Hacksaw Ridge - a Biographical War Film

Introduction to Hacksaw Ridge

Hacksaw Ridge is a biographical war film that hit the big screen in 2016. The film focuses on the World War II experiences of the Pacific combat medic Desmond Doss, played by the Amazing Spiderman-star Andrew Garfield. Desmond Doss was a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and refused to use a firearm or any kind of weapon. The film is directed by Mel Gibson and is noted for its intense and realistic portrayal of war.

Desmond Doss: Early Life and Influences

As a child, Desmond Doss sometimes fought with his brother Harold. However, one day Desmond nearly killed Harold with a brick, an incident that deeply affected him and reinforced his aversion to violence. A few years later, while Desmond was working in a church, someone outside the church had a work accident, and Desmond helped him. He noticed that he liked to help other people, much like a medic. As he brought the injured man to the hospital, he met nurse Dorothy Schutte. The two began a relationship, and Doss shared his interest in medical work with Dorothy. The kindness and compassion he showed during this period were pivotal in shaping his future actions.

Desmond Doss and World War II

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Desmond Doss enlisted in the Army to serve his country as a combat medic. His father, Tom Doss, an ex-World War I veteran, was deeply upset by his son's decision. Before Desmond left his town for Fort Jackson, he asked Dorothy to marry him, and she accepted. At Fort Jackson, Desmond was placed under the command of Sergeant Howell, played by Vince Vaughn. Due to his refusal to use any kind of weapon, Sergeant Howell and Captain Glover, played by Sam Worthington, attempted to discharge Desmond for psychiatric reasons. However, Desmond was determined to stay, and with the help of his father, who knew the Colonel, he was able to remain in the Army. A few weeks later, Desmond and his unit were assigned to the 77th Infantry Division.

The Battle of Okinawa

During the Battle of Okinawa on June 21, 1945, Desmond Doss saved countless soldiers from his unit. Each time he returned to the battlefield to save more soldiers, he asked God to help him save another one. His bravery and unwavering faith became legendary among his peers. The next day, on June 22, 1945, the Army won the Battle of Okinawa, and Desmond Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary courage and dedication. "Hacksaw Ridge" perfectly represents the tense and brutal conditions of the Pacific War between Japan and the United States.

Conclusion and Reflection

This film is mesmerizing because it keeps the audience engaged, eager to see what happens next. However, the film does not provide any information on what happened to Desmond Doss after the Battle of Okinawa, leaving viewers curious about his post-war life. While the story is compelling, there are some minor inaccuracies. It is hard to believe that Desmond Doss could have saved so many soldiers in one night, but his actions are nonetheless inspiring. If you are interested in learning about the events of World War II in the Pacific, "Hacksaw Ridge" is an excellent film to watch.

References

Gibson, M. (Director). (2016). Hacksaw Ridge [Film]. Summit Entertainment.

APA: Gibson, M. (2016). Hacksaw Ridge. Summit Entertainment.

MLA: Gibson, Mel, director. Hacksaw Ridge. Summit Entertainment, 2016.