The true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, a conscientious objector to the heart. Owing to psychological stress and religious views in early life. Propels the story into a stance against arms by joining the army as a medic against all odds.
Brutally brought through his training at boot camp. And fighting the military establishment, to remain in the forces. Against an aggressive backlash by the military during training. Repeatedly refusing to bear arms for moral reasons in WW2 he wins his rights, even under the pressure of a court banding against him.
Pfc. Desmond T. Doss eventually hits the battlefield at Okinawa and climbs the ladder to true glory. His continuous support of his fellow soldiers under fire is miraculous. As grenades, bullets and mashed up bodies fly around the battlefield with realistic and bloody gore, so true of director Mel. Gibson’s films.
Bloody and mashed bodies are brought back to hope of life by Doss, as he drags, hides and slowly saves 75 individuals; dragging them through mud to safety down ropes of a wall to a medal of honour, in the gruesome bloodiness of ageless human suspense as they scream for life, without armed support.
Who indeed are the heroes, Doss, or those retreating forces, came to my mind throughout the battle of pointless loss of life. And really do arms portray success more so in the propagandised style of WW2 or a true hero bearing a bag of the medical aid of life?
The medal of honour answers that question so clearly that it hits you in the face. If you like the bloody gore of war or the peace stance of a medic of medical glory this film is for you!
4 out of 5 stars.
Hacksaw Ridge
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