Hacksaw Ridge, an interesting film that will move audiences

Rating: 8/10 (28 July 2017)

Hacksaw Ridge is an exhilarating 2016 biopic period piece that is set during World War II. This film was directed by Mel Gibson and produced by William D. Johnson and earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor, Film Editing (won), Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing (won). Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) stars as Desmond Doss, an uncomplicated young man from Lynchburg, Virginia whom ends up saving the lives of approximately 75 men during the Battle on Hacksaw Ridge in Okinawa Japanwithout ever having to utilize a weapon. This story is not just one that depicts the theme of combat and bravery, as Hacksaw Ridge is much more than a war movie, this film is also a tale of love—love for others, for one's faith, as well as the love for one's country.
While watching Hacksaw Ridge, viewers will gradually become increasingly familiar with Desmond Doss and those that are close to him. The nostalgic feeling that comes across when watching Doss and his brother Hal as rambunctious young boys enjoying activities like climbing in the woods; racing each other; and wrestling, doesn't last long because the audience begins to witness the tensions that are prevalent in the Doss family home. While working in his church Doss rushes to the aid of an injured man outside and transports the man to the hospital and in some ways his life changed, because it is there that he meets and falls in love with nurse Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer) and realizes he wants to become a medic in the U.S Army. Despite his abusive and alcoholic, father Tom's (Hugo Weaving) objections, Desmond Doss enlists in the army to serve his country as a combat medic.
Desmond Doss's experiences in the army training camp are a test of his will to say the least. Under the command of Sergeant Howell (Vince Vaughn), it is revealed to Doss's fellow troops that due to his beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist and his position as a conscientious objector that Doss will not pick up a weapon. The other men in the troop are frustrated with Doss and his perspectives and consequently end up putting Doss through several emotional and physical acts of hazing. In addition to the trauma that Doss experiences from those in training with him, he also experiences difficulties from his commanding officers that result in further obstacles such as a court martial and imprisonment.
Hacksaw Ridge utilizes multiple techniques such as motifs and lighting to convey the film's theme to audiences. Hacksaw Ridge begins with a quote from Isaiah 40:28-31; "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understand is unreachable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utter fall. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint". Doss can also be heard stating "While everyone else will be taking life I'll be saving it" and "I don't know how I can live with myself if I don't stay true to what I believe". These statements, along with many other comments and actions allow the film to perpetuate the film's theme of spirituality and a never-ending dedication to one's faith. Hacksaw Ridge also relies on the technique of lighting to exhibit the film's theme. When the movie begins viewers are watching scenes in darker sepia-like tones, and these tones begin to diminish when Desmond Doss evolves into a young man and enters the military. Later in the film when Doss goes to Hacksaw Ridge the lighting tones become darker and more infused. The lighting techniques here demonstrate how Desmond Doss's dispirited experiences while witnessing and being subjected to abuse as a child and the perils of Hacksaw Ridge placed him in uncomfortable situations and tested his faith—furthermore, this special utilization of lighting shows how Doss may have been happier in the middle of the film when he was in love and working on things that were important to him like enlisting in the army and becoming a combat medic. Although this film contains multiple themes, the theme that is consistent throughout the plot line is that one that is spiritual.
Hacksaw Ridge is reminiscent of Saving Private Ryan, and I think this has a lot to do with both of the films being more than just a war movie—they are war movies with a difference. Both Hacksaw Ridge and Saving Private Ryan drop their viewers in the midst of war; however, they both convey the story of peaceful men dedicated to their country and a greater cause. The theme of these two films hit home with with viewers because the lead characters are driven by great valor; the love for their families, and their country—these films truly push ahead with a bullet to the chest in more ways than one.
If you're into period pieces, love stories, biopics, war movies, action films; or just in the mood for an interesting story to watch, then you just may enjoy Hacksaw Ridge.