Film: Hacksaw Ridge

GENRE: Biography, Drama

RATING: R for grisly war violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 11 minutes

STARRING: Andrew Garfield (Amazing Spiderman, Social Network)

Vince Vaughn (Dodgeball, Swingers), Hugo Weaving (Matrix, LOTR)

DIRECTOR: Mel Gibson (Braveheart, Apocalypto, Passion of the Christ)

WRITERS: Robert Schenkkan (All the Way, The Pacific)

Andrew Knight (UK TV shows)

PLOT: A true story about a religious medic who saves numerous lives in the Battle of Okinawa without firing a single bullet.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Didn’t know anything about Desmond Doss.

STORY STUFF: This true story is simply amazing. It is hard not to be inspired by the thoughts and actions of Desmond Doss. I really liked how it wasn't too overly patriotic with American flags and 'we'll save the world' attitude. The movie also bravely does not shy away from the religious aspects of the story. Honestly, this is one of the best films I’ve seen so far this year. Thank you Mel Gibson for directing again (it’s been 10 years). 

ACTING STUFF: Garfield is perfectly cast in this film. He has the cheesy and dopey stuff down pat for the beginning and then pulls you in with his earnestness and commitment. Wow! I also really enjoyed Vaughn’s role as Doss’ sergeant. He did seem a little too soft at times, but I did enjoy the humour and seriousness he brought to the role. Unlike Saving Private Ryan, I did not really feel connected to the rest of Doss’ company. Couldn’t really tell who was who in battle and therefore may have missed out on some great character stuff.

ARTISTIC STUFF: The battle sequences seem to be an homage to Saving Private Ryan’s storming of the beach and most of the fight sequences from Band of Brothers. Not bad company to be in. However, there are some pretty schmaltzy visuals both before the fighting begins (during the love story) and some near the end, much like Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor. I would almost say that if you changed five of the schmaltziest images (like the water pouring scene), you may have a near-perfect movie. I was impressed.

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You want to be inspired and can handle war films

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Fantastic Beasts, Arrival