This movie and the book explore a basic premise--man against himself and how much he can endure. Pain so severe physically and mentally can be overcome if the will is strong enough.Does the end justify the means? for the old man, it does. The fish is the challenge that he meets and defeats. Is it clear that we can see the lesson of life here?Definitely! Endure whatever we face and win the battle through all the pain. We must---to survive!
