The Finest Hours

                Yesterday, my family and I watched the movie The Finest Hours. This movie was based on a true story about how the SS Pendleton split into two from a huge storm that had struck the ocean, trapping 30 men on board. As word reached the coast guard base, Officer Daniel Cluff orders a rescue mission. He asks coxswain Bernie Webber and three other men to go out and rescue the 30 men trapped on the boat, but the odds were not in their favor.

I thought the movie, The Finest Hours, was a great movie. It had action, it was intense, and it was based on a true story. I thought that the story line was good and the acting was pretty good as well! My favorite part of the movie was probably when Bernie Webber went out to rescue the 30 men still on board the SS Pendleton. I thought that Bernie showed incredible dedication, determination, and strength. This rescue is still known to this day of being one of the most famous boat rescues ever.

Also, another thing that impacted me was that I thought that the captain of the SS Pendleton, Ray Sybert, showed tremendous effort and determination. Despite having his ship split into two and begin the sink, He stayed calm the entire time. Trying to keep his crew members calm and trying to find how to keep the ship afloat were his main goals. And in the end, it paid off. Rey also showed great character by being rescued last and letting his crew members be rescued be for him. Overall, I thought that this movie showed lots of courage and determination all throughout the movie. I could definitely watch it again. Now for some questions!!

There were two men, despite the hardships they faced, that stood out as leaders. Who were they and what character qualities did they share.

Well the first one I would say would be Bernie Webber. As the three men and himself went out to find the SS Pendleton. Bernie did not want to give up, despite the conditions they faced throughout their journey. The second would be the captain of the SS Pendleton, Ray Sybert. Despite having his ship split into two and start sinking, he showed amazing character of how you should act in these conditions. I think because of the way he acted, he saved many lives. I think both of them shared the same character traits of determination, dedication, and bravery.

2) How did people come to view these men?

I think people view these men as very heroic for their actions and for what they did at a time like this. For Bernie, it would be his determination to find the SS Pendleton. For Ray, it was his determination to find a new solution to help keep his crew safe.

3) Pick 2-3 lessons that really stand out to you. Tell why you picked them and what it means to you/applies to you.

“Leaders must be willing to pay a heavier price than others.” This one is very true. If you are a leader of a group, and you are doing stuff you are not supposed to do, the leader of the group should have been to one to say no, and if they didn’t, they should be in more trouble.

“Good plans always hit unexpected waves.” I think this one quote can relate to everyone. You think you’re doing something right, then all of a sudden some problem can come up and change the whole thing. This happens a lot in life, and sometimes, it's very hard to rise up from the problem.