Genre: War / Drama
Running Length: 2:11
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey
Director: Mel Gibson
Screenplay: Andrew Knight, Robert Schenkkan
Mel Gibson's road to atonement is finally completed with HACKSAW RIDGE. He has always been a capable director (and a manic actor) but unfortunately, his personal problems has caused him his reputation over the last decade. Granted that this movie is not the perfect redemption, but I can safely say he has made right and reconciled back to the inner circle of Hollywood.
Gibson has always gravitated towards tales of heroism and spirituality, and this film embraces both these elements. This is a true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), who refused to carry a weapon into the battlefield at Okinawa (during WW2) due to his convictions as a Christian. He believes his calling into "the hellfire of battle" is to save lives as a medic rather than taking them.
The movie has a distinct 3 segments; Doss' formative years, the army training episode and the battle scenes at Hacksaw Ridge. Although, the first and second acts were normal (it was actually pretty unremarkable), it was a necessary build up. Because when the characters which were established gets killed or horribly dismembered by the Japanese in the third act, we feel the gravity of the horrific situation as it unfolds.
The movie has a distinct 3 segments; Doss' formative years, the army training episode and the battle scenes at Hacksaw Ridge. Although, the first and second acts were normal (it was actually pretty unremarkable), it was a necessary build up. Because when the characters which were established gets killed or horribly dismembered by the Japanese in the third act, we feel the gravity of the horrific situation as it unfolds.
The battle scenes are reminiscent of the opening sequence from Saving Private Ryan. But I must say, Gibson's version is more prolonged and unflinching. This guy has an obsession with the physical effects of carnage on soft flesh (The Passion of the Christ, anyone?). The combat scenes are bloody and chaotic. The gore here is graphic but not gratuitous.
Garfield's performance is solid and is worthy of his Oscar nomination. While Vaughn seemed to be an odd choice to be the cast as the drill sergeant, he grows into his character overtime. Also a shout out to Weaving, Worthington and Bracey for their limited-but-affecting performance.
Gibson is one of those rare directors (come to think of it, I can't think of any others) who can pull off a balance between extreme violence and delivering a clear spiritual message. As the version I watched in the cinema has no cuts, I would suggest you quickly catch it before our local audiences file a complain.
RATING: 8.5/10
