Certificate: 15
Running time: 139 minutes
Directed by: Mel Gibson.
Directed by: Mel Gibson.
What's it about? The true story of World War II army medic Desmond T. Doss who served during the Battle of Okinawa, and became the first American to be awarded the Medal of Honour without firing a single shot.
The verdict: Hacksaw Ridge had been nominated for six Oscars, including a nomination for Best Picture. With that being said, I had high expectations as I sat down in the cinema. And fortunately I wasn't disappointed.
The film has three distinct acts - focusing on Desmond's life before he's in the army, whilst he's training and finally the Battle of Okinawa itself. These distinct acts work really well. Firstly they give the film a good structure, but more importantly they give the audience the chance to get to know the characters and their backgrounds. This means that ultimately you are incredibly invested in the characters and how the story unfolds. I found that I was incredibly engaged throughout.
Andrew Garfield puts in a strong performance, certainly worthy of his Oscar nomination. He's able to command attention in quieter, simpler scenes as much as he is in the big, action scenes. The supporting cast are also strong.
The cinematography is the stand out for me in this film. The war scenes in particular are incredible - the choreography, the tension and the uncomfortable realism. They're also grittier than I was expecting - lots of gore and grim, and plenty of blood and guts. Mel Gibson has certainly not shied away from the brutality of war. But there are also some beautiful shots, especially of the Blue Ridge mountains. The cinematography fits really well with the distinct acts - again this just serves to keep the audience engaged throughout.
The style of this film may not suit all though, the focus on romance in the first act and the lack of subtlety overall will mean that some could find Hacksaw Ridge slightly on the melodramatic side. The Japanese are also treated completely as fodder, mostly dehumanised and used only to show the American bravery.
Overall though, I really enjoyed Hacksaw Ridge. I found it compelling, brutal at times but ultimately I thought that it showed the strength of the human spirit, and how one person can make a difference.
Should you watch this film? Yes, definitely. A worthy Oscar nominee.
The verdict: Hacksaw Ridge had been nominated for six Oscars, including a nomination for Best Picture. With that being said, I had high expectations as I sat down in the cinema. And fortunately I wasn't disappointed.
The film has three distinct acts - focusing on Desmond's life before he's in the army, whilst he's training and finally the Battle of Okinawa itself. These distinct acts work really well. Firstly they give the film a good structure, but more importantly they give the audience the chance to get to know the characters and their backgrounds. This means that ultimately you are incredibly invested in the characters and how the story unfolds. I found that I was incredibly engaged throughout.
Andrew Garfield puts in a strong performance, certainly worthy of his Oscar nomination. He's able to command attention in quieter, simpler scenes as much as he is in the big, action scenes. The supporting cast are also strong.
The cinematography is the stand out for me in this film. The war scenes in particular are incredible - the choreography, the tension and the uncomfortable realism. They're also grittier than I was expecting - lots of gore and grim, and plenty of blood and guts. Mel Gibson has certainly not shied away from the brutality of war. But there are also some beautiful shots, especially of the Blue Ridge mountains. The cinematography fits really well with the distinct acts - again this just serves to keep the audience engaged throughout.
The style of this film may not suit all though, the focus on romance in the first act and the lack of subtlety overall will mean that some could find Hacksaw Ridge slightly on the melodramatic side. The Japanese are also treated completely as fodder, mostly dehumanised and used only to show the American bravery.
Overall though, I really enjoyed Hacksaw Ridge. I found it compelling, brutal at times but ultimately I thought that it showed the strength of the human spirit, and how one person can make a difference.
Should you watch this film? Yes, definitely. A worthy Oscar nominee.
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