Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

My Review

“Hacksaw Ridge” is the true story of World War II combat medic Desmond Doss (1919-2006), who was a pacifist due to his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs to not carry a firearm of any kind. The focus of the film is his rescue of 75 soldiers in the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge on Okinawa in 1944. He was the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor, by President Harry Truman.

Director Mel Gibson (“The Passion of the Christ” 2004) told Doss’ story with great skill, balancing gruesome battle scenes with the rescues. The excellent screenplay by Robert Schenkkan and Andrew Knight was adapted from the 2004 documentary film “The Conscientious Objector” by Terry Benedict. Andrew Garfield was outstanding in the lead role, with co-stars Sam Worthington, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Vince Vaughn, and Milo Gibson (son of the director).

“Hacksaw Ridge” was a solid box office success for Icon Productions, Cross Creek Pictures, and Summit Entertainment. It was filmed in New South Wales, Australia. The 139 minute picture was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two – Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. Non-winners include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Garfield), and Best Sound Editing.