Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Director; Mel Gibson, Best Actor; Andrew Garfield, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.
Won: Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Hacksaw Ridge tells the incredible true story of Desmond Doss, a World War II Conscientious Objective who joined the army under the condition that he doesn't handle a weapon or kill a person since it's contrary to his own beliefs. The film depicts the trials and tribulations Doss must face as a member of the U.S. Army, only to become the first WWII C.O. to receive a Medal of Honor after saving 75 men at the Battle of Okinawa.
The period piece war drama is directed by Mel Gibson, the first film he's directed in ten years, and Gibson's right in his element as he realistically portrays the horrors of war in some truly grotesque sequences of violence and gore at Okinawa, probably the most horrifying combat sequences I've seen since Saving Private Ryan. Gibson in collaboration with director of photography Simon Duggan frames the gruesome sequences of warfare from some interesting angles, interjecting some unique perspective to the piece.
However, one of Hacksaw Ridge's greatest strengths is it's empowering narrative and screenwriters Robert Shenkkan and Andrew Knight did an excellent job translating the tale to the big screen. While the first act seems a little generic, it effectively lays the groundwork for the themes and messages Gibson and his writers hope to convey to the audience over the course of the film. What really gets all the aforementioned elements across though is the actors and their performances are top notch.
Andrew Garfield gives his best performance to date as Desmond Doss, capturing Doss' spirit by believably portraying someone who will stick up for their beliefs no matter what the circumstance. Garfield manages to ensure Doss is heroic, headstrong, charming and vulnerable all at the same time, a remarkable feat.
Teresa Palmer stands in as Dorothy Schutte and does a fine job in the love interest role considering her she and Garfield are adorable onscreen together.
Hugo Weaving is a standout amongst the cast as he dives into a very different role from what we're used to seeing him in as Weaving accurately brings the mentality and tortured psychology of a disillusioned soldier turned drunk father to Tom Doss.
Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, and Vince Vaughn all play respective soldiers and do well with what they're given beyond the small one-dimensional bit moments although I wished their humanity and characterization had been further explored.
If you're looking for a fascinating true story and compelling war drama then this is the film for you. Hacksaw Ridge is uplifted by the exceptional story it's based upon, strong direction from Mel Gibson, and a host of great performances to make for a great addition to the war drama genre, even if it doesn't break new ground.
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