Review of Hacksaw Ridge (2016) by Teresa F — 05 Feb 2017

Hacksaw Ridge is a truly powerful story about a man who was willing to make a difference, but refused to compromise. They did a marvelous job of setting up Andrew Garfield's character, and his backstory (which continues to expand throughout the film.) There was a slow build to the story (particularly because we know where he'll end up) but it all felt necessary to help us connect with the hero of the story. I also enjoyed how the romantic relationship added some heart to the story.

While I'm sure many facts were tweaked or embellished for the sake of making a good movie, it felt so authentic. The boot camp sequences where his pacifism is treated so harshly is exactly what you'd expect, and helps to make the nobility of his actions more powerful. The biggest struggle I had with the film was the casting of Vince Vaughn. I cannot take that guy seriously, and he takes me out of the movie every time I see his face or hear him talk.

Garfield was great, and when the movie finally gets to the climax I was absolutely enthralled. It's one of those heartwarming tales that seems too good to be true. It seems a bit odd that a movie focused on a conscientious objector would embrace violence so heartily. Most of the way through it feels like the brutal violence is just an attempt to create an authentic war movie. However there are a few sequences that don't add to the story and just come across as needless excess.

Aside from my minor complaints, I thought Hacksaw Ridge was a strong film and one I'll probably watch again. It's made even more powerful because it is rooted in an amazing true story. I could see the violence turning away some audiences who might enjoy it otherwise, but if you are OK with that kind of graphic gore, then I think it's one worth watching.