The Sea Inside

The Sea Inside tells the true story of Ramón Sampedro, a Spanish man who was left quadriplegic after a diving accident in his youth and spent nearly three decades confined to a bed in his family's home by the sea. Determined to end his life with dignity, he campaigns for the legal right to do so, a struggle that brings him into conflict with the courts, the church and even members of his own family. Two women enter his life and change its course: Julia, a lawyer who takes up his case, and Rosa, a local woman who argues that his life is still worth living. His outlook and resolve affect both of them deeply, even as he continues to seek help with his final wish.

Alejandro Amenábar directed and co-wrote the film with Mateo Gil, following Open Your Eyes and The Others, and he also produced it. Javier Bardem plays Ramón, with Belén Rueda as Julia and Lola Dueñas as Rosa; Joan Dalmau, Josep Maria Pou and Mabel Rivera appear in supporting roles. Made for around 13 million dollars, it took roughly 44 million worldwide. On IMDb the audience rating stands at 7.6 from over a thousand votes, while the critics' rating of 7.8 from 132 reviews places it slightly above the audience score.