Wow.
I don't know how I managed to miss this incredible movie when it was first released. Somehow it managed to catch my (limited) attention recently, and tonight I actually watched it. Wow.
No matter how you feel about the "death with dignity" movement, or assisted suicide, I think you will be moved by the story of Ramón Sampedro. Rendered a quadraplegic by a diving accident 26 years ago, at the beginning of the movie he is trying to persuade Spanish legal authorities that he should be allowed to end his own life. Since he is unable to move or control any part of his body below his neck, he is going to need assistance from someone if he is to take that final step.
Here's the "wow" part: the movie is clearly about Ramón's wishes and his legal struggle, but it is also about love, life, birth, redemption, family and faith. Though it is sympathetic to Ramón's cause, the movie also recognizes the complexity and moral, legal and ethical difficulties of his position. His older brother, for example, is movingly portrayed in his opposition to Ramón's quest, both because he views it as morally wrong and because he does not want to lose Ramón.
Finely-drawn, believable and well-acted characters abound, and subplots move the main storyline forward with richness but without distraction. Ramón's odyssey is in no way linear. As portrayed by Spanish actor Javier Bardem, Ramón never wavers from his goal -- but he clearly understands the toll it will take on his loving (and mostly supportive) family.
The movie is Spanish, and it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (where was I that I didn't notice?). The story is largely true, and based on the real Ramón Sampedro's life and death. Rent it. Watch it. Tell me what you think, please.
Robert B. Fleming
Fleming & Curti, PLC
Tucson, Arizona
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