Review of Hacksaw Ridge (2016) by Tony P — 04 Aug 2017

I missed the cinematic run of this 2016 award winner which from the publicity campaign looks like a run of the mill war film. However I was immensely affected by viewing this film even if on a TV screen.

The film is directed by Mel Gibson. A man who has directed several films already don't get me wrong but must be redeeming his faded reputation with work like this.

The screenplay importantly is about a conscientious objector Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield who I last saw in Martin Scorseses long winded Silence) who serves in the U.S. army in the Second World War on the gruesome battlefield of Hacksaw Ridge against the Japanese.

Doss's is a highly religious man and his beliefs which he sticks to 'religiously' mean he faces training being unwilling to carry and use a gun.

For his beliefs Doss faces great unease from his comrades and senior officers who do everything in their power to make Doss quit service before active duty on the battlefield. Doss even facing a Court Martial at one stage.

However Doss resolutely refuses to quit. His explanation being that he must 'serve' his country reeling from the Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese.

All Doss wants to do is serve using his medical skills.

Somehow Doss survives discharge and enters the battlefield at the Battle of Okinawa against the Japanese.

The battle scenes as the U.S. attempt to capture a ridge called Hacksaw Ridge are quite alarming in their brutality.

I thought that the latest Rambo film was the most gory I have ever seen but think again.

The battlefield scenes make Saving Private Ryan (which I have watched in part) look like a tea party.

I was quite alarmed by the brutality to be honest. However it brought the horrors of such fist to fist conflict (or gun and knife) home.

Doss still refuses to even defend himself. I would not call it murder and at the start of the battle scenes I probably shared the rather Conservative views of the Officers that Doss service was more of a hinderance. Putting his comrades at risk.

However Doss becomes an unlikely hero as he provides first aid to the wounded and single handedly rescues several (estimated at 75) to the relative safety behind the forefront of the battle lines.

We learn that Doss receives the greatest military honour that the U.S. awards the Medal of Honor.

Old interview footage from the early 2000s interviews the original characters depicted in the film before their death.

The film making is top notch. I've already mentioned the Director but mention must also go to the cinematography and special effects department to make the battle scenes so horrifically realistic.

My own view of Doss changed like his comrades I suppose. From being totally questioning his (Doss) stubborn stance.

The film is more than your average depiction of the Second World War horrors but a biographical triumph.