Powerful drama

Rating: 8/10 (9 December 2016)

The true story of Desmond Doss, the conscientious objector who, at the Battle of Okinawa, won the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery and regard for his fellow soldiers. We see his upbringing and how this shaped his views, especially his religious view and anti-killing stance. We see Doss's trials and tribulations after enlisting in the US Army and trying to become a medic. Finally, we see the hell on Earth that was Hacksaw Ridge.
A very powerful story. Shows that bravery and heroism in wartime doesn't necessarily involve fighting, killing or even carrying a weapon. The fact that it is true makes it even more inspirational.
Not flawless though. The setup - Doss's childhood, WW2 civilian life and Army training are handled a bit clumsily at times. Certain event sequences feel a touch contrived, or lacking in detail, and some aspects seem TOO detailed. The Army's attempts to get rid of him seem overstated (though that might be just me watching the movie through a 21st century lens).
Moreover, there is a sense of predictability and inevitability about it all - you know how it's all going to turn out. You know he will get to Okinawa, and you want the movie to get to that part of his life as soon as possible. By that measurement, the setup was too long.
However, the clumsiness and duration of the setup is more than overcome by the intensity and grittiness of the action on Okinawa. I can't think of a longer, more sustained, more intense, piece of war action in cinema. Incredibly realistic, and graphic, with no empty bravado.
The scenes at the end close the loop well on what was set out in the first half of the movie. Quite an emotional ending.
Overall, well worth watching.