War Hero Without a Gun

          It’s been ten years since Mel Gibson’s directed a movie, 2006’s Apocalypto, and there’s a reason for that. In the decade since, Gibson became an unfortunate pariah for a series of controversies. And so Hacksaw Ridge is being seen as his attempt at a comeback and when looking at a movie from this kind of director, it’s important to separate the art from the artist. Regardless of Gibson’s reputation, does Hacksaw Ridge stand as a great movie?
          Though the title is Hacksaw Ridge, the story is really about Desmond Doss, famous not only as the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honour, but also for the fact that due to his devout religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist, he never carried a weapon into combat. After setting up his childhood and obligatory falling in love, the story follows his enlisting to be a medic, the ordeal he goes through during boot camp to avoid being discharged for refusing to handle a gun, and eventually his service in the Second World War, though focussing only on his actions during the Battle of Okanawa in the Pacific campaign.
          What sets Hacksaw Ridge apart from other war movies is the convictions of its main character being at odds with the status quo of military procedure. And it is very interesting seeing how dedicated Doss is to his beliefs despite the threat of discharge or court martial. A large part of the film is focussed on his fight against the system as well as how it affects his relationship with his unit. It’s very obvious of course that they’re going to become closer, as is customary with underdog stories, and though based on a real story this one nonetheless goes in a few predictable directions. At least during that first half. But the film does maintain its accuracy to Doss’ character almost to a fault. There are moments where the movie can’t help but be a bit preachy, Doss is after all a devoted Christian; but it doesn’t make the mistake of so many other faith-based movies (including one of Gibsons’ previous films) that it vilifies those who don’t share his beliefs. And it never supersedes the significance of this character’s journey and actions, that in the end it really just comes off as honest.
          Andrew Garfield is spectacular as Desmond Doss. For anyone wondering if his career would suffer after losing Spider-Man (a role he played very well, if the movies themselves were pretty lacklustre), they don’t need to worry. He commits incredibly to this role both as the awkward bumpkin and as the shocked but courageous field medic. At times it feels that his heroism is too unbelievable, that he’s being portrayed as too much of a saint, but most of these acts are true to history as the film itself eventually points out in a very affective way. And Garfield’s almost guaranteed an Oscar nomination for this performance. He’s surrounded by a pretty good cast too. We haven’t seen Sam Worthington in a while but he’s very good as Doss’ unit captain. Vince Vaughn is also surprisingly good in a dramatic role as the sergeant (though for the basic training portion he seems too eager to channel R. Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket). Theresa Palmer, Luke Bracey, and Rachel Griffiths are decent, Richard Roxburgh is awesome to see, and Hugo Weaving is pretty tremendous as Doss’ father, a sometimes violent alcoholic who lost most of his friends in the First World War. His character is in fact a great illustration of the traumatic repercussions such a conflict could have. 
          The film is at its best when its portraying the war itself though. As interesting as Doss’ struggle beforehand may be, it’s Doss’ actions during battle that justify the existence of this movie. The whole assault which involves climbing an escarpment (the titular “Hacksaw Ridge”) to where the Japanese are stationed some miles from the cliff-face is brutal and impactful. It’s obvious Gibson saw Saving Private Ryan before making this movie, as this chapter takes a lot of cues from the Omaha Beach landing that opened that film. There’s violent imagery and a sense of perfect hopelessness that captures the reality of the situation. And though a few devices like a couple overdone kills, and I’m not kidding, jump scares aren’t needed, it’s still visually arresting. You also vividly feel the threat to Doss, being the only man there without a gun. While you may think watching it unfold he’s insane for not carrying one, there’s a very good pacifist theme in how much he’s able to accomplish by not resorting to killing.
          And coming at a time of the year when remembering to cherish peace is vital, I think seeing these themes in Hacksaw Ridge is really important.