Hacksaw Ridge Review (2016)

Hacksaw Ridge

 

  What would happen if the opening of Saving Private Ryan and the PG-13 version Full Metal Jacket had a baby? Hacksaw Ridge, folks. Hacksaw Ridge. 

  Mel Gibson's latest film is based on the outstanding true story of a man who enlisted into the military during World War 2, but refused to touch a rifle or kill anybody.

  Andrew Garfield is one of those actors that always gives extremely genuine and vulnerable performances. In Hacksaw Ridge, he is tasked with portraying a character of strong conviction; a conviction that most of the audience won't agree with. Still, he manages to be likeable and endearing without coming off as too preachy or like a martyr. I would say that he definitely deserves an Oscar nomination, but not once did it feel like he was trying too hard to get one. His performance is layered and grounded, but also extremely affecting. Desmond Doss was a courageous, inspiring man, and from what I saw, Garfield did him great justice.

  While all of the acting was solid as can be, two others really stood out to me. Hugo Weaving and Vince Vaughn. Weaving put it all out there, giving depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Even with limited screen time, you really connect with his pain, and understand why he is the way he is. 

  Vaughn took on a role more dramatic than usual, but hit every emotional note along with every humorous one. He was perfectly cast. 

  Hacksaw Ridge is an incredible true story told in an incredible, perfectly paced way. Mel Gibson directed all of the war scenes with poise, always being purposeful with the violence and gore. 

  While admittedly, it started off a little too charming, by the time the real meat of the story gets started, it hits you in all of the right spots.  9 out of 10 stars. (I Would Buy It On Blu-Ray)