Hacksaw Ridge

            Mel Gibson: an action star, turned director, turned controversial Hollywood figure. Yeah, after the past decade, it’s hard to forgive him for the things he’s said and done in the past. Despite this, he has been trying to bring himself back into a better lime light again, and you can see that in films like “Edge of Darkness” and “The Beaver.” Whether he has or not, it’s up to the public to decide. But one thing that I think people can agree with is that he is a solid director, and this year, Gibson reminds us of that with his newest film, “Hacksaw Ridge.”

            The film is based on the true story of Desmond Doss, the combat medic during World War 2 who was known for not wanting to use a weapon during his time enlisted, and it depicts his early life up to his time at the battle of Hacksaw Ridge.

            When it comes to Mel Gibson being a part of war films, whether he’s directing or acting in it, I will admit it turns out really damn well. “Hacksaw Ridge” is no exception. I was absolutely impressed with how this film turned out, from the way it was shot, right down to the cast giving it their all. The way it showcases these events as they unfold is handled in a very graceful manner, and always keeps its audience invested, with just about every frame shown.

            Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss not only delivers the best performance of his career, he delivers one of the best performances of this entire year. Throughout the film, you get a proper understanding on where he stands, when it comes to violence, and he always sticks by his word of never wanting to bring harm to other people, regardless who or what they are. The kind of heroics that he brings to representing Doss is truly outstanding, and I’m guaranteeing that if this film came out while Doss was still alive, he would have been proud of it. I’ve always been a fan of Andrew Garfield, but this is the first time I’d say he deserves to be nominated for an Oscar. Whether it’d be for this film or “Silence,” will all depend. I especially love the scenes that feature him and Teresa Palmer as his love interest. While the meet-cute they have might be a little awkward, the chemistry they share throughout afterwards is absolutely hypnotic. You grow attached to the two, enjoy their little quirks, and want to see them end up happily together by the end.

            The supporting cast featured is also outstanding. Sam Worthington as Captain Glover, Nathaniel Buzolic as Doss’s brother, Ryan Corr as the Lieutenant, Richard Roxburgh as the Colonel, and Goran D. Kleut, John Batziolas, Charles Jacobs, Luke Pegler, Richard Pyros, Ben Mingay, and Firass Dirani as the other Privates really deliver stellar performances. However, out of all of the supporting cast, there were two big standouts: Hugo Weaving and Vince Vaughn. Weaving plays Doss’s dad, a surviving soldier turned alcoholic that lost his friends on the battlefield. You get an understand that his losses have affected him greatly, to where he’s become such a harsh person to deal with, hoping in vain that neither of his sons go through the same kind of hell that he suffered through. It’s his abuse that also gave part to Desmond’s pacifist beliefs, and give him reason as to why he hates violence so much, because it destroys people. Then we have Vince Vaughn as Doss’s Drill SGT. All I have to say is, Vaughn delivers his best performance to date. Remember back in the 90’s when Vaughn was doing more serious roles, instead of playing the same fast talking con that he always typecast as nowadays? Well, he reminds us of those days. While he does have some quick funny lines in the film, he shows just how brutal he can truly be. When he gets harsh, he really goes in for it, and it was so refreshing to see him play a different character type.

            Now, a lot of the criticism that people have said about the film was that it was religious pandering with glorified violence. Not true. The religious aspect is not what the focus of the film is; it’s the moral choices that a human being has, and how much he sticks to it. While it is religiously influenced, it’s representation is something that can apply to anybody. As for violence, while it is shot really damn nicely, I saw it as showcased more as anyone else would witness it, as horrifying, in the same way it was presented in “Saving Private Ryan.” But who am I to judge?

            Overall, I’m proud to say that “Hacksaw Ridge” is worth checking out. The production value is gritty, the cinematography is stellar, and the performances all around are phenomenal. If you get a chance, definitely give this film a watch. It’s one of my favorite films of the year, and I’m looking forward to seeing it get some Oscar recognition.

Rating: 10/10