Eternal happiness or Eternal Misery

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite films not just because of the time period in which it is placed, or the amazing writing and cinematography, but for its message that it brings to us. The interesting thing about the movie is that everyone who has ever been wronged or lied to can re-late somewhat to the film. As many of us have seen it, for those who have not it is a tale of a man named Edmond Dantes who is framed by his best friend who then marries his fiancee when Edmond is in prison. Edmond then dedicates his life to seeking revenge on those who have ruined his life. The message in this movie is revealed while Edmond is in prison. He meets an elderly man who later encourages him that revenge will never bring him eternal happiness. It may seem at the time that those who take after revenge are happy for doing so but they will forever be within its grasps. On his prison wall, and this theme is repeated numerous times in the movie, it says, " God will give me justice". It is only towards the end of the movie that Edmond really knows that that phrase really means. I loved the realization that revenge isn't the source of true happiness that sometimes we must continue on with mercy and forgiveness however hard that may be if we do not raise to the higher pedestal we will fall forever in its misery.