Along the coast of Okinawa is a beach that comes to a halt at rocky cliff. The top of the rock face is known as Hacksaw Ridge, jagged terrain that appears as if it was pulled from another world. During World War II, it served as a stronghold for the Japanese army. Many American troops fought to take the Hacksaw Ridge. Most failed. Countless horrific acts occurred there – but many miracles also happened there. Until now, the amazing story of Hacksaw Ridge has gone untold on the big screen, but thanks to Mel Gibson and his wonderful new film, that has changed.
Based on a true story, Hacksaw Ridge stars Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man) as Private Desmond Doss, an American soldier truly like no other. Following Pearl Harbor, while many were enlisting to serve their country, Desmond Doss also had the strong conviction that he needed to serve his country. While enlisting Doss signed up as a Conscientious Objector. This means that because of a certain aspect of his lifestyle, he was unable and unwilling to participant in certain parts of the military operations. In his case, being a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, he was forbidden to and refuse to pick up a weapon. At his demand, his role was to enter the battlefield as a medic, triaging and removing the wounded, without a sidearm.
The first half of the film deeply establishes Doss’ persona. This intimate character study makes all the difference in the world as a moviegoer. As we learn about his childhood, his upbringing, his family and his tender relationship with the girl of his dreams (Teresa Palmer, Warm Bodies), we become emotionally invested in him. This understanding and the attachment it creates cause us to love and adore him, which makes the extremely gory wartime horrors of the second half of the film all the more intense, taxing and difficult to watch.
Hacksaw Ridge is poised to be one of the year’s great success stories – not only at the box office, but come awards season. It tells the type of story that, upon learning of it, you’ll be shocked that you hadn’t heard of it until now. The tale it tells is absolutely beautiful. In a day and age where it’s not popular to express religious opinion, Hacksaw Ridge comes right out and bears testimony of one man who refused to take God out of his life and place what he knew to be true on the proverbial back-burner, all for the sake of the greater good. Instead of serving with the intent of taking lives, his was to save lives. If everyone had half the conviction and bravery of Private Doss, this world would be utopic.
It’s great to see Mel Gibson return to the director’s chair. Although Lionsgate won’t place his name on any of the film’s advertisements (instead, the ads promote that it’s “from the director of Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ“), Gibson absolutely knocks it out of the park with Hacksaw Ridge. Because it takes its time telling Doss’ story, from an audience’s emotional standpoint, it’s extremely effective.
Gibson surrounded himself with the best cast and crew possible. Not only do Garfield and Palmer perfectly own their roles, but the supporting cast is just as devoted and noteworthy. Luke Bracey (who starred alongside Teresa Palmer in last year’s Point Break remake) plays a small, yet important role that builds upon Garfield’s. Hugo Weaving (The Matrix) plays a multifaceted role as Doss’ father. While this part easily could have been two-dimensional and flat, Weaving brings it to three-dimensional life. Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers) even delivers a solid performance as Doss’ sergeant. The playful nature of his character during boot camp is enjoyable, but come wartime, he plays a sturdy moral crutch for the central character. Combining these players with a fantastic screenplay, an inspired crew and Mel Gibson’s unwavering direction makes for an unforgettable viewing experience.
Hacksaw Ridge isn’t perfect – it comes with a few flaws so minor that they’re not even worth pointing out – but that doesn’t keep it from being one of the year’s very best.
Photo credit: Lionsgate
