Netflix watchers and fans of ITVX will be pleased to learn that this war movie, starring Andrew Garfield is streaming on both of these platforms. Hacksaw Ridge is a biographical war film, directed by Mel Gibson from a screenplay by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan.
Released in 2016, it is based on the 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector by Terry Benedict. The film is set during World War II and follows an American combat medic, Desmond Doss, who refused to carry any weapons at all. Garfield stars in the film alongside Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths and Vince Vaughn.
Hacksaw Ridge’s synopsis reads: “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.”
The film was hugely well-received and won two Academy Awards among many other accolades. The Rotten Tomatoes’ audience reviewers award the film with a high 92% score, with the critics just behind at 84%.
The critics’ consensus reads: “Hacksaw Ridge uses a real-life pacifist’s legacy to lay the groundwork for a gripping wartime tribute to faith, valour, and the courage of remaining true to one’s convictions.”
Critics praised Gibson’s direction, with one stating: “The superbly shot battle scenes aside, Gibson’s traditionalist sensibilities show up in how he shoots everything else which is a perfect fit for this particular film. It’s easy to get lost in the period he visualises.”
“Hacksaw Ridge is an epic film of the grandest tradition,” another added.
An audience reviewer said: “Absolutely the best movie I’ve ever watched.”
“Wonderful great war film Its brutal and full of emotions I was shocked of the war scenes..really realistic and bloody and cried my heart out…touched me a lot,” added another reviewer.
Hacksaw Ridge is available to watch on ITVX and Netflix.