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Israeli Prisoner of War Policies: From the 1949 Armistice to the 2006 Kidnappings

Alexander Bligh

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Israeli Prisoner of War Policies: From the 1949 Armistice to the 2006 Kidnappings examines the...

Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Hacksaw Ridge (2016) in Movies

Nov 26, 2017

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

2016 | Drama, History, War

8.6

(74 Ratings)

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Vivid and brutal

I usually can't stomach war movies or Mel Gibson, but the story of Desmond Doss is an incredible one to behold. Doss is the only conscientious objector during the Second World War to have received America's top military award - the Medal of Honor. His refusal to bear arms gained him notoriety during training, being bullied by his commanding sergeants and fellow soldiers. But at the brutal battle in Hacksaw Ridge against the Japanese, Doss single-handedly went back into a warzone retrieving 75 injured soldiers, at a time when all hope was thought to be lost.

The film itself is in two halves. The first part is a little saccharine, portraying Doss as an innocent doe-eyed boy trailing a beautiful nurse who ends up becoming his wife. At the same time, his father, a tortured military man, is seen as abusive after witnessing horrors in France. Director Mel Gibson tries to connect this relationship to why Doss may not be keen on weapons. Overall, the war scenes are well-shot, extremely graphic to the point it is a completely immersive experience. If Gibson made the first half a little less Hollywood, it would be a skilfully made film. The best part by far is the end where you get to meet the real hero Doss speaking about his experiences. A harrowing watch.