Mel Gibson has come back
from personal controversy to reassert his directorial prowess in Hacksaw Ridge, the incredible, true story of a conscientious objector during World War
II who wanted to enlist for his country but would not kill a human being.
When the war starts, Desmond
Doss (Andrew Garfield) volunteers for active duty, but in basic training, Doss’
beliefs and refusal to pick up a rifle lead to a clash with his commanders and
the contempt of his fellow soldiers. As an unarmed medic, Doss and his group
participate in The Battle of Okinawa. As soldiers fall around him, amid the
horror of ground warfare, Doss tries to save as many comrades as possible. When
U.S. forces retreat from the ridge, what
happens next is beyond belief as Doss, physically exhausted, refuses to let
anyone perish and left behind as he rescues dozens on men single handedly amid
Japanese fire.
Garfield is wonderful portraying Doss’ wide eyed innocence while
conveying his deep faith and determination under fire; what shines through is
the man’s simple decency. There are strong parallels with Sergeant York whose war hero also objected
to fighting in war.
He is surrounded by
strong cast members including Theresa Palmer as his girlfriend, Hugo Weaving as
his tortured father, Vince Vaughn, and Sam Worthington.
At times old fashioned
and despite a bit of overkill in its graphic
Saving Private Ryan type of violence,
this is a well-paced, splendid war film that singles out the courage and
conviction of a real life war hero whose wartime deeds and sacrifice carry quite
the emotional impact and become overwhelming
pathos in the end.
***1/2 of **** stars
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