Powerful Retelling of an American Hero's Courage and Spiritual Conviction

Rating: 10/10 (6 November 2016)

Mel Gibson does it again, proving himself once again to be one of Hollywood's best directors. Andrew Garfield brings a compelling Desmond Doss and Gibson rightly centers him in the majority of the film. I've seen reviews that bristle at the gruesome violence and temper that with the "war is hell" statement, but even Vince Vaughn said they had to reduce the violence not for audience acceptance, but rather that Doss's exemplary live-saving efforts would otherwise almost be beyond human comprehension. This film is an outstanding testament to and recognition of a rare man who had the both the courage to not let his Christian convictions be compromised while earnestly supporting his country without regard for his own life.