PRE-SCREEN REVIEW: Hacksaw Ridge

 
Mel Gibson makes his triumphant return to the chair-behind-the-camera with his latest war epic Hacksaw Ridge. Gibson has been a part of so many award-winning titles, a couple of which he's played a role much larger than just actor. In his illustrious career, Hacksaw Ridge is actually his fifth movie that he has directed. All of his directorial outings have either been met with praise or controversy. Not since Braveheart, however, has he delivered such a masterful piece of work worthy of comparison. I haven't been as emotional invested in a film in such a long time; not because it's a war film but because the story, acting, action, every aspect of the movie works to pull you in and engage your senses. I'll admit, amidst the carnage that befalls the screen, there is so much heart to this movie that you would have to be a stone-cold individual not to be moved by it.

   War movies in general can be hard to view. Often times the graphic violence of real life situations, the heavily emotional themes of loss, brotherhood, and the American spirit tend to lift these films above the usual entertainment precipice we come to expect at the theater. Hacksaw Ridge manages to push the envelope just enough to make it beyond what I think it set out to be. The movie follows the true story of WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), who served during the Battle of Okinawa. Doss refuses to use a weapon or to kill people, becoming the first Conscientious Objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor. I have said before in other reviews for films that are "based on a true story" that the truth is typically stretched to adhere to the entertainment aspect, and there's always going to be that stigma. However, the story of Desmond Doss is such an extraordinary one, that upon hearing it one would think it was made up or embellished already. Though he never fired a weapon or killed an enemy combatant, he saved around 75 of his fellow soldiers, single-handed. The man was a true American superhero.

   I can go on for days about the acting in this film. It would be safe and easy to just say that everyone does a fantastic job, and it would be somewhat true. Full disclosure, the acting in this film is nothing short of incredible. I honestly believe that Andrew Garfield gives the performance of his career in this movie, tapping into the spiritual and humanistic character of Doss. He brings a level of believability that is absolutely insane. He is in every way lost in the character. Teresa Palmer, who plays Desmond's fiance, is equally good. There are some surprisingly good performances from Sam Worthington and Vince Vaughn, who most of the world has forgotten can act. Known for his raunchy comedies, Vaughn does have a set of acting chops that are really quite impressive, and he showcases them wonderfully in this movie...as well as having some of the more comedic moments. The standout performance for me though was from Hugo Weaving, who plays Desmond's father. Words cannot describe the level of intensity he brings to his role. It was an absolute joy to watch.

 
 The production of this film, have mercy! It is crazy good! I mean, is it weird to say that a war movie is beautiful to look at? When body parts are flying and blood is spurting everywhere, beauty doesn't fall at the top of the list of adjectives one would use. But the way Gibson and his cinematographer Simon Duggan uses the camera is just jaw-dropping. There is a particular scene where the American army and the Japanese army actually go medieval, crashing into each other, fighting hand-to-hand; it's like a moment from Braveheart. The camera pulls back through the melee and you are right in the middle of it. It's just astounding to watch. The use of practical effects is really well done. I appreciate in this day and age of such technological advancement that film productions still rely on practical effects. They bring a realism to the moment that digital effects just cannot quite duplicate. The film is long, over two hours, and the battle doesn't start until well after the halfway point. There is so much character development that is done that when the battle commences, you are so invested in these characters that it is heartbreaking when you see what goes down on the battlefield. You're not just worried about Doss, and as a fan of film I applaud a filmmaker who uses the time wisely to develop their characters. It makes for a somewhat drawn out start, but it all pays off by the time these characters are faced with the stacked odds they find on the battlefield.

   Mel Gibson has done something amazing with this movie. He was able to weave a narrative about the horrors of war, the bravery of Desmond Doss and his fellow brothers in arms, an emotional sense of thankfulness for those who have given their lives in defense of this country, while also showcasing his iconic touch of humanistic sensibility, and an anti-war theme amidst the brutality of war itself. He has done this while also delivering a film that is emotionally engaging and entertaining to boot. Content-wise, the movie is horrifically gory and rightfully so, though like most other war films it doens't rely on foul language to garnish jarring moments. I haven't seen a war film that was able to do most of these things since Saving Private Ryan, and this might be Gibson's best directorial outing since Braveheart...maybe even surpassing it. Hacksaw Ridge will surely garnish its fair share of awards, and rightfully so. I would put this movie up for Best Picture. I would put Andrew Garfield up for Best Actor. I would most definitely put Mel Gibson up for Best Director. All deserving, all amazing. If you want to see what epic, cinematic film making is like, go see this movie. Even if you don't, go see this movie anyway. 

Hacksaw Ridge opens everywhere Friday November 4, with early evening showings Thursday November 3