What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie deals frankly with the suicide of Ramón Sampedro, a man who in real life spent 30 years fighting with the Spanish government for his right to die. The film addresses the last leg of Ramón's battle, as he works with an attorney named Julia and an organization called Death With Dignity to ensure his right to kill himself, an act he ultimately accomplishes through the aid of a number of friends and associates. In its treatment of questions of life, death, and suicide, this movie is quite complex and could be confusing and upsetting to younger viewers.
- Families can talk about the government's role in protecting its citizens and the ethics of suicide and euthanasia. Why do so many people feel that it is Ramón's duty to continue his life? What arguments do these people make? How strong are they? Should the state be able to police suicides? If Ramón were not paralyzed, he could have killed himself unaided. How does his paralysis play into the issues at stake?