The Sea Inside is a beautiful film by Alejandro Amenabar
(The Others), Spain's most talented gay director after
Pedro Almodovar (Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!).

Based on a real-life story, it stars Javier Bardem as an ex-sailor
who is paralysed after a tragic diving accident. Spending the next
30 years of his life imprisoned in his own bed, he petitions the
Spanish government constantly for the right to end his life. But
his requests are repeatedly denied.

Trapped in his bed, The Sea Inside refers to the ocean
that he can only conjure up and fantasise about in his mind, and
which is poignantly captured by the film.

Although the film doesn't centre on a gay character, we queers
will be able to relate to its message of self-determination: That
each person should have the right to decide how he/she wishes to
live his/her life, without the interference of others.

When the film opened in Spain in the middle of last year, it topped
the country's box-office for weeks. It has also received two well-deserved
Golden Globe nominations, one for Best Foreign Picture and the other
for Best Actor for Javier.

Don't miss it.