Hacksaw Ridge
What a tremendous and inspiring story!
The trailer caught my attention the first time I saw it. So, when I had been invited to the movie theater by my Christian friend, I immediately suggested this one.
SYNOPSIS
After World War I, what would bring a retired military ‘son willing to join the American army without touching any weapon? This is exactly what Desmond T. Doss - who was the inspiration for this movie – did in 1942 during World War II: he joined the American troops to fight against Japan in the Pacific.
In the beginning, the character (played by Andrew Garfield) seems to be like anyone else at that time: son of a retired military who has the chance to see his father coming back alive from the war. He came back alive indeed, but deeply wounded. I am not sure if the introduction of the history of Desmond T. Doss is a real fact or something the director, Mel Gibson, came up with but we quickly understand why this young Mr Doss didn’t want to fall into the trap of violence. In fact, a serious accident will profoundly mark the soul of our hero. This incident will be like a reminder of Cain’ story for him, the first murderer of his brother in the Bible (Gn 4)…
With an alcoholic, violent, terribly disturbed father who fought heroically during World War I, it is completely understandable that Desmond would try to avoid touching any weapon at all costs. However, more and more young men started to engage in the army, including his beloved brother, to answer the call to defend the country and the allied countries against the enemy. Desmond this call also resonates significantly in his heart… He wants to defend, to protect, like the other men, his country, his family and give a meaning to his life. Soon, Desmond’s desire to say “Yes, I join you” is so strong that he finally enlists himself into the troops against his father’s will. Despite his motivation, his beginning and training into the army won’t be easy; before fighting in Japan, he will have to fight his first enemies within his own troop - his compatriots - to be accepted by them…
A heroic faith
Despite the fact that the movie might have added "some little flowers" to the story, it does know how to highlight the heroism of this American soldier who fought to the end for his convictions. The deep faith of the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor, Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), is intriguing, makes us feel somehow uncomfortable but ends up inspiring us.
As Christians, would we be ready to go that far to witness the love of Christ for us? If I had to meet someone like him, so deeply convinced by his faith, would I let him bother me or would I react as the sergeants and soldiers (supposedly Christian too)?
Whatever calling God might have for me, I hope I can say “yes” with the same strength and conviction as Desmond T. Doss the Adventist.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God” Mt 5:9
Trailer:
My opinion: This movie is definitely signed by Mel Gibson. After the “Passion of Christ” and “Apocalypto”, I wouldn’t have expected less than what I was used to. And I haven’t been disappointed: powerful scenes which shows the cruelty of war field in its simplest way.
As my friend left for the restrooms, two other women besides me and I literally stayed paralyzed on our seats for several minutes after the end of the movie. The emotion, the content of the movie, the message were too strong for us to just leave like we’ve been watching an ordinary movie… I am not necessarily a fan of Mel Gibson’s way of showing the violence of certain scenes (I often turn my head during these while watching his movies), but I have to admit, he always directs movies with powerful messages.
