For all his personal sins, Mel Gibson has established
himself as an actor and director of note. While he has done some
cinematic turkeys, his success rate has usually been high. As a director
he has found a more enthusiastic audience with his 5th effort adding to his
professional allure. An interesting exploration of another facet of World
War 2, ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ continues the slow climb back to movie redemption for
cinema’s once golden boy.
World War 2 U.S. army medic Desmond T Doss (Andrew Garfield)
is a devout Christian refusing to bear arms. A conscientious objector to
the war, he still does his best to save the lives of his comrades any way
possible. Looked upon by Sergeant Howell (Vince Vaughn) and Captain
Glover (Sam Worthington) with bemusement, Doss raises the ire of his more
gung-ho friends. It’s only during the Battle of Okinawa that he proves
his mettle with his colleagues’ fate resting in his hands free of deadly
weaponry.
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ is an engaging exploration of someone’s
convictions despite the odds. Wanting to prove to his comrades he has
what it takes to thwart the enemy without violence, the reaction of Desmond’s
team is easy to understand. The story successfully shows why he took a
stand and how he used it to his advantage. It’s all the more remarkable
given its factual basis, even if those portrayed are shown as one-dimensional
caricatures rather than real people.
Whilst the sketchy characters are disappointing with
Garfield’s ‘Forrest Gump-like’ role wearing thin, ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ succeeds in
the battle scenes. War’s fierce brutality is seen in bloody starkness
with Gibson’s command of the camera evident. Trench war-fare is shocking
and grisly with the cinematography diving you head-first into the danger
zone. Every flint of dirt and noise is keenly felt and pack a punch until
the needlessly sentimental ‘how America won the war-style’ flag-waving finale.
It’s a long way down if you’ve committed unpardonable
transgressions, which Mel Gibson knows too well. ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ should
salvage some of his professional reputation. Staying behind the camera
would perhaps suit him best as his latest proves his skills when away from the
glare of the public eye.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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