HACKSAW RIDGE – Rated R

HACKSAW RIDGE – Rated R – 2 hrs. 11 mins.

Starring Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn, Luke Bracey and Milo Gibson

Based on the true-life story of WWII Medic Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), who enlists with one plan in mind ~ setting out to save the lives of his fellow comrades, and without taking a single life in the process. Branded a “Conscientious Objector” by his commanders when he refuses to carry a weapon into battle, Doss’s first fight turns out to be against the Army itself, as his commanders refuse to allow him to go into battle without a firearm. When Doss finally convinces the powers that be to uphold his request, his fellow comrades think he must be mad! As Doss and his company forge their way into the battle of Hacksaw Ridge, the men of Doss’s company begin dying at an alarming rate, at the hands of our Japanese enemy! Even with the loss of so many lives that he can’t save; Doss finds solace in his faith, and his mission…to save as many men as he can, and to return them home from this HELL ON EARTH ALIVE ~ and not in pine boxes…

I give HACKSAW RIDGE a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN ~ Gibson is back with a vengeance, directing one of the most incredibly moving films I have seen all year. From its first frame to it’s last, this true-life story unfolds into a cinematic masterpiece that everyone adult in this country must see and experience. Garfield’s performance as Doss is what legends are made of. He literally consumes the screen with his heart felt sincerity and conviction to fulfill his destiny, and to save his fellow man. Oscar should definitely be calling his name come awards season, as his depiction is hands down one of the best performances by an actor this year. And even though Gibson doesn’t have too many supporters left in Hollywood, he is worthy of an Oscar nod too, as he managed to bring out incredible performances from each and every actor on his set, including Vaughn, who gives us a view into a type of character we have never had the honor to experience from him before. HACKSAW RIDGE is truly one of those films that invades every fiber of your being, leaving you forever changed having experienced the incredible story of Doss’s heroism, bravery and triumph, in the face of insurmountable adversity.

Kathy Kaiser