On October 1, Netflix added Hacksaw Ridge, one of the best war movies of the last decade.
Mel Gibson directed this World War II film, which focused on a combat medic, Desmond Doss, as played by Andrew Garfield.
This isn’t a film about a man who took up arms to fight for his country. It’s about a man who dared to stand for the United States in battle without betraying his personal beliefs.
Here’s why you should watch Hacksaw Ridge in October.
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It’s a True Story About an Unconventional War Hero
Desmond Doss was a real man who resisted several overtures to adapt his life for the big screen because he insisted on accuracy. Even Hacksaw Ridge isn’t a complete picture of his life, and some elements of his history were invented for the film. But his heroics on the battlefield are 100 percent genuine.
The amazing thing is that Hacksaw Ridge actually had to tone down some of Doss’ actions because Gibson felt they would be too unbelievable. It’s estimated that Doss personally saved the lives of 75 wounded soldiers by carrying them to safety while dodging enemy fire. One of the parts that was cut out of the story was Doss’ 300-yard crawl to safety after he was seriously wounded himself.
Andrew Garfield Gives One of His Best Performances
Before starring in this film, Andrew Garfield had already played Spider-Man in two movies. And yet Doss is a more heroic character because he has no powers or enhanced strength, save for his deeply held religious convictions. Garfield makes Doss relatable and interesting without resorting to the violence that the real person abhorred at all costs.
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Garfield conveys Doss’ humility and bravery, and lets him seem like a beacon of hope on the battlefield. Where some men might cower in fear, Doss ran into danger to save others. This may be as close to playing Captain America that Garfield will ever get, but the Oscar nomination he received for this role was a nice consolation prize.
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Is a Return to Form For Mel Gibson
Gibson has never fully escaped the purgatory that his career has been in since his widely publicized anti-Semitic remarks. But Hacksaw Ridge was Gibson’s first time behind the camera in a decade, and he proved that he’s still one of the most talented directors in Hollywood.
Gibson did his best work during the battle sequences that recapture the horror of World War II, while also allowing the audience to absorb it without becoming overwhelmed by the carnage. He also made the prewar scenes of Doss and his family compelling, which added a much-needed human touch to the film.
It’s an Inspiring Movie
Doss was the first-ever conscientious objector to be given the Medal of Honor for valor, and he was steadfast about his refusal to use a gun during his time as a soldier. As seen in Hacksaw Ridge, that stance didn’t make Doss very popular among his fellow soldiers, but he had the strength to try to create a better world without picking up a weapon.
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That’s a rare quality in a film industry that’s more likely to glorify action heroes who hit the ground guns blazing. Those are just made-up heroes. Doss was a real hero and an inspiring example of what the best of humanity can be, even during the world’s darkest hours.
Hacksaw Ridge is now streaming on Netflix.
