Hacksaw Ridge

Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful and inspiring war drama film that hit the theatres in 2016, directed by the acclaimed actor and director Mel Gibson. This engrossing movie showcases the prowess of several top shelf Hollywood actors, including Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, and Luke Bracey.

In this narrative, Andrew Garfield plays the role of Desmond T. Doss, a pacifist with deep convictions who signs up to serve in the military during World War II, but refuses to bear arms or kill due to his religious beliefs. Garfield is truly magnificent in this role, and his performance instills in the viewer a profound sense of sympathy, anguish, and respect for the war-time medic, who saved the lives of 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa, without firing a single shot.

Sam Worthington dons the role of Captain Jack Glover, Doss's superior officer within the 77th Infantry Division who initially doubts Doss's suitability for the war. As the battalion sergeant, Luke Bracey conjures a powerful and realistic portrayal, adding structure and depth to the ensemble of actors. Bracey, along with the stellar supporting cast, serves to highlight the tense and brutal realities of war that contrast sharply with Doss’s pacifist beliefs.

Hacksaw Ridge masterfully explores the theme of pacifism in the face of violence. It not only gives us a window into an historical event, but it also creates a rich, human depiction of a man grappling with his deeply held beliefs against the backdrop of the brutality of war. The movie's visual style is intense and vivacious, with sensational war sequences that are simultaneously tragic, horrifying, and beautiful. The war scenes are reminiscent of the stark realism that is a signature of Mel Gibson’s directorial style.

Hacksaw Ridge doesn't shy away from the gritty details: it shows us the blood, the chaos, and the horror that is war, which serves to elevate the impact of Doss's pacifist stance. Yet the movie is more than just a war film; it's also a personal journey. It delves deep into Doss's life: his childhood, his romance with his beloved wife Dorothy, played by Teresa Palmer, and the events that shaped his devout Seventh-day Adventist faith. The film analyzes the metamorphosis of Doss from an innocent, small-town boy into a war-time hero who not only survives the hell of war but also saves numerous lives in the process.

The narrative progression of the film is not rushed; it takes its time to build the setting, introducing its characters and laying the foundation of the unconventional beliefs that drive the story. As viewers, we journey with Doss through his struggles right from his home in Virginia, to his tumultuous experiences in boot camp, and onto the brutal battlefield of Okinawa.

The cinematography is breathtaking, utilizing a vast array of techniques to truly immerse the viewers into the chaos of battle and the emotional exploration of the characters. The soundscape pays incredible attention to detail: the deafening explosions, the sounds of battle, and the roaring of impending danger all elevate the sensory experience of the film.

Fundamentally, Hacksaw Ridge is a haunting war drama that doesn't seek to glorify war, but rather highlights the cost of it. It's a film about bravery, conviction, and the power of faith in face of unspeakable adversity. The potent combination of incredible performances, rich storytelling, and finely-tuned aesthetics make Hacksaw Ridge a cinematic masterpiece that holds the viewers gripped from start to end. The film stands as a testament to the extraordinary courage of a man who stood by his conviction and braved the horror of war, armed solely with his faith and a strong moral compass. In this way, the movie serves both as a dramatic retelling of history and a powerful exploration of faith, sacrifice and human dignity.