Once I heard earlier this year that Mel Gibson had a new directorial
effort coming out, I knew it would be a must see film for me. Even
though he has made few films from behind the camera, they are all
arguably very good or great films. The man knows how to tell a story -
and typically quite violent ones. Gibson's last film as director was
Apocalypto (2006). Hacksaw Ridge has been worth the wait.
Andrew
Garfield stars as Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist that enlisted in
WWII as a conscientious objector. He refused to carry a gun and kill
the enemy, instead he wanted to help soldiers as a medical officer. What
plays out on screen is not necessarily a religious story, but more the
story of one man adhering to his convictions in the midst of an
extremely harrowing part of history.
The film is comprised of two
distinct sections. The first half is the introduction of the Desmond
and his family life. We see him fall in love and decide to enlist. The
second half is the war, and this is where the what may be perceived as a
slow first half comes full circle. If you think you have experienced
intense war films - think again.
Blood, guts, bullets, dirt,
sweat, emotion and every nightmare (literally) of war is realised to
perfection. Doss and his fellow soldiers in hell on Hacksaw Ridge. The
performances throughout and especially in the war scenes are impressive.
Garfield himself is outstanding, and I will be shocked if he doesn't
see some recognition for his role come award season.
Gibson takes
us deep into the belly of the beast that is war. Not only is this film
an overall amazing production, the depiction of Desmond's story and the
the emotional journey ensures you can't just let it go when you leave
the cinema. All hail the return of Mel Gibson - I for one, am so glad he is back.
4.5/5
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