Solid WWII movie with an interesting real-life story

Rating: 7/10 (2 May 2017)

Hacksaw Ridge tells the real-life story of Desmond Doss (played by Andrew Garfield), an WWII American Army medic who fought in the pacific theater and showed exceptional courage during the Battle of Okinawa.
The movie starts with a brief re-telling of Desmond's childhood, coming of age and his decision to join the army as a combat medic, despite his father (excellent role of Hugo Weaving) pleading not to go. However, due to his past Desmond has become a very religious person and his believes conflict with the army's view that every soldier, including medics, are able to handle a rifle and not hesitate to kill in combat. Desmond refuses to even touch a rifle and the army want's to get rid of him, but Desmond is determined to finish his training. He eventually ends up in the battle of Okinawa where his incredible courage saves many soldiers lives, without him ever firing a single shot.
Hacksaw Ridge is a well made movie which looks and sounds like a war movie is supposed to. The actors pulled off great performances to play believable characters, especially Andrew Garfield and Hugo Weaving. The other soldiers where not given much depth which was a bit of a pity, but it is Desmond's story so I understand the decision to keep the focus on the main protagonist.
What I didn't like about this movie is Mel Gibson's obsession with blood and gore in combination with sensational over-the-top shots. Yes we all know that war is hell but does it have to be shown with soldiers getting blown to bits in slow-motion? And showing horrific wounds a few times is enough, doing it constantly makes it almost feel like I'm watching splatter horror. A more 'subtle' showing of war-violence like for example, Saving Private Ryan would have been much better. But the battle scenes are still well made and well acted, I just wished Gibson made them a bit less spectacular and melodramatic.
So overall a solid WWII movie with an interesting real-life story that you should check out if your interested in a bit of history. But be noted that parts of it are very bloody.