Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Raiting: 
8 /10
Genre: Biography
Director: Mel Gibson
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington and Luke Bracey
Country: Australia / United States / United Kingdom / China
Release date: 7 October 2016
Length: 139 minutes
"Hacksaw Ridge", directed by Mel Gibson and released in 2016, is a war drama that tells the true story of Desmond T. Doss, an American combat medic who served during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, is a devout Seventh-day Adventist who enlists in the army with the firm belief that killing is wrong. He faces immense opposition and ridicule for his stance on non-violence and his refusal to carry a weapon into combat.
The film begins by exploring Doss's early life in Virginia, including his troubled upbringing and the formative experiences that shape his strong convictions. After falling in love with a nurse named Dorothy Schutte, played by Teresa Palmer, Doss enlists in the army, feeling it's his duty to serve his country as a medic. However, his refusal to bear arms leads to intense conflict with fellow soldiers and his superiors, particularly Sergeant Howell and Captain Glover, who question his courage and his usefulness in war.
Despite facing court-martial for his beliefs, Doss stands firm and is eventually allowed to go to war without a weapon. The film then shifts to the brutal reality of the Battle of Okinawa, specifically the assault on a cliff known as Hacksaw Ridge. In one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War, Doss's unit is tasked with capturing the ridge from the Japanese. The combat scenes are depicted with graphic realism, highlighting the horrors of war and the chaos of the battlefield.
Doss's heroism comes to the forefront during the battle, as he risks his own life to save the wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Without firing a single shot, Doss manages to rescue 75 men over the course of a single night, lowering them one by one down the cliff's face to safety. His selfless actions earn him the respect of his comrades and superiors, and he becomes the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
"Hacksaw Ridge" is a powerful portrayal of courage, conviction, and heroism. Mel Gibson's direction captures the intensity of war while also providing a deeply personal look at a man who stands by his convictions against all odds. Andrew Garfield delivers a compelling performance, bringing a sense of humanity and determination to the character of Desmond Doss. The film is both a tribute to one man's faith and a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made during one of history's darkest periods.
Top cast - Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Trailer - Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
"Hacksaw Ridge", directed by Mel Gibson, is a gripping and visceral war film that tells the extraordinary true story of Desmond T. Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. The film is a powerful exploration of faith, non-violence, and heroism, brought to life by a standout performance from Andrew Garfield in the lead role.
The film is structured in two distinct halves: the first establishes Doss's background, his religious convictions, and his romance with Dorothy Schutte, while the second half plunges viewers into the harrowing realities of war. Gibson's direction is particularly effective in its stark contrast between the serene life of Doss before the war and the subsequent chaos and brutality on Hacksaw Ridge. The battle scenes are unflinchingly graphic, portraying the savage nature of combat with a level of detail that is both commendable for its honesty and difficult to watch.
Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Doss is nuanced and inspiring, capturing the inner strength and moral fortitude of a man who stood by his beliefs in the face of adversity. The supporting cast, including Vince Vaughn as Sergeant Howell and Sam Worthington as Captain Glover, deliver solid performances that add depth to the film's portrayal of military life. The dynamic between Doss and his fellow soldiers evolves convincingly, from hostility and skepticism to respect and admiration.
While "Hacksaw Ridge" is undeniably graphic, the violence serves a purpose, emphasizing the courage and sacrifice of those who fought. The film does not shy away from depicting the horrors of war, but it also highlights the capacity for humanity and compassion amidst such horror. The cinematography is both beautiful and haunting, with the battlefield scenes etched in a stark, hellish tableau that is hard to forget.
Some may find the film's approach to Doss's faith and heroism to be heavy-handed at times, with its emphasis on spirituality and divine intervention. However, this focus is central to the story of a man whose faith was integral to his identity and actions. "Hacksaw Ridge" is a testament to the human spirit and the power of conviction, offering a moving narrative that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, "Hacksaw Ridge" is a compelling and well-crafted film that succeeds in honoring the legacy of Desmond T. Doss. Mel Gibson has created a war movie that not only provides an intense cinematic experience but also prompts reflection on the values of courage, faith, and non-violence. It's a film that challenges viewers, asking them to consider the price of war and the meaning of true heroism.