Hacksaw Ridge : Review

The amazing, true story of a man who wanted to serve his country during World War II, but did not want to compromise his beliefs by using a weapon, or killing people. Army Medic Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield – The Amazing Spider-Man 2) served in the horrific Battle of Okinawa. He eventually became the first man in American history to receive the prestigious Medal of Honour, without ever firing a shot.

Garfield is the ideal actor to play Doss. He begs a like from the audience, and yet, while one understands his beliefs and desire to serve his country, one feels the frustration that must be felt by his fellow soldiers, as they suffer somewhat during training, because of Doss’s refusal to comply.

Hacksaw Ridge is a great story, and film, on two fronts. It tugs at the heart, as we bare witness to the tough trials that befall Doss, in life, in training, and in the eventual battle. His faith in God, is seemingly unwavering, and a testament for many. Yet with journey of faith playing out, we are treated to a harsh, hard-hitting, and at times sobering look at the realities of war, it’s kill-or-be-killed ethos, and one can but wonder how Doss was able to keep his cool, and become such a selfless hero.

There is no doubt that Hacksaw Ridge is a brilliant film. It scores top marks in many categories, and is one of the gripping tales of 2016. Without a doubt, there was a lot of care that went in to the making of the film. From casting, to the effects, stunts and cinematography.

Hacksaw Ridge takes us back, at the beginning of the story, to a time where life was simpler, and builds from there to a time where man had to stand up against tyranny and evil, his beliefs tested, and do what is right for his fellow mane.

Hacksaw Ridge opens 30 December 2016, in South African cinemas. A great film to watch over the holiday season.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb