An inspiring and moving war film has received top scores on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and viewers for its gritty yet emotive scenes. Some found it absolutely captivating, that’s if you can ‘stomach the gore’ in this portrayal of a World War 2 hero that’s based on a true story.
The ‘incredible’ acting, brutal scenes, ‘outstanding stunts’ and the storyline have been praised, getting the film, Hacksaw Ridge, a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The ‘epic’ war film is directed by Mel Gibson – and written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan. Hacksaw Ridge was filmed in Australia and stars British-American actor Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss, a combat medic who refuses to use any weapons.
The film is a biographical story of American combat medic Desmond Doss who was a Seventh-day Adventist – and his religious beliefs meant he refused to carry or use any kind of weapon.
The true story of Doss and his refusal to take another life is what Hacksaw Ridge is about, in real life he was awarded the Medal of Honor, for his service in the bloody Battle of Okinawa.
Tomatometer-approved critic Steven Prokopy reviewed the film, he wrote: “Hacksaw Ridge is certainly not for everybody, but I found it absolutely captivating, thought provoking, sometimes morally off kilter, but never compromised.
“If you can stomach the gore, you’re in for one jaw-dropping experience.”
One viewer was clearly impressed in an audience review of Hacksaw Ridge, describing it as ‘absolutely the best movie’ they’d ever watched.
The reviewer added they were ‘shocked’ to discover it didn’t win an Oscar, praising the ‘incredible acting, incredible story, everything was amazing’.
A second reviewer wrote: “Hacksaw Ridge is a phenomenal triumph and courage war film with really outstanding stunts and terrific editing.
“The special make-up effects look unbelievably gory that it made shocking, but it is what it is in real war.”
One audience member described it as a ‘gritty’ war film telling an ‘incredible’ true story and making it an ‘entertaining gory modern masterpiece’.
Another reviewer wrote: “Hacksaw Ridge is by far one of the best films.
“It is an incredible true story that reminds the viewer of the importance of humanity and the heroic story of one man who stayed true to who he was, even in the hardest times.
“The acting and directing in this movie is phenomenal.
“Although the film has long scenes featuring intense and graphic gore, it is necessary to show the brutalities of war, and I appreciate how this movie did not shy away from that.
“Overall an inspiring and emotional true story of a real hero.”
The supporting cast includes talent such as Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Vince Vaughn, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving and Rachel Griffiths.
Hacksaw Ridge was filmed in Australia from September to December 2015.