Madcap film making at its best

Rating: 10/10 (7 February 2017)

Hacksaw Ridge - 10/10 I was completely blown away by this film. Not only is the true story that it is based on utterly jaw dropping but it is tailor made to be adapted to the big screen. Mel Gibson is the perfect vehicle to tell this remarkable story in a visceral, no holds barred manner. Filmed in under 60 days, this is a triumphant return to the directors chair for Mel.
The structure of the film is comparable to other great war movies such as Full Metal Jacket, where we start off at the boot camp and gradually progress to the 'hell on earth' of war. Gibson uses this structure to create a stark contrast between the light and the dark. The light being Desmond T. Doss's (Garfield) relationship with his girlfriend/wife being the light, the sequence on Hacksaw Ridge being the dark (or in this case the 'black').
The first hour of the film is at times, a bit too nice. It is plastered with bright colors, sunshine, picturesque scenery and its fair share of romance. This reflects against the personality of Doss brilliantly with his more than moral principles.
Whilst the majority of the first hour is a lot lighter than the rest of the film, it isn't without its gritty moments. Hugo Weaving puts in a solid performance as a drunk Veteran father who despite not having much screen time, has a fairly significant impact on the plot. We also have Vince Vaughan as a wise-cracking drill sergeant, who puts in a surprisingly capable performance (Into the Wild being one of few others).
The sequence on Hacksaw ridge is harrowing and then some. This is relentless, disturbing, shocking and does not hold back. It takes what was achieved at the opening of Saving Private Ryan and amps everything up a few levels. This is madcap movie making at its best. Gibson felt that it was important to try and show people exactly what these veterans went through. In fact, some things that reportedly happened on the ridge were cut out as it was felt that the audience would find them to be too unbelievable.
What Mr Doss went through that day is truly remarkable and this film demands to be seen by as wide an audience as possible. Some might find this film to be a little bit too patriotic and jingoistic, but that is almost unavoidable given the subject matter in question. How else do you portray an American hero without having a bit of flag waving? Perhaps some elements are slightly overcooked but a lot of that serves the purpose of amplifying the magnitude of Desmond T Doss's heroics.
A career best from Andrew Garfield although I haven't yet seen Silence which I am assured is equally impressive. Mel Gibson's follow up to Apocalypto was more than worth the wait.