"Every Day Above Ground Is A Good Day." Though not having a major role in the movie, Mel Bernstein, played by Harris Yulin, still delivers one of the most interesting lines. It can be considered both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time. From one side, it's great to think about your life in such a positive way and value every day you are not dead. But from another side, making survival your ultimate aim rather than actually living a healthy life might not be the best thing to do.