Hacksaw Ridge Movie Review
It is the stuff of legends. A man, armed with nothing more than his faith and a hacksaw, who single-handedly saves hundreds of soldiers on an incredibly dangerous mission. Sounds like a fantasy? It isn’t. This is the true story behind “Hacksaw Ridge”, a film that has captured the hearts and minds of viewers across the world.
This movie follows the inspiring story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who refused to bear arms but nonetheless volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. With courage and determination, Doss fought against all odds to save 75 men from certain death in Okinawa’s Maeda Escarpment — also known as Hacksaw Ridge — without ever bearing a weapon himself.
The film, directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield as Doss, has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike for its gripping portrayal of courage under fire and its heartwarming account of human resilience in times of war. In this article, we will be looking at “Hacksaw Ridge” in more detail, exploring why it has become such a hit with viewers worldwide.
1. Overview Of Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Amidst the horrors of war, a story of courage and bravery stands out. Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful movie that tells the true story of Private Desmond Doss, who refused to bear arms in World War II but still went on to save the lives of over 75 of his fellow soldiers. It’s a story that has been told before but never with such emotional intensity and visual brilliance.
The film follows Doss’ journey from his childhood in Virginia, through his training at Fort Jackson, and finally onto the battlefields of Okinawa. Mel Gibson’s direction captures the brutality of war while never losing sight of the human cost. The performances are all outstanding especially Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss; his performance radiates humanity and strength in equal measure.
The narrative structure is well-crafted and engaging, leading us on Desmond’s journey with an ever-increasing sense of tension and suspense until its stunning conclusion. By focusing on one man’s bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, Hacksaw Ridge proves that even under extreme pressure courage can prevail. Now let’s move on to analyze how this inspiring story was told through its characters and plot points.
2. Analysis Of The Film’s Story And Characters
Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful story about the courage and self-sacrifice of combat medic Desmond Doss. The film follows the events in his life leading up to, during, and after the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. The story and characters are particularly moving due to the authenticity of their development.
The complexity of the relationships between Desmond and his immediate family members is especially noteworthy. The film features an emotionally charged dynamic between him and his father, Tom Doss, who was a decorated veteran of World War I. It also captures how his mother’s faith helps him cope with traumatic experiences on the battlefield.
His relationship with his brother Hal provides an additional layer of tension as both brothers struggle to make sense of their vastly different worlds. All these relationships provide insight into Desmond’s motivations for joining the army and going against military regulations by refusing to carry a weapon into battle.
The film’s portrayal of Desmond’s journey is incredibly moving, making it easy for viewers to empathize with his struggle. It highlights how one person can make a huge impact despite being severely outnumbered by enemy forces. This is an inspiring tale that demonstrates how even small acts of bravery can have immense implications on history. As we move forward in our analysis, we will now look at how Hacksaw Ridge was crafted through its cinematography and editing choices.
3. Discussion Of The Cinematography And Editing
The cinematography and editing of Hacksaw Ridge is a brilliant tapestry, weaving together the brutal violence of war with the courage of one man’s moral convictions. As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on an emotional roller coaster ride as they experience the intensity of battle scenes and the quiet moments of reflection.
The film’s use of documentary-style footage and still photographs to tell its story is effective in capturing the chaotic nature of war. Intercutting between these visual elements and dramatic scenes creates tension that keeps viewers engaged throughout. The juxtaposition between the beauty of natural landscapes and the terror and destruction found in battle makes for some striking visuals.
Additionally, the sound design helps to further bring this world alive by immersing viewers in gunfire, explosions, and even birds chirping in peaceful moments.
The editing also plays an important role in conveying emotions during key sequences. With its quick pacing, it can create a sense of urgency while also creating moments for characters to pause and reflect before going back into action. This combination allows us to get an intimate look at how these characters react to each situation they find themselves in. It’s through these techniques that we come to understand what drives them forward — courage and conviction.
4. Assessing The Acting Performances
One of the key aspects that makes a movie great is the acting performance. In Hacksaw Ridge, an impressive 94% of the cast was comprised of Australian and New Zealand actors. This made for some truly authentic performances which helped to bring the story to life.
The lead role in Hacksaw Ridge was played by Andrew Garfield, who gave an incredible performance as a man driven by his faith and convictions. He brought such emotion and intensity to his part and it was quite moving.
Other strong performances included those from Hugo Weaving and Sam Worthington as Desmond’s father and sergeant respectively, as well as Teresa Palmer who plays his love interest. All these actors did a great job at helping to make this story so memorable and poignant. With their efforts, Hacksaw Ridge has been nominated for many awards including Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
Thanks to all these wonderful performances, Hacksaw Ridge is sure to be remembered for years to come as one of the most powerful films ever made about war.
5. Final Thoughts On Hacksaw Ridge
Finally, Hacksaw Ridge is the most highly acclaimed film of 2016. It’s a movie about a man who doesn’t believe in violence but still bravely serves his country through WW2. But what are our final thoughts on this epic war drama?
Satire aside, Hacksaw Ridge is a well-crafted and powerful war movie. It’s filled with beautiful cinematography, spectacular acting performances, and an unforgettable story that shows us why we should never forget the horrors of war. The film also delivers an inspiring message that no matter how difficult life may be, you can always find strength in yourself. It’s clear to see why it won two Academy Awards and was nominated for several others.
In short, Hacksaw Ridge is a must-see movie for anyone who wants to be reminded of the courage and heroism of ordinary people during times of conflict. Its strong script and committed performances make it one of the best films of recent years and leave viewers with both hope and sorrow. This is definitely a movie worth watching – so go watch it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hacksaw Ridge is a masterful film that should be seen by all. The story and characters are compelling, the cinematography and editing are top-notch, and the acting performances are compelling. I cannot think of another film in recent memory that has moved me as Hacksaw Ridge did. Every aspect of this movie was expertly crafted to create an unforgettable experience.
It was truly one of the most emotionally powerful films I have ever seen. It was so moving that it left me with chills running down my spine for hours afterward. This is one movie that will stay with me long after the credits have rolled. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as you can – you won’t regret it!
