Remarkable Story a Bit Overcooked

Rating: 7/10 (3 December 2016)

(Major Spoilers) Director Mel Gibson has a flare for the dramatic in "Hacksaw Ridge", and the blasting score and unrelenting violence is lathered on a little heavy for this reviewer's taste. Not knowing the story, I find it difficult to fathom that all fellow troops sat idol while Private Doss lowered down man after man after man. No one bothered to help him apparently. Performances range from very good from Weaving, to good from Garfield and Worthington, to out-of-place for Vince Vaughn. Stealing the show for certain though about a third through is introduced Aussie Luke Bracey - a breakout movie for him as Smitty, owning most every scene he's in. Although he's in a supporting role, he's magnetic, and Gibson figured it out. The movie, a tale of 2 halves is beautifully shot, but the music gets a little much as does the violence - a misplaced glory with it sort of feels off-kilter and strangely hypocritical between content and portrayal. Still recommended though for the captivating story. 7.5/10