    60
    Placid and rather attractive on the surface, with depths you can sense but which are never fully plumbed.

See all 38 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 31
  2. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Barna
    10
    A very moving story, perfectly crafted from all angles.
  2. LizB.
    10
    Brilliant and subtle; so many layers of meaning for multiple watchings; profound.
  3. 9
    Touching, powerful, intense....Amenabar does it again! This is not just a movie about solitude, it is also a movie about courage, integrity and friendhsip. I am fluent in both languages (English and Spanish). It is great in both...better in teh original of course...the subtitles are never the same, but its beauty trascends the barrier of the language, anyway! Expand
  4. "Mar adentro" is a movie through touch on the innermost hearts. I'ts not just any story that makes us reflect on the validity of our own lives. And for the construction of the message are added to the powers of the director, actors, soundtrack, assembly and photography. Amenábar is an extraordinary filmmaker. He could really force the emotions of those watching through primary devices that Hollywood is still trying to use (and that Spielberg, for example, dominates like nobody). Instead, he lets the emotional potential of the situations portrayed itself excites the viewer, producing true feelings. Much of it by Javier Badem delivers his best performance in his career. In that sense, what won me over was the fact that Ramon, his character was, at least in the film, an amazing person. Their speeches denouncing a tremendous sobriety and a realistic science of what it means dignity. It is impossible not to empathize with the subject. "The Sea Inside" is a story truly worthy of being known. If I had the opportunity to speak with Ramon, I'd say, "Ramon, friend, I support your decision." Collapse

See all 31 User Reviews

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