Hacksaw Ridge is a war movie based on a true story. It is
set during the Pacific Campaign of World War II when U.S.A. already joined the
Allied Forces against the Japanese Imperial Forces. Unlike any war movie, it
made a hero of a conscientious objector who refuses to carry a firearm.
 |
| Photo credit: Columbia Pictures |
I find it peculiar because the objector Desmond Doss(played by Andrew Garfield) is a
Seventh Day Adventist but he wanted to serve the country but he still wanted to
enlist and serve his country as a medic. You may also find it weird because he
also has an obligation to defend himself and there are lot of soldiers who are
depending on a medic so it’s a symbiotic arrangement.
But despite the persecutions, Doss still is guilty of
disobeying an order. But he was able to do what no person, armed or unarmed, was
able to do in enemy lines. After Braveheart and The Passion of The Christ,
director Mel Gibson was able to tell another epic that can inspire many people
whether you are religious or not.
Mel Gibson was able to show what was it like in the warfront
especially what the soldiers look like when Doss was helping out the soldiers.
If you have a weak stomach, I advise not to eat much before watching because it
is grossly visual but essential for the story.
This movie is also a mind opener because besides the Seventh
Day Adventists and the Quakers, we don’t know which religious denomination is
also a pacifist because there are some religious sects that is more citizen to
their religion or church than their own country.
The reason why I wanted to watch Hacksaw Ridge because it
also got many nominations for the Academy Awards and the movie didn’t
disappoint me because I also share Doss’ sentiments but unlike him, if I were
enlisted, I will carry a gun but hope I may not able to fire it unless
necessary.
Don’t leave during the credits because it will also show
footages from the surviving characters portrayed in the movie.
The movie is also an all-star cast including Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn which I never expected in a non-comedy movie and more. What do you think of Desmond Doss' convictions? Do you share his sentiments or not? Feel free to share it in the comments below. For more movie reviews or commentaries, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.
