An extraordinary man, with an extraordinary tale

Rating: 8/10 (5 February 2017)

Bravery comes in many forms, especially during times of war. Desmond Doss' story is one that makes us re-assess the truest form of it. An extraordinary man, with an extraordinary tale, it's difficult not to be drawn to his story.
Hacksaw Ridge is the nickname given to the 400 foot cliff 'Maeda Escarpment', a stronghold for the Japanese's defence of Okiwana. Known as the bloodiest battle of the Pacific, the capture of Hacksaw Ridge was vital to the battle of Okiwana. In April 1945, a young combat medic Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield – 'Silence'), was one of those deployed to conquer the ridge.
Shy and taciturn, Garfield suited the role of Doss very well. If you took one look at Doss, we would most likely immediately write him off as a war hero. He is the unlikeliest of heroes, in much contrast to Garfield's previous character of the 'Amazing Spiderman'. He has no super powers here, instead, his 'power' stems from his unwavering faith in his religious beliefs and his unbridled valour in putting other men before himself. Garfield has proved that he could handle serious roles with '99 Homes', and in this film, he advances his capabilities further and demonstrated incredible inner strength despite his slim build.
As a fervent Seventh - day Adventist, Doss is tenaciously committed to the Ten Commandments, and vowed to never pick up a weapon. As a result, in his training at Fort Jackson, he endured horrendous abuse and bullying from other men. Ironically, he was despised for his 'cowardice'. Even his commanding officers loathed him and attempted to court martial him for refusing to obeying orders of handling a firearm. Undeterred by this, Doss remained resolute, and not once did he show hatred towards those that hurt him. Even if you're not a believer, you cannot help but be moved by his kindness and faith.
After 10 years break, director Mel Gibson ('Braveheart', 'Passion of the Christ') returns once again with a gritty war epic. Gibson does not shy away from the sheer brutality and violence of the battles, and showcases in gruesome detail, the ruthless and unforgiving nature of war. The battle scenes are bold and excruciatingly honest, closely reminiscent of the beach landing scenes of 'Saving Private Ryan'. Death is quick and fleeting, but its wounds are lasting. Gibson tells war stories as it is, and in my opinion, it is necessary. It prompts us to think, how much courage would this man have to save so many men in circumstances like this?
Screenwriters Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan take their time sketching the character of Doss, steadily adding additional elements about his childhood, personality and relationships. Despite its central focus on Doss, the film does manage to develop a few memorable characters, including Doss' wife Dorothy (Teresa Palmer), Sgt Howell (Vince Vaughn) and Smitty Ryker (Luke Bracey). I particularly enjoyed the caricatures Vaughn had for his men. Hugo Weaving was convincing as Doss' father – a veteran of WWI suffering from PTSD related alcoholism and depression.
Doss is famously credited with saving 75 men from Hacksaw Ridge, without firing a single shot. For his bravery, he became the first conscientious objector (though he calls himself a conscientious co-operator) to receive the Medal of Honour. After watching this film, you would feel he undoubtedly deserved it.
Sometimes heroes themselves don't feel like heroes. They feel they're merely doing what they think is right. Doss never took glory for his actions, he believes he did what he did was because of God. At Hacksaw, all you hear him say was 'Please Lord, help me save one more'. The ones he saved were never enough, he just wanted to save one more – much like Oskar Schindler. The courage of these men were unfathomable. After all they have accomplished, all they could think about were still not of themselves, but of others. Hacksaw Ridge was a tribute to those heroes.