“Hacksaw Ridge” is a biographical war film directed by Mel Gibson, released in 2016. The movie tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II without ever carrying a weapon.
The story follows Doss (played by Andrew Garfield) from his upbringing in rural Virginia, where he develops a strong moral compass influenced by his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. Despite facing opposition and ridicule for his pacifist beliefs, Doss enlists in the Army as a medic.
The majority of the film is set during the Battle of Okinawa, where Doss’s unit is tasked with capturing the heavily fortified Hacksaw Ridge. Despite being a non-combatant, Doss displays extraordinary courage and saves the lives of many of his comrades under heavy enemy fire.
The film explores themes of bravery, faith, and conviction as Doss’s actions on the battlefield earn him the respect of his fellow soldiers and ultimately lead to him becoming the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.
