Both Garfield and Gibson could be a dark horses here for Lead Actor /Director recognition.

Rating: 8/10 (4 December 2016)

Yup, Mel Gibson (the director) is back, as he presents the true story of Conscientious Objector WWII medic Desmond Doss (well acted by Andrew Garfield "The Amazing Super-man" 2012), who served during the Battle of Okinawa without firing a shot and received the Medal of Honor. While the first part of the film is a bit of a cheesy set-up love story between Doss and Dorothy (Teresa Palmer "Break Point" 2015), the actual story that follows, Gibson's final battle scene, the writing by Robert Schenkkan and Andrew Knight, and the battle cinematography by Simon Duggan make the wait well worth the build-up. Unfortunately, Doss's reluctance to "bear arms" gets lost in the initial love story, until it become evident that this is the reason for the story. It also doesn't help that Vince Vaughan ("The Break-up" 2006") is completely miscast as Doss' s loud and confrontational Sgt. Howell. Vaughn looks out of place in this role, in both his presence and dialogue delivery. The same goes for many of the interactions Doss endures with his fellow barrack-mates, and the under utilized Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters" 2006- 2011) as Doss's mom. However, just when all seems "just another film," the battle begins and the film turns into breathtaking greatness. Much like the initial scenes in "Saving Private Ryan," when the battle and struggle begins one can only hold on for the experience that is presented. Both Garfield and Gibson could be a dark horses here for Lead Actor /Director recognition. Mel Gibson is back, at least as a director, and you should get reacquainted with him here again.