So powerful it is tear inducing

Rating: 8/10 (19 March 2017)

Based on a true story, Hacksaw ridge is the story of a young man with incredible courage and unshakable faith. Having almost killed his brother and his father in two separate incidents Desmond made a pack with God ― thy shall not kill. Not only does he hold to this, he will not touch a firearm. The problem is, WWII has broken out and he has enlisted in the US army. As a Conscientious Objector, Desmond is beaten, harassed and court martialled. Quoting the constitution, his father, a veteran of WWI, convinces the military court to not only re- frame for jailing his son for disobeying a direct order, but to let him fight. Trained as a field medic, Desmond is sent to Japan to help fight the war.
The idea that a medic would remaining behind on an horrific battle front swarming with Japanese soldiers who do not give quarter, would seem implausible, if it were not true. Armed with only an unshakable faith in God, Desmond rescues seventy-five men. Not only does he drag them across the front line, but he lowers them down a cliff-face on a rope. Desmond, is the only Conscientious Objector to receive a medal of hour for bravery.
The story is well told and moves along at a fast pace. It is however, graphically violent and not for the fainthearted. If you have a strong stomach, this film is so powerful it is tear inducing. It is easily one of the best war films I have seen since Saving Private Ryan. I highly recommend it.