Even though he is full of life, and surrounded by the love of his father, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, Ramon wants to be able to end his life. He believes that he is living a life without dignity, and should have the right to end his life. A female lawyer, who suffers from a degenerative disease, comes to visit Ramon to prepare a legal case. They form a unique bond of love and respect. Ramon feels that, because of her disease, she can truly understand his feeling about the life and death.

I was continually struck that, for a film about a man’s right to die, the movie is full of life. Ramon is embraced by his family. Ramon has many visitors, including Rosa, a woman who loves him, and argues against his wish to die. Ramon gives her hope and encouragement in her life. Ramon writes beautifully, holding a brush in his teeth. He loves to listen to music. At the same time, Ramon feels a prisoner in his body, and wishes to die.

A television story on Ramon’s case features a comment from a priest who is severely handicapped himself, confined to a wheelchair. Even though he has never met Ramon, the priest makes the incredibly insensitive statement that Ramon’s fight to end his life is really a cry for love. He must have no love in his life. The priest comes to visit Ramon, and, after a brief conversation, is thrown out. Ramon’s sister-in-law also tells him off for his comment about the lack of love in Ramon’s life. I don’t know if this incident or character is based on fact. I wished the priest could have been as sympathetic as the one in Million Dollar Baby. Unfortunately, he is another in the long line of cinematic priests who are insensitive idiots. Pastoral care ministers: note how not to respond in such a situation!

The film follows Ramon’s battle to take his own life through the courts, which deny him. In the end, however, Ramon does take his life by drinking cyanide. Ramon films this scene, so others can witness.

As I said, I thought it so ironic that The Sea Inside is so full of life, when all Ramon wants to be able to do is to die. Any response I can make seems insensitive like the priest in the movie. Never having suffered as Ramon did, I try to understand the lack of dignity in his total reliance on others for everything: food, hygiene, turning him and massaging him. Yet he has so much life to give, and receives so much love from others, I don’t see his death as a victory for him or anyone else.

Can I appreciate The Sea Inside, even though I disagree with its central premise? Yes, of course, and would recommend it, especially to those living with, caring for, or ministering to severely disabled persons.

Tom Condon, OP