Hacksaw Ridge Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pacifist Spider-Man goes to war without a gun, becomes best friends with Vince Vaughn, and yeets grenades like it’s a game of dodgeball.

🍿 Hacksaw Ridge: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Influences

The film introduces Desmond Doss growing up in rural Virginia. His experiences with violence, particularly an incident with his brother and his father’s PTSD from World War I, shape his strong aversion to firearms and killing. His Seventh-day Adventist faith reinforces his commitment to the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’.

Enlistment and Basic Training

Doss enlists in the Army as a combat medic, intending to serve without carrying a weapon. He faces intense opposition and ridicule from his fellow soldiers and superiors, who see his pacifism as cowardice and a liability. He endures grueling training and attempts to force him out, but Doss remains steadfast in his convictions.

Legal Battles and Marriage

Doss’s refusal to bear arms leads to legal challenges and a potential court-martial. With the help of his father and a letter citing congressional protection for conscientious objectors, he is eventually cleared to serve as an unarmed medic. Before deploying, he marries his sweetheart, Dorothy, who supports his beliefs.

The Battle of Okinawa

Doss’s unit is deployed to Okinawa and tasked with capturing the Maeda Escarpment, known as Hacksaw Ridge. The battle is brutal, with heavy casualties on both sides. Doss’s fellow soldiers begin to recognize his courage as he risks his life to save the wounded, unarmed and under constant fire.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield): A devout Seventh-day Adventist and conscientious objector who enlists in the US Army as a medic during World War II, refusing to carry a weapon.
• Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer): A nurse and Desmond’s loving girlfriend who supports his convictions despite her fears for his safety.
• Tom Doss (Hugo Weaving): Desmond’s troubled and alcoholic father, a World War I veteran suffering from PTSD, who initially opposes his son’s decision to enlist.
• Captain Glover (Sam Worthington): An officer initially skeptical of Doss’s refusal to carry a weapon, but who eventually comes to respect his courage and convictions.
• Smitty Ryker (Luke Bracey): A fellow soldier who initially bullies Doss for his beliefs but eventually befriends him after witnessing his bravery on Hacksaw Ridge.
• Sergeant Howell (Vince Vaughn): The tough but fair drill sergeant who initially tries to force Doss to conform but ultimately recognizes his value to the unit.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Desmond Doss: “I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself if I don’t stay true to what I believe.” – Doss explains his unwavering commitment to his principles, even if it means facing judgment and hardship.
• Desmond Doss: “Maybe I can’t fight, but I can heal.” – Doss explains his desire to serve as a medic, emphasizing his belief in saving lives rather than taking them.
• Sergeant Howell: “Doss, what makes you so different from every other man here?” – Sergeant Howell questions Doss about his unique stance on war and violence during training.
• Desmond Doss: “Lord, please help me get one more.” – Doss repeats this prayer as he repeatedly risks his life to rescue wounded soldiers on Hacksaw Ridge.
• Captain Glover: “You’re staying true to what you believe, and I respect that.” – Captain Glover acknowledges and respects Doss’s conviction after witnessing his bravery and selflessness in action.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $67,209,615
• Worldwide Gross: $180,563,636

💥 Hacksaw Ridge Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. I went in expecting a war movie, but I got a story about unwavering faith and incredible courage. Andrew Garfield’s performance was amazing – I really felt like I understood Desmond Doss’s convictions. The battle scenes were brutal, but they made me appreciate Doss’s bravery even more. That scene where he’s lowering the wounded soldiers down the cliff, praying to save one more? I was in tears. Definitely a must-see, but be prepared for a tough watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in historical biographies”
  • “Those who appreciate stories of faith and courage”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic war violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some intense scenes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Gibson delivers a visceral and emotional war film, balancing the brutality of battle with the inspiring story of Desmond Doss. Garfield shines in his portrayal, making Doss’s unwavering faith believable. While the violence can be overwhelming, it underscores the horrors Doss faced. A powerful and moving experience, but not for the faint of heart.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “”Hacksaw Ridge” presents a compelling narrative of courage and conviction, elevated by Garfield’s performance and Gibson’s direction. Some find the violence gratuitous and the first act melodramatic, but it culminates in a powerful depiction of Doss’s heroism.
• Metacritic: “While some consider the movie jingoistic and overly sentimental, the majority celebrate it for its unflinching look at war and Doss’s extraordinary bravery. Gibson’s return to directing is marked by intense battle sequences and a genuinely moving story.

Audience Reactions

Andrew Garfield’s performance was outstanding and brought the character of Desmond Doss to life.: Viewers praised the film’s accurate portrayal of Doss’s faith, bravery, and the horrors of war.

The battle scenes were intense, realistic, and incredibly moving.: Many appreciated Mel Gibson’s direction and his ability to create a powerful and emotional war film.

Overall Consensus: Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful and moving war film that tells the incredible true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who displayed extraordinary bravery on the battlefield. While the film’s violence may be disturbing for some, it underscores the horrors of war and the importance of Doss’s unwavering faith and courage. The film features standout performances, particularly from Andrew Garfield, and is considered a triumphant return for director Mel Gibson.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 2017
2. Academy Award (Best Sound Mixing)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mel Gibson initially struggled to secure funding for the film, as many studios were hesitant due to his past controversies. The independent production eventually relied on international financing and tax incentives from filming in Australia.”
• “Andrew Garfield spent considerable time researching Desmond Doss, including studying his medical knowledge and practicing the accent of rural Virginia.”
• “The battle scenes were filmed with practical effects, minimal CGI, and a large number of extras to create a realistic and visceral depiction of the Battle of Okinawa.”
• “Mel Gibson intentionally aimed to contrast the brutal realism of the battle scenes with the idyllic and romantic portrayal of Doss’s home life to highlight the stark contrast between peace and war.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hacksaw Ridge?

Hacksaw Ridge is available for streaming on various platforms including Paramount+ and Epix. You can rent or buy the movie on demand through Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hacksaw Ridge, you might like these similar films:

• Unbroken (2014): Shares a similar theme of perseverance and faith in the face of extreme adversity during World War II.
• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Features realistic and brutal depictions of combat in World War II, emphasizing the harrowing experiences of soldiers.
• The Thin Red Line (1998): Explores the psychological and philosophical aspects of war, similar to the introspective moments in ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.
• Sergeant York (1941): Tells the true story of a pacifist who becomes a reluctant war hero in World War I, sharing a thematic similarity with ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.
• First Man (2018): The main character also has an incredible true story based on the world war

🛒 Hacksaw Ridge Related Products

• Medal of Honor: Allied Assault – War Chest: Experience World War II through the eyes of various soldiers in this classic first-person shooter. Features intense combat and historically accurate settings.
• Hacksaw Ridge: The True Story Behind the Movie: Get the in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, with exclusive interviews and historical context.
• Band of Brothers (Collector’s Edition): Follow Easy Company’s journey through Europe in this acclaimed miniseries. This collector’s edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
• US Army Medic T-Shirt: Show your support for the unsung heroes of the battlefield with this durable and comfortable t-shirt, featuring the US Army Medic insignia. Made of 100% cotton.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hacksaw Ridge features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “To God be the Glory” – performed by Traditional Song
• “Okinawa” – performed by Rupert Gregson-Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sergeant Howell😂 // #hacksawridge #shorts

Looking for a quick laugh? Check out this funny moment between Sergeant Howell and a private in Hacksaw Ridge.

Desmond Doss In Court ⚖ // #hacksawridge #shorts

Ever wondered about Desmond Doss’s motivations? This powerful clip from Hacksaw Ridge sheds light on his beliefs and why he refused to carry a weapon.

Military Trauma Surgeon Rates 10 Battle Wounds In Movies & TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Curious about how realistic Hacksaw Ridge’s battle scenes are? This video by Insider gives you insights from a real-life military trauma surgeon.

The Unbelievable True Events In Hacksaw Ridge That Didn’t Make It in the Movie – #shorts #short

Did you know there were unbelievable true events that didn’t make it into Hacksaw Ridge? This short video reveals some of them, giving you a deeper understanding of the real story.

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