“Hacksaw Ridge” (2016) is a biographical war drama directed by Mel Gibson, based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a U.S. Army medic who served during World War II. Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, was a conscientious objector due to his devout Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, refusing to carry or use a weapon. Despite this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery and selflessness during the Battle of Okinawa, where he saved the lives of 75 men without firing a single shot.

The film is split into two distinct halves. The first half focuses on Doss’s upbringing in rural Virginia, his troubled relationship with his father (played by Hugo Weaving), who was a traumatized World War I veteran, and his romance with Dorothy (Teresa Palmer), who later becomes his wife. It also shows Doss’s struggle through basic training, where his pacifist stance is met with hostility, ridicule, and even physical abuse from his fellow soldiers and commanding officers. Despite the pressure, Doss remains firm in his beliefs.

The second half of the movie takes place on the battlefield during the brutal assault on Hacksaw Ridge, a towering cliff on the island of Okinawa. The combat sequences are intense, graphic, and unflinchingly realistic, showcasing the horrors of war. Despite the carnage, Doss emerges as a hero, repeatedly risking his life to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield and lowering them to safety down the ridge using a rope. His faith, determination, and compassion inspire those around him, even the soldiers who once doubted him.

Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Desmond Doss was widely praised for its emotional depth and sincerity. He captures both Doss’s quiet strength and vulnerability, making his journey from misunderstood outcast to war hero deeply moving. The film also features strong performances from Vince Vaughn as Sergeant Howell and Sam Worthington as Captain Glover.

“Hacksaw Ridge” received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, emotional impact, and visceral depiction of war. Mel Gibson’s direction was praised for balancing the brutal realities of combat with the inspiring story of Doss’s courage and conviction. The film earned six Academy Award nominations, winning two for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing.

In conclusion, Hacksaw Ridge stands out not only as an intense war film but also as a story of faith, conviction, and heroism, making it one of the most memorable films about World War II.