Review of Hacksaw Ridge (2016) by Nehemiah — 25 Feb 2019

I saw this movie in theaters before the sun set. The first half was beautifully picturesque while the second half was overly exhausting yet never comical or unnecessary. I imagine the skeleton of this story was derived from Mel Brooks who was able to provide an account of American Army life in the first half of the 20th century and who detailed it for better or worse more than most could or honestly would allow themselves to.

While Andrew Garfield was already provided a hero in his own right he made the character 3-dimensional and gave a groundbreaking performance. He showed true love and admiration for the woman he fell for.

He trudged through believable strain in the field of battle and concern for others around him at the cost of his own safety while still appearing as a moving person versus a protagonist character. Vince Vaughn played Garfield's officer who I fell for quickly from his realistic treatment to Garfield initially to his admiration for the soldier in battle.

Again the battle scenes in the film's latter half were a necessary tragedy that showcased the turmoil of war instead of exalting it and the excitement Garfield and those around him evoked was contagious and terrifying if given an inch.

I avoided this film for a bit despite several customers recommendations at the box office and one repeated testimony. Me and my work friend Jacob saw this when we both worked at the movie theater and while I wasn't working I held the door, as I sometimes did, for everyone who left the theater trying to provide a reassuring face for the older folks who exited.