A World War Two true story has been hailed as a 'masterpiece' and compared to classics like Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line. Viewers are calling Mel Gibson's war drama a 'military masterpiece' for its heartbreaking portrayal of a real-life hero.
The Film's Acclaim
Released in 2016, Hacksaw Ridge has earned its status as a modern classic. It boasts a celebrated director, a stellar cast, and a gut-wrenching narrative that leaves audiences stunned. Andrew Garfield's performance is often described as 'perfect,' marking a pivotal moment in his career as he moved away from his Spider-Man days to tackle serious dramatic material.
The True Story Behind the Film
Hacksaw Ridge draws from a true wartime account, based on the 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector. It chronicles the extraordinary tale of Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist combat medic who refused to carry any weapon during the brutal battle of Okinawa. He became the first conscientious objector ever to receive the Medal of Honour for his service in World War II.
Awards and Recognition
The film garnered multiple awards, including two Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. It also earned Andrew Garfield his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes awarded the film an impressive 84% rating, with critics praising its accurate depiction of war and its respectful portrayal of a real hero.
Critical and Audience Response
One reviewer wrote: 'Great movie. Doesn't shy away from the blood and depicts war more accurately than most movies. Shows the horrors Doss had to go through in real life. One of the few movies based on a real war hero that does them justice.' Another admirer posted: 'A true military masterpiece. The kind of story that can change you. It's awe-inspiring to think that it actually happened.'
The film is directed by Mel Gibson, known for Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, and Braveheart. He is joined by a cast including Andrew Garfield, Luke Bracey, Vince Vaughn, Teresa Palmer, and Sam Worthington, all of whom have received extensive acclaim.
Global Success
Hacksaw Ridge collected six nominations overall and was hailed as 'the return of Mel Gibson' after a quieter period in Hollywood. It raked in over $180 million globally. One viewer said: 'I was sceptical at first about watching this movie and then was overwhelmed by how good it was. My hats off to Mel Gibson for putting together such an emotionally gripping and compelling story. I liked it so much that I watched it a second time the very next day.'
Hacksaw Ridge is currently available to stream on both Amazon Prime and Netflix.
