As mentioned in my Pride and Prejudice and Zombies post yesterday, last night’s movie was one I’ve been meaning to watch for ages:
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
I think one of the reasons I’ve put off watching this till now is because I wrongly assumed it was a war film and I’m not massively keen on war films (although I have seen some good ones). As it happens, it’s more about the main character and his extraordinary story than it is the war itself.
If you haven’t seen it, it’s directed by Mel Gibson (Braveheart) and stars Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man), Teresa Palma (Warm Bodies), Vince Vaughan (Brawl in Cell Block 99), Hugo Weaving (The Matrix), Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Luke Bracey (The November Man) among others.
This is what it’s about according to Google:
“The true story of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss (Garfield), who won the Congressional Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms during WWII on religious grounds. Doss was drafted and ostracized by fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance but went on to earn respect and adoration for his bravery, selflessness and compassion after he risked his life without firing a shot to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa.
This is a brilliant film! Even Mrs Screen Room Movie Podcast (to be) enjoyed it! It’s also the first film we’ve watched without pausing even once for god knows how long. We were both totally into it. 👌
It’s a truly amazing story, masterfully told by a superb director (Gibson) with some excellent performances.
Andrew Garfield is brilliant as the main character, Desmond Doss, but the stand out for me was Vince Vaughan who, as well as being an hilarious comedy actor can seemingly pull of hard hitting drama too (if you haven’t seen Brawl in Cell Block 99 you really need to). Another stand out performance was Hugo Weaving as Doss’s father.
If like me you’ve put off watching this because you’re not keen on typical war movies, put that aside and give it a go.
It’s a fully engaging, emotional movie experience that will leave you with a lump in your throat. I loved it! 🙌
Seen it? Let me know what you think of it. 👇