HACKSAW RIDGE (2016)

Summary:

Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful biographical war drama that chronicles the extraordinary true story of Desmond T. Doss, a conscientious objector who, despite his unwavering refusal to carry a weapon, served as a medic in the United States Army during World War II. The film vividly portrays Doss's early life, his deeply held Seventh-day Adventist beliefs that forbade him from taking a human life, and the immense persecution he faced from fellow soldiers and officers during basic training for his stance. Despite being labeled a coward and facing a court-martial, Doss remained steadfast in his conviction to serve his country as a non-combatant.

The narrative culminates in the brutal Battle of Okinawa, specifically the Maeda Escarpment, known as Hacksaw Ridge. Amidst unimaginable carnage and under relentless enemy fire, Doss single-handedly saved the lives of 75 wounded men, lowering them one by one down the treacherous cliff face after his company was forced to retreat. His astonishing acts of courage and selflessness earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the first conscientious objector in American history to receive the nation's highest military award, all without ever firing a shot. The film is a testament to faith, conviction, and the profound impact of one individual's moral courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Keywords: Hacksaw Ridge, 2016, Andrew Garfield, Mel Gibson, War, Drama, Biographical, Desmond T. Doss, World War II, Conscientious Objector, Okinawa, Medal of Honor.

Plot:

The film opens in Lynchburg, Virginia, depicting the formative years of Desmond Doss. Raised in a devout Seventh-day Adventist household, Desmond and his brother Hal experience a tumultuous home life under their alcoholic, World War I veteran father, Tom Doss, who suffers from severe PTSD. An early incident where Desmond nearly kills Hal with a brick after a fight, combined with witnessing a framed image of the Ten Commandments, deeply instills in him the sanctity of life and the commandment "Thou Shalt Not Kill." Years later, Desmond's strong moral compass is further solidified when he saves a man from falling off a jacked-up car, showcasing his innate desire to help others. He meets and falls in love with Dorothy Schutte, a nurse, and their relationship blossoms amidst the looming shadow of World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Desmond feels a strong calling to serve his country, not as a soldier to kill, but as a medic to save lives, a decision driven by his faith and his desire to contribute without compromising his beliefs.

Desmond enlists in the Army, much to the dismay of his parents and Dorothy, who fear for his safety. During basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, his refusal to handle a rifle or participate in weapons training immediately sets him apart and makes him an outcast. He is relentlessly bullied and ostracized by his fellow soldiers, including the antagonistic Smitty Ryker, and subjected to brutal hazing. His drill sergeant, Sergeant Howell, and his commanding officer, Captain Glover, view him as a liability, a coward, and a disruption to unit morale. They attempt to have him discharged for insubordination and mental instability, even resorting to a court-martial. Despite immense pressure, Desmond steadfastly refuses to compromise his principles, stating that he cannot take a life but is willing to give his own to save others. On the day of his court-martial, his father, Tom, intervenes by presenting a letter from a former commanding general, a friend from his own WWI service, demanding that Desmond's rights as a conscientious objector be respected. The court-martial is dismissed, and Desmond is allowed to continue his service as an unarmed medic, much to the begrudging acceptance of his superiors and some of his comrades.

Desmond's unit, the 77th Infantry Division, 307th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, Company B, is deployed to Okinawa, Japan, tasked with assaulting the Maeda Escarpment, a 400-foot cliff known as Hacksaw Ridge. The initial ascent is treacherous, and the battle that ensues is a horrifying maelstrom of bullets, grenades, and flamethrowers. The Japanese defenders are deeply entrenched and fight with fanatical resolve. Doss, armed only with his medical kit and his Bible, courageously tends to the wounded under heavy fire, earning a grudging respect from some of his fellow soldiers who witness his selfless acts. During the first major assault, the American forces suffer massive casualties, and the sheer brutality of the fighting takes a heavy toll. The scene is one of utter chaos and carnage, with bodies littering the landscape and the air thick with the smell of gunpowder and blood. Desmond moves fearlessly through the chaos, patching up wounds, administering aid, and offering comfort to the dying.

The next morning, the Japanese launch a ferocious counter-attack, forcing the American forces to retreat from the ridge. Captain Glover gives the order to fall back, believing the position is untenable. Amidst the desperate retreat, Desmond finds himself alone on the ridge, surrounded by wounded men who would surely die if left behind. Driven by his unwavering faith and an internal vow to save "just one more," he makes the extraordinary decision to stay. Under constant enemy fire, he begins a perilous one-man rescue operation. He drags, carries, and lowers wounded soldiers one by one down the cliff face using a rope system he improvises. Each rescue is a harrowing ordeal, requiring immense physical strength, courage, and ingenuity, as he navigates booby traps, hidden Japanese soldiers, and the relentless hail of bullets and artillery shells. He repeatedly prays, "Please Lord, help me get one more," as he searches for survivors in the gruesome battlefield.

Throughout the night and into the next day, Doss systematically searches the battlefield, finding both American and Japanese wounded. He tends to their injuries and, against all odds, manages to lower 75 men to safety, including Smitty Ryker, who had previously tormented him, and Captain Glover, who had once called him a coward. His actions become a legend among the retreating soldiers, who watch in disbelief as bodies continue to appear at the base of the ridge. Captain Glover, initially skeptical, witnesses Desmond's heroism firsthand when he sees him risking his life to save his men. The Japanese, believing the Americans have retreated, launch another massive counter-attack. Doss is eventually wounded by a grenade, then shot by a sniper. Despite his injuries, he crawls to safety, clutching his Bible, and is finally evacuated from the ridge on a stretcher, having completed his incredible mission. His company, inspired by his bravery, manages to reclaim the ridge in a subsequent assault, with Doss's Bible being recovered and returned to him.

The film concludes with real-life footage and interviews of Desmond T. Doss, highlighting his humility and his unwavering belief that his actions were simply a fulfillment of God's will. For his extraordinary valor, selflessness, and unwavering courage under fire, Desmond T. Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on October 12, 1945, becoming the first and only conscientious objector to receive the prestigious award. His story stands as a profound testament to the power of conviction, the strength of faith, and the definition of true heroism, proving that courage comes in many forms, even without a weapon.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Andrew Garfield as Desmond T. Doss
• Sam Worthington as Captain Jack Glover
• Luke Bracey as Smitty Ryker
• Teresa Palmer as Dorothy Schutte
• Hugo Weaving as Tom Doss
• Rachel Griffiths as Bertha Doss
• Vince Vaughn as Sergeant Howell

Crew:

• Director: Mel Gibson
• Writers: Robert Schenkkan, Andrew Knight
• Producers: Bill Mechanic, Brian Oliver, David Permut
• Cinematography: Simon Duggan
• Editor: John Gilbert
• Music: Rupert Gregson-Williams

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: November 4, 2016 (United States)
• Language: English
• Genre: Biographical, War, Drama
• Running Time: 139 minutes
• Accolades: Academy Awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing; Nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Andrew Garfield), Best Sound Editing.