Review of Hacksaw Ridge (2016) by Tvjerry — 07 Nov 2016

This film is based on the true story of a conscientious objector (played by Andrew Garfield) who saved the lives of 75 men during the bloodiest battle of WWII. Before hitting the battlefield, the narrative sets up the events that formed his beliefs, the woman back home who supported him and the intense antagonism he faced from the Army.

His rich, yet subtle performance once again proves that Garfield is one of the finest actors of his generation. As for director Mel Gibson, the romantic and emotional elements are richly told (albeit in a traditional structure and style), but it's the staging of the battle that makes the strongest impression: The most gruesome and violently brutal depiction of the horrors of battle since "Private Ryan.

" Even though it could easily lose 30 of its 131-minutes, this remains a potent drama and an affecting portrait of a brave and principled man.