Hacksaw Ridge: A Masterpiece of War Filmmaking

Introduction

Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) was never someone that many people cared about while he was growing up in Lynchburg, Virginia. He went on his normal life until World War 2 started. Feeling that it isn’t right for him to stay home while others give his life, Desmond enlists to serve in the army as a combat medic. Desmond believes strongly that it is sinful to pick up and use a rifle. Therefore, when he gets to boot camp, the army is determined to make him pick up a rifle and fight.

After consistent refusal, the Army decides to make it near impossible for Desmond to survive in the Army. From evaluations, to beatings from his fellow privates, to even a court martial, Desmond continues to stay strong. And what he ends up doing at Hacksaw Ridge will change the course of history.

Ripe Apples

Desmond puts his Christian beliefs above everything else. Desmond believes that if he does not stand for his beliefs then he won’t be able to live with himself. Despite being constantly called to violate his beliefs, he always stands firm. His friends and family support him all the way, realizing what he is doing is important.

During Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond is seen saving many people from certain death. He is constantly seen putting other’s safety above his own. He consistently prays, “Lord, help me get one more.” Desmond realizes that he is at Hacksaw Ridge for a purpose and he wants to put a little bit of the world back together during these dark times.

Rotten Apples

This film earns it’s R rating through the war violence that is seen throughout this film. Gory scenes with blood, severed limbs, and guts are constantly seen on screen. People are shot, stabbed, and blown up in very violent ways. The film does a very accurate job at depicting what war really looks like and it easily makes this film 18+. People that don’t like the sight of blood will be very queasy as many people are killed and there are some very intense scenes.

There is a few scenes where men are seen shirtless. One man is depicted as naked and we see his bare backside, but no frontal nudity. We see one man recommend a ladies magazine. One couple is indicated to sleep together though we only see kissing for a moment. Crude jokes are made in boot camp.

We see many people drink and smoke. Desmond’s father was an abusive alcoholic that is seen beating his wife and acting drunk.

There is a lot of language in this film. There are no f bombs, however. The s word is used a few times. We hear the b word and d word used a few times as well. The h word is used a couple of times. This film has some language, but the main reason it was rated R was for the violence.

My Thoughts

Overall, this film was an amazing lesson that we should stick to what we believe. Desmond went through insane circumstances to stay to his beliefs. He easily could have picked up a rifle and gone on his way. But he didn’t. Desmond valued his beliefs and wasn’t about to back down on them. This is a crucial lesson for people to understand today. Our convictions is what makes us and individual, and we need to stick by our beliefs.

I also love seeing that Desmond’s family and friends support his decision and are proud of what he is doing. I love that Desmond was able to make a difference during the battle and it shows the Lord can use anyone, even someone who has no weapon in the middle of one of the bloodiest battles in World War 2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this film has a lot of violent content that makes it feel like it is set in war times. The filmmakers did a great job at making the film feel realistic. Overall, the film teaches and important lesson while telling a true story about a  true American hero. While the film is a great story, it’s even crazier to know that it actually happened. Desmond Doss was a real hero who saved about 75 injured men without firing a shot. I highly recommend that adults give this film a watch as it is an amazing and moving film.

Hacksaw Ridge | Blu-ray, DVD, Digital