Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist who became a medic during World War II despite refusing to carry a weapon. Andrew Garfield plays Doss, and the film follows him from his rural upbringing through his rocky relationship with his father, his marriage to his wife, his induction into the Army, and his eventual arrival at the Battle of Okinawa. The movie is directed by Mel Gibson, who also directed Braveheart and Signs, and it runs 138 minutes.
Trailer, via Lionsgate Movies.
Desmond Doss’s Early Years
The film opens with Doss as a young man in Virginia, where he grows up in a strict religious household. His father, played by Luke Kirby, is abusive and unyielding, and Doss’s relationship with him shapes much of his character. Doss’s faith is central to the story, and the film portrays his commitment to nonviolence as both a strength and a burden. He is mocked by fellow soldiers and civilians alike for his refusal to serve as a combatant, and the film shows him enduring ridicule and isolation throughout his training.
Training and Deployment
As Doss joins the Army, the film depicts his time at Camp Hood, where he faces hostility from his peers. His fellow soldiers call him a coward and a traitor, and they refuse to accept him as a member of the unit. This tension builds until Doss finally earns their respect through his dedication to his duties. The film also covers his wedding to his wife, played by Teresa Palmer, whose love and support anchor him during the darkest moments of his service.
The film’s depiction of Doss’s faith is handled with reverence. His refusal to carry a weapon is shown as a principled stand rather than a weakness, and his commitment to his beliefs is presented as heroic. The film does not shy away from the cruelty he faces, but it frames his suffering as a test of his convictions.
The Battle of Okinawa
The final act shifts to Okinawa, where Doss serves as a medic during some of the bloodiest fighting of the war. The battle scenes are intense and graphic, showing the chaos of war in vivid detail. Doss’s role as a non-combatant becomes crucial when his unit is pinned down by enemy fire, and he risks his life to save wounded soldiers while remaining unarmed.
The film’s pacing slows during the Okinawa sequences, giving audiences time to absorb the horror of the battlefield. The cinematography is striking, with wide shots of the island and close-ups of the soldiers’ faces. The sound design adds to the tension, with gunfire, explosions, and screams creating an immersive experience.
The Rescue at Hacksaw Ridge
The climax of the film centers on Doss’s rescue mission at Hacksaw Ridge, where he climbs under heavy fire to retrieve wounded soldiers. The sequence is the film’s emotional high point, and it showcases Garfield’s physicality and determination. He carries injured men down the ridge while bullets fly around him, and the scene is shot with a sense of urgency that keeps the audience engaged.
The rescue mission is based on historical events, and the film presents it with a mix of realism and Hollywood spectacle. The scene is dramatic, but it is grounded in the genuine heroism of Doss’s actions. The film does not exaggerate his deeds; it simply lets them speak for themselves.
Themes and Tone
Hacksaw Ridge is a war film, but it is also a story about faith, family, and the meaning of courage. The film explores the tension between Doss’s religious principles and the expectations of military service, and it asks whether a man can be brave without violence. The answer, according to the film, is yes. Doss’s courage is not measured by the weapons he carries but by the lives he saves.
The tone of the film is largely serious and somber, with occasional moments of levity provided by Doss’s interactions with his fellow soldiers. The humor is light, but it serves to humanize the characters and make their sacrifices feel more personal. The film’s ending is uplifting, with Doss receiving recognition for his bravery, but it does not gloss over the cost of his service.
Technical Craft
The film is technically proficient, with strong performances across the cast. Garfield is particularly impressive, bringing depth and nuance to a character who could easily have been a simple saint. Kirby delivers a powerful performance as Doss’s father, portraying a man whose cruelty stems from his own pain. Palmer is warm and supportive as Doss’s wife, providing a stable presence throughout the story.
The direction is competent, though Gibson’s heavy-handed style is evident in some scenes. The film’s pacing is uneven, with slow stretches during the training sequences that test the audience’s patience. However, the battle scenes are well-executed, and the film’s visual style is distinctive, with a muted palette that reflects the grimness of the conflict.
Final Word
Hacksaw Ridge is a solid war drama that benefits from a strong central performance and a compelling true story. The film’s message about faith and courage is delivered with sincerity, and it honors Doss’s legacy without resorting to hagiography. The action sequences are tense, and the emotional beats land with weight.
The film is not perfect. Its pacing issues and occasionally heavy-handed direction hold it back from greatness. However, the core of the story is strong enough to carry the film through its weaker moments.
Here is a ranking of the film’s strengths:
- Garfield’s performance as Desmond Doss
- The rescue mission at Hacksaw Ridge
- The film’s exploration of faith and courage
- The battle scenes at Okinawa
- The supporting cast, including Kirby and Palmer
And here is a quick look at the film’s key elements:
- Runtime: 138 minutes
- Director: Mel Gibson
- Lead actor: Andrew Garfield
- Setting: World War II, Okinawa
- Themes: Faith, family, courage
Hacksaw Ridge is a worthy entry in the war genre, even if it does not break new ground. It is a film that respects its subject and honors the memory of a man who refused to fight but saved countless lives in doing so.
The film’s critical reception has been positive, with a published score of 7.1 out of 10. That number reflects the film’s strengths, which include a strong lead performance and a powerful emotional core, balanced against its weaknesses, which include uneven pacing and occasionally heavy-handed direction.
Hacksaw Ridge is a film that rewards attention and thought. It is a story about a man who believed in something bigger than himself, and it reminds us that courage comes in many forms. The film is not flawless, but it is memorable, and it leaves a lasting impression on those who watch it.
