How sad is this?
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
View MoreI wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.
View MoreThis is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.
View MoreMel Gibson has put together what is basically an Australian film, revealing in the extra materials that he is looking for heightened truth to achieve clarity. And indeed, everything here is writ large - from the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains (or convincing Australian substitutes thereof), to the awe-inspiring wonder and purity of the love interest in the film between Desmond Doss (as superbly played by Brit Andrew Garfield) and Dorothy Schutte (played with total commitment by a simply exquisite Teresa Palmer), to the spectacle of the drunken-aggressive-shellshocked apparently-hopeless WWI veteran that is Doss's father stepping back into uniform and pulling himself together to save his son from court-martial; and through to some of the strongest and most trully appalling battle scenes you have ever seen - in what is an amazing and shocking contrast with the earlier part of the film, if only a confirmation of the message about war Doss received from his broken father (here played wonderfully by Hugo Weaving). And yet, as the credits approach and we see the real-life versions of the characters portrayed in the film, we know that truth is indeed being presented here, a truth that committed Christian Gibson is trying to tell us is also the truth of God - and 7th Day Adventist-conscientious objector Doss would certainly have no doubt about that; and he went to Okinawa refusing to fight or touch a weapon, yet determined to be with his comrades in the absolute heat of battle, and to save lives - which he did indeed do, again and again and again and again. Seeing the recreation of the Hacksaw Ridge slaughter one might anticipate that literally nobody could get out alive, and - since not every battlefield was fortunate enough to have had its Desmond Doss - a further behind-the-scenes star of this film is of course the one called "Enola Gay" - somewhat sad (if inevitable) to think of that given the bravery and heroism in the midst of the slaughter, but slaughter it undoubtedly was. Ultimately, intolerable slaughter.Needless to say, the portrayal of Doss's military training is an uncomfortable one for the viewer, yet there are truly magnificent scenes when Officers, Sergeants and men first begin to get an inkling of the man of true, stubbornly steadfast conviction they are dealing with. The way the behaviour begins slightly to change in the direction of first admiration is immaculate acting in and of itself, most especially from Vince Vaughn as Sgt. Howell. Yes, really, this is that Vince Vaughn, and what he produces here is an absolute peak of achievement.Once again, "Hacksaw Ridge" draws inspiration (potentially even divine inspiration) from its utterly amazing subject-matter. Perhaps it would indeed be difficult to make a bad film out of this story. But in the hands of Gibson, some really great actors and special effects guys absolutely going above and beyond anything you can think of, this film is a moving, awe-inspiring, shocking TRIUMPH. Required viewing, if far from easy to view!
View MoreMore than place (Hacksaw Ridge) where the war was fought, this movie highlights is the medic Desmond Doss who saved numerous lives without carrying a gun or firing a shot. It makes me say a quote 'Faith in humanity restored'.I find Oscars overrated, but here -this movie has won two Oscars, which makes me say, 'Faith in Oscars restored'.The movie comes from the director Mel Gibson, the one who directed the passion of the Christ and apocalypto. He stands new coming into my conscience and what I would like to say is he is one hell of a director.Final Verdict: Movie coming from a director who understands faith so well is a reason why justice is done to the subject so nicely. Even if you are not a part of country involved in war shown in this movie, please watch it for the humanity of Desmond Doss.
View MoreThis movie was among one of the most emotionally charged films I've seen in a long time. I encourage everyone to watch this. It's both sad and heart warming at the same time. Such bravery in the face of danger. Such courage in the line of duty and under fire.This film is incredible in every respect, from the excellent acting, to the cinematic experience of brutal reality, to the moral character exhibited, to the visual aesthetic, and to the auditory experiences.This film will prove to you that good movies do exist in modern times, despite the overwhelming number of movies that would suggest something to the contrary.You'll want some kleenex to wipe away your eyes, because anyone with half a heart will find this so emotionally moving that tears are bound to drip from them.This movie starts out slow, builds up the character, and goes on to prove everyone wrong about their suppositions of what kind of man Desmond Doss was. He proves himself a hero, in spite of his refusal to bear arms.Watch this, and honor those who have passed. War is not a pleasant experience. Perhaps with films such as these we can be reminded of all that has been sacrificed by those before us, and learn, and strive for a better tomorrow.
View MoreA story of a man whose actions speak louder than his words. Andrew Garfield's performance is the cherry on top of the visual masterpiece Sunday. Warning. This movie isn't for the faint of heart, but worth the grueling journey.
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