Review of Hacksaw Ridge (2016) by Frank C — 21 Feb 2017

Every few years comes a harrowing American war film to remind viewers of the vitality and the adversity faced by soldiers in a foreign land. Hacksaw Ridge is such a film, but is unique in its choice of subject, that of a conscientious objector who nevertheless proves that heroism and courage comes in many forms.

Andrew Garfield delivers probably the most challenging performance of his young career, and succeeds at capturing the empathy of the viewer and channeling Desmond's conviction. Meanwhile, all around him the explosions and artillery fire reach almost Michael Bay proportions. It's all to place Desmond in a setting of hellfire as he saves man after man, but the scale gets a little ridiculous. Still, the true story nature of the film is gripping, and audience's become familiar with yet another American hero.