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This is the first film directed by Mel Gibson I have seen and completed since watching Braveheart on a coach during my 1997 coach trip in Paris. Overall this is his first directed film in 10 years since Apocalypto (2006). This has received standing ovations and rave reviews in key film festivals of 2016 and billed as his comeback film since the controversies since his last film on Christian beliefs (the divisive Passion of the Christ (2004)). It is important to stress that the film is not a triumph of the Christian fundamentalism of the Christian Right.
Here we have Andrew Garfield in his most significant role since leaving his Spider-Man Cape. Here he plays the first conscious objector Desmond Doss even before Muhammad Ali’s protest against the Vietnam War. The unique story of a man who would not bear arms during World War Two which was humanity greatest conflict which brought the best and worst in our greatest generation. He is supported by a great stellar cast with Vince Vaughn (in a non-comedic role but very effective as a leader), Sam Worthington, Rachel Griffiths and Hugo Weaving as the alcoholic father who is also a First World War Veteran. Ultimately this is Andrew Garfield’s performance which the film is built to revolve around who has given both Casey Affleck and Ryan Gosling a real run for their money in the Oscars Best Actor category.
The story of Desmond in terms of his character development is extremely well constructed. We see elements of his conflicts with his father and God on why he chooses to become a pacifist. The scenes are very well acted. The humorous moments in the boot camp including a naked soldier called Hollywood brings us to the comedic element to ensure that the film is not too grim or serious. The interpretation of Christianity also comes into play in the chemistry between Garfield and Worthington. Many have seen this as a very violent film in terms of a depiction of a pacifist. However, Gibson masterfully grasps the need to make the war intense for the audience to sense the intensity and importance of the war battle against Japan on Hacksaw Ridge.
Hacksaw Ridge is arguably the best film since Saving Private Ryan (1998). However, it is not for the squeamish as the violent scenes featured are featured ten times as much as shown in Private Ryan in the D Day battle on Omaha beach. Pacifists and war medics are not often celebrated in Hollywood or America for that matter. However, is it very refreshing to see such a film. Some relationships are underdeveloped such as Doss’ relationships with his brother and his fiancé. However, the film is a must see in the cinema. .
Here we have Andrew Garfield in his most significant role since leaving his Spider-Man Cape. Here he plays the first conscious objector Desmond Doss even before Muhammad Ali’s protest against the Vietnam War. The unique story of a man who would not bear arms during World War Two which was humanity greatest conflict which brought the best and worst in our greatest generation. He is supported by a great stellar cast with Vince Vaughn (in a non-comedic role but very effective as a leader), Sam Worthington, Rachel Griffiths and Hugo Weaving as the alcoholic father who is also a First World War Veteran. Ultimately this is Andrew Garfield’s performance which the film is built to revolve around who has given both Casey Affleck and Ryan Gosling a real run for their money in the Oscars Best Actor category.
The story of Desmond in terms of his character development is extremely well constructed. We see elements of his conflicts with his father and God on why he chooses to become a pacifist. The scenes are very well acted. The humorous moments in the boot camp including a naked soldier called Hollywood brings us to the comedic element to ensure that the film is not too grim or serious. The interpretation of Christianity also comes into play in the chemistry between Garfield and Worthington. Many have seen this as a very violent film in terms of a depiction of a pacifist. However, Gibson masterfully grasps the need to make the war intense for the audience to sense the intensity and importance of the war battle against Japan on Hacksaw Ridge.
Hacksaw Ridge is arguably the best film since Saving Private Ryan (1998). However, it is not for the squeamish as the violent scenes featured are featured ten times as much as shown in Private Ryan in the D Day battle on Omaha beach. Pacifists and war medics are not often celebrated in Hollywood or America for that matter. However, is it very refreshing to see such a film. Some relationships are underdeveloped such as Doss’ relationships with his brother and his fiancé. However, the film is a must see in the cinema. .