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Sound of the Sea
Sound of the Sea
Sound of the Sea
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Sound of the Sea
Movie poster
Directed byJuan José Bigas Luna
Written byManuel Vicent
Rafael Azcona
Produced byAndrés Vicente Gómez
StarringJordi Mollà
Leonor Watling
Eduard Fernández
Music byPiano Magic
Distributed byLolafilms Distribución
Release date
  • 8 June 2001 (2001-06-08)
Running time
95 mins
CountrySpain
LanguageSpanish

Sound of the Sea (Spanish: Son de Mar) is a 2001 Spanish drama / erotic film directed by Juan José Bigas Luna based on the novel of the same title by Manuel Vicent.

It revolves around Ulises (Jordi Mollà), who comes to a fishing village to teach literature at a local high school. During his stay he falls in love with Martina (Leonor Watling), the daughter of his landlord. Sierra (Eduard Fernández), a rich businessman, also falls in love with her and fruitlessly tries to win her heart.

Plot

[edit]

Ulises arrives in Dénia, a coastal town near Valencia, to teach literature. He rents a room at a local hostel and immediately falls in love with Martina, the landlord's daughter as he sees her hanging up her clothes on the clothesline. A local businessman by the name of Sierra is also in love with her but she resists his advances. Martina invites Ulises to see the Son de Mar, a yacht on which a film had been made years before, when she was 13 years old. Her dream is to purchase it when she becomes rich.

They soon become friends and Ulises recites the Aeneid for her, and she is enthralled by the story of Dido and Aeneas. The quote she is most infatuated with is:

From the depths of the calm sea, two serpents surface. Above the waves their crista and chest emerge, the rest of their bodies under the surface. One of them holds me and suffocates me with the double ring of her love. And I try to escape from the knot her body makes.

Enchanted by his romantic quotations, amidst the scenery surrounding Valencia, she falls in love with Ulises and gets pregnant. They marry and have a son, Abel. One day Sierra invites the couple to a party, at which Ulises feels attracted to a woman in a red dress. The next day, he goes out on his boat to catch a tuna for Martina. During a storm, his boat is found, but he disappears. Presumed dead, a funeral service is held for him.

Finding herself alone with a very young child, Martina marries Sierra and lives the rich lifestyle she always dreamed of. Five years after he vanished, Ulises calls her and tells her: "It has taken all my travels to discover that I cannot live without you." Unable to resist, she again falls in love with him. Sierra finds out she is cheating on their marriage and takes drastic measures to punish the lovers. He sabotages the Son de Mar, which they use to escape. In the middle of the ocean, the ship sinks and the lovers find peace and eternal love in death.

Awards

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See also

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Sound of the Sea

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Sound of the Sea (Spanish: Son de mar) is a 2001 Spanish drama and erotic film directed by Juan José Bigas Luna, adapted from the 1999 novel of the same name by Manuel Vicent, which won Spain's prestigious Premio Alfaguara de Novela that year. The film stars Jordi Mollà as Ulises, a young literature teacher; Leonor Watling as Martina, his love interest; and Eduard Fernández as Sierra, a wealthy local businessman. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it was produced by Lolafilms in association with TVE and Via Digital, and features cinematography by José Luis Alcaine. The story is set on Spain's Mediterranean coast and unfolds as a tale of passion, loss, and reunion. arrives in the small coastal town of Circeia and falls deeply in love with the beautiful Martina, leading to a marriage and the birth of their son. However, vanishes at sea while fishing, presumed lost forever. Left to fend for herself and her child, Martina eventually marries Sierra, the powerful local construction magnate who had long desired her. Years later, mysteriously returns, setting off a chain of emotional and sensual confrontations that test the boundaries of desire and fidelity. Bigas Luna, known for his provocative explorations of Iberian sensuality in films like Jamón Jamón (1992) and Golden Balls (1993), infuses Sound of the Sea with elements of , particularly echoing Virgil's tale of through themes of abandoned love and fateful shipwrecks. The screenplay, written by Rafael Azcona, stays faithful to Vicent's novel while emphasizing the director's signature blend of eroticism and Mediterranean mysticism. Filmed along Spain's Mediterranean coast, particularly in Denia and its surroundings in , the movie highlights the sea as both a destructive force and a symbol of eternal longing, with stark visuals contrasting the town's gritty realism against moments of lyrical beauty. Upon its release in on June 8, 2001, Sound of the Sea was anticipated to appeal to international arthouse audiences for its bold thematic depth and strong performances. It screened at the market and was featured in the 2001 as part of a tribute to . Critically, the film received mixed reviews for its stylistic excesses but praise for its atmospheric evocation of coastal life and the chemistry among the leads, earning a 68% audience score on based on over 1,000 ratings.

Source Material

Novel

Manuel Vicent, a prominent Valencian writer and journalist born in 1936 in La Vilavella, Castellón, Spain, studied and at the before earning a degree in journalism from Madrid's Official School of Journalism. His earlier Tranvía a la Malvarrosa (1995) was adapted into a , establishing his reputation for works blending personal introspection with regional Mediterranean themes. Son de mar, Vicent's novel published in 1999 by Alfaguara, won the prestigious Premio Alfaguara de Novela that year, recognizing its evocative narrative of passion and return. The story centers on protagonist Adsuara, a literature teacher who vanishes at for ten years, only to reappear and confront his wife Martina's new life with a wealthy builder; this maritime disappearance serves as a for urban alienation and the daily "shipwrecks" of modern city existence. Set on the Valencian coast in the fictional town of Circeia, the novel emphasizes Valencian maritime culture, infusing the lovers' intense romance with elements of magical realism, such as the 's almost sentient role in drawing the characters together. Through detailed internal reflections, grapples with themes of desire, fate, and the inexorable pull of first love, highlighting the tension between idyllic coastal roots and encroaching urban development. The received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a torrid, romantic love story intertwined with motifs of shipwrecks and homecomings, earning praise for its lyrical and emotional depth. User reviews on platforms like reflect solid appreciation, with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on over 800 ratings, commending its passionate narrative while noting occasional melodramatic tones. This reception underscored Vicent's skill in weaving personal longing with broader cultural commentary, solidifying Son de mar's place in contemporary . The work was later adapted into a 2001 directed by .

Adaptation Process

The screenplay for Sound of the Sea was co-written by the novel's author, Manuel Vicent, and acclaimed Rafael Azcona, who adapted Vicent's metaphorical and introspective narrative into a more streamlined structure suitable for cinema. Azcona's contributions emphasized a linear progression, condensing the source material's expansive subplots—such as secondary characters like Jorgito and Tatum Novack, along with scenes involving a leprosería and discotheque—into a focused drama that prioritizes emotional and sensual intensity over diffuse literary elements. This transformation reduced the story's runtime constraints to approximately 90-120 minutes while preserving core themes of , loss, and fate. Director Juan José Bigas Luna infused the with his signature stylistic flair, highlighting the sensuality of Mediterranean life through vivid imagery of the , oranges, and everyday rituals that evoke a primal connection to the environment. The novel's 1999 Premio Alfaguara win catalyzed the acquisition of rights, enabling Luna to reinterpret the story as a modern exploration of desire and tragedy. Luna's vision shifted the emphasis from the novel's internal monologues to visual symbolism, amplifying erotic elements to underscore the characters' passionate entanglements against the coastal backdrop. The film was produced by Andrés Vicente Gómez under the banner of Lolafilms, with principal photography and post-production aligning to a completion and release, with a budget of $4 million USD (approximately €3.6 million). The screenplay earned a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the , recognizing Azcona's role in bridging the novel's literary depth with cinematic accessibility. Key differences from the novel include a compressed timeline, where the protagonist's disappearance and return occur more immediately rather than spanning ten years, heightening the drama's urgency and erotic tension. Azcona and Luna also altered character dynamics, portraying the central female figure, Martina, as a more active and destructive presence compared to her passive role in the book, culminating in an accidental death scene that diverges from the novel's mutual resignation to fate. These changes prioritized visual and sensual expression over psychological introspection, transforming metaphorical prose into tangible, symbolic actions that drive the film's tragic arc.

Film

Synopsis

Sound of the Sea (original title: Son de mar) is a 2001 Spanish drama film directed by , adapted from Manuel Vicent's novel of the same name. The story centers on , a who arrives in the coastal town of and falls in love with Martina, the daughter of his landlady. Their passionate romance leads to marriage and the birth of their son, Abel. However, during a , Ulises sets out on a fishing boat and vanishes at sea, presumed dead after a search yields no trace. Five years pass, during which Martina, left to raise Abel alone, marries the wealthy businessman Sierra, who provides her with a life of luxury but little emotional fulfillment. miraculously returns, having survived the and lived in isolation. He rekindles his affair with Martina through shared memories and poetic recitations, drawing her away from her current life. The lovers plan a daring escape, boarding Sierra's luxurious , Son de Mar, to flee together. Sierra discovers their plot and sabotages the vessel in revenge. As the sabotaged ship drifts into the open ocean, it begins to sink amid turbulent waters, mirroring the film's recurring sea motifs that symbolize both passion and peril. Ulises and Martina embrace their fate, finding tragic unity in death as the waves claim them. The 95-minute narrative builds methodically from idyllic romance to inevitable tragedy, emphasizing the inexorable pull of destiny.

Cast and Characters

Jordi Mollà stars as Ulises, an idealistic literature teacher who arrives in a coastal town and develops a deep, poetic obsession with the , ultimately becoming a after vanishing during a . His character's arc explores themes of longing and rediscovery, shaped by his scholarly passion for classical texts. Leonor Watling portrays Martina, a central figure in the film, a young woman from the seaside community who finds herself torn between her passionate connection to and a more secure life with another suitor. Her role emphasizes internal conflict and emotional vulnerability amid the town's rhythms. plays Sierra, the ruthless businessman and antagonist whose ambition and possessiveness drive much of the interpersonal tension. As a powerful figure in the local construction industry, Sierra's motivations revolve around control and material success. Supporting roles include Ricky Colomer as Abel, the young son born to Martina in the years following Ulises's disappearance, representing innocence amid familial upheaval. Other minor coastal figures, such as Neus Agulló as Roseta (Martina's mother) and Pep Cortés as Basilio (her father), provide context for the community's supportive yet insular dynamics, with their motivations rooted in familial protection and traditional seaside livelihoods.

Production

Pre-Production

The pre-production of Sound of the Sea (Son de mar) began following the acquisition of film rights to Manuel Vicent's 1999 novel of the same name, which had won the prestigious Premio Alfaguara. Development accelerated in early 2000 under the leadership of director Juan José Bigas Luna, whose background in erotic dramas such as Jamón Jamón (1992) shaped the project's emphasis on sensual and dramatic elements. Financing was primarily secured through Lolafilms, a prominent Spanish known for supporting auteur-driven projects, with an estimated budget of approximately $880,000, aligning with the low-to-mid range typical for independent Spanish cinema at the time. The production also benefited from Spanish subsidies administered by the Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA), which provided support for culturally significant films to promote national storytelling and industry growth, as well as participation from Antena 3 Televisión and Vía Digital. These funds were crucial for a project blending with Bigas Luna's stylistic vision, ensuring feasibility within the constraints of early 2000s Spanish film economics. The core team was assembled swiftly in 2000, with collaborating closely on the screenplay alongside renowned screenwriter Rafael Azcona, whose adaptations often emphasized character depth and social nuance. Azcona's contributions helped refine the script to harmonize the novel's erotic undertones with its dramatic core, drawing on his extensive experience in Spanish cinema. For the musical score, British post-rock band Piano Magic was selected to create an atmospheric, sea-evoking soundtrack that complemented the film's coastal themes and emotional intimacy, marking a deliberate choice to infuse the project with minimalist, evocative . This phase culminated by early 2000, setting the stage for while adhering to the budgetary and creative parameters established.

Filming Locations

Principal photography for Sound of the Sea took place primarily in and its surrounding areas in , within the Comunidad Valenciana region of , selected to authentically depict the Mediterranean coastal environment central to the narrative. Shooting occurred from February 10 to December 16, 2000, spanning 52 days in . This location choice allowed the production to leverage the natural beauty of the Valencia coast, including beaches and seaside villages, for scenes emphasizing the sea's rhythmic and dramatic presence. Specific sites in included the Senieta bar, serving as a key meeting spot for the protagonists, and the Plaza del Convento, used for both interior and exterior shots that captured the town's intimate, everyday atmosphere. The cinematography, led by José Luis Alcaine, focused on lush, sensual visuals that highlighted the film's erotic and mythological undertones, employing shots of expressive faces and point-of-view perspectives to immerse viewers in the characters' passions. Alcaine's work, known from collaborations with directors like , incorporated poetic elements such as superimposed waves during climactic moments to evoke emotional depth and the story's thematic fusion of and peril. The production shot on color 35mm , contributing to a period-appropriate texture that enhanced the timeless feel of the coastal settings. These environmental factors presented logistical challenges, as the team waited for and wave conditions to capture authentic dramatic scenes without relying heavily on artificial effects. On set, director encouraged improvisation in intimate scenes to heighten erotic tension, while prioritizing actor safety during water-based shoots by coordinating with local maritime expertise. The principal cast, including as Ulises and as Martina, actively participated in these location-specific sequences to convey the raw, elemental connection between their characters and the sea.

Release

Premiere

The film premiered at the Málaga Film Festival on June 1, 2001, followed by its Spanish theatrical debut on June 8, 2001. The film screened at the Cannes Film Festival market in May 2001. It was featured at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July 2001 as part of a retrospective tribute to director Bigas Luna, where it was presented as an international premiere for that event. Following the premiere, the film screened on the festival circuit, including the Schermi d'Amore - Verona Film Festival, where it earned a nomination for Best Film. Marketing efforts included trailers that emphasized the film's erotic drama and Luna's reputation for sensual storytelling, alongside posters incorporating sea imagery and prominent visuals of lead actors Jordi Mollà and Leonor Watling. The initial release in achieved modest results, primarily appealing to art-house audiences.

Distribution

In , Son de mar was distributed by Lolafilms Distribución and received a on June 8, 2001. The film underperformed at the , grossing €1,009,536 and attracting 242,834 admissions domestically. Internationally, the film saw subtitled releases across , including on December 12, 2001, on September 26, 2002, and on November 28, 2003. In the United States, the film received a on October 10, 2001. For home media, a DVD edition was released in on January 28, 2002, by Lolafilms. As of November 2025, the film is available for streaming on platforms including the Criterion Channel and . No major Blu-ray edition has been produced. Despite its commercial disappointment, Son de mar has developed a among admirers of director Bigas Luna's erotic and poetic style.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Sound of the Sea received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its sensual depiction of Mediterranean life while critiquing its pacing and occasional descent into melodrama. In Variety, Jonathan Holland described the film as a "relatively muted triangular tragedy -- and homage to Mediterranean sensuality -- that lies somewhere between a straight love story and a delirious celebration of Eros," highlighting its blend of restraint and eroticism but noting that the narrative's fatalistic turns can feel overwrought. Similarly, the film's overall reception on Rotten Tomatoes reflects this divide, with a Tomatometer score of 68% based on limited professional reviews, underscoring appreciation for its atmospheric qualities amid reservations about dramatic excess. Critics analyzed the film's exploration of desire and fate, often interpreting the sea as a for uncontrollable passion and inevitable doom. Adrian Martin, in his review for Film Critic, noted how director infuses the story with elements of and amour fou, using recurring sea imagery and superimpositions to symbolize the protagonists' turbulent emotions and predestined tragedy. This approach aligns with Luna's signature erotic style, seen in earlier works like Jamon Jamon (1992) and (1994), where sensuality intertwines with mythic and visceral elements, though Martin critiqued Sound of the Sea for lacking the subtlety of those predecessors. Notable reviews emphasized positive aspects of the film's technical achievements. Holland in Variety commended the production values, particularly the "painterly Mediterranean land and seascapes [as] a sensual riot of blue and white," crediting cinematographer José Luis Alcaine for capturing the region's evocative beauty. The score by Glen Johnson, drawing from Piano Magic's atmospheric instrumentals, was also highlighted for enhancing the film's moody, introspective tone. Aggregate user-influenced metrics, such as IMDb's 5.9/10 from over 2,400 ratings and Letterboxd's 3.1/5 average, further indicate a polarized but engaged response, though professional critiques focused more on its artistic merits. In cultural context, Sound of the Sea is viewed as part of post-Franco Spanish cinema's erotic , following the decriminalization of that enabled directors like Luna to explore themes of sexuality and desire more freely. This film, adapted from Manuel Vicent's novel, exemplifies Luna's contribution to the era's shift toward bold, Mediterranean-infused narratives that celebrated sensual liberation.

Audience Response

Audience members have given Sound of the Sea mixed evaluations, reflecting its polarizing blend of romance, eroticism, and tragedy. On , the film holds an average rating of 5.9 out of 10, based on 2,430 user ratings. Similarly, users rate it 3.1 out of 5 from 827 logs, with many praising the sensual romantic elements that resonate with fans of Spanish drama. On , the audience score stands at 68% from over 1,000 ratings, where viewers highlight the film's memorable visuals and engaging portrayal of flawed relationships. The movie has developed a over time, particularly through viewings enabled by streaming availability on platforms like the Criterion Channel. This renewed interest often centers on discussions of its provocative scenes and poignant tragic ending, which echo critical themes of desire and fate in audience reflections. In terms of cultural legacy, Sound of the Sea contributes to Bigas Luna's exploration of Mediterranean motifs. Adapted from Manuel Vicent's novel, which won the Premio Alfaguara de Novela in 1999, the film connects to the author's wider body of work examining Spanish identity and human passions. Demographically, the film appeals mainly to art-house enthusiasts in , drawn to Luna's stylistic sensibilities, though it has seen limited crossover into mainstream audiences beyond festival circuits.

Accolades

Sound of the Sea received two nominations at the 16th , Spain's most prestigious film honors, held on February 2, 2002, at the Palacio Municipal de Congresos in . The film was recognized in the categories of Best Supporting Actor for Eduard Fernández's portrayal of Sierra, a wealthy businessman entangled in a , and Best Adapted for Rafael Azcona, adapting Manuel Vicent's of the same name. Despite these nods, Sound of the Sea did not secure any wins at the ceremony, where mainstream successes like The Others dominated with multiple awards, including Best Picture, and The Devil's Backbone earned nominations in technical categories such as Special Effects. The nominations nonetheless highlighted the film's strong ensemble performances, particularly Fernández's intense depiction of unrequited desire, and the screenplay's faithful yet cinematic adaptation of Vicent's evocative narrative of passion and loss by the sea. Additionally, won the Sant Jordi Award for Best Spanish Actor for his role in 2002. The film also received a nomination at the 2001 Butaca Awards for Best Catalan Film Actor ().

Festival Recognition

Sound of the Sea premiered as the opening film at the 4th Festival de Málaga on June 1, 2001, marking a significant Spanish showcase for the production and highlighting its thematic exploration of passion and tragedy along the Mediterranean coast. The film received further international exposure at the in 2001, where it was screened as part of a special tribute section dedicated to director , underscoring his established reputation in European cinema. In 2002, it appeared at the Oldenburg International Film Festival, contributing to the event's focus on independent and European narratives. The film's most notable festival accolade came at the Schermi d'Amore - Verona Film Festival in 2002, where it earned a nomination for Best Film in the competition dedicated to romantic and sentimental cinema.

References

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