What do you think is the moral/ethical lesson of the movie? What part of the movie (event,
conversation) that struck you most? Explain.
A distinct examination of crime, justice, and vengeance is apparent in the movie. Two
words seem to mean the same thing, justice and vengeance, but in fact, mean completely opposite.
In the movie, Clyde Shelton is a decent family man until the day his wife and daughter were
brutally murdered. At first, he hoped for justice but discovered the justice system’s corruption.
Vengeance is constant throughout the movie, and the consequences are a lesson that, unfortunately,
is not learned by the film’s end which led to killing even innocent people. Most victims feel that
culprits were not adequately punished by the law and after trials and persecution, they still feel
compelled to seek revenge. As cliché as it may sound, vengeance doesn’t do us any good and could
backfire us. Therefore we should be mindful and held accountable for the decisions and
repercussions of our actions – we might end up in trouble and even put others in harm.
Moreover, one of the main highlights of the movie is the conversation between Shelton and
Rice in the final scene. Upon returning to his cell through the underground tunnel, Shelton
discovered that Rice was there waiting for him. He offered one last deal, but Rice declined saying
he no longer makes deals with murderers. Rice added that if he detonates the bomb, “It’s a decision
you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life.” He realized that the bomb was placed near him,
but merely stared thoughtfully at a bracelet his daughter had made for him. The cell eventually
explode, with the last shot of Shelton alive being of him looking up with an almost satisfied