NEW to DVD/BluRay | 'Hacksaw Ridge'
'Hacksaw Ridge' tells the story of a World War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refusing to kill the enemy, and becoming the first Conscientious Objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honour.
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ is a heartfelt film about one of WWII's most peaceful men. Hopefully, this will be the start of a new wave of well-made Australian cinematic releases.
For a long time, Actor/Director Mel Gibson has been shuffled between Australia and America - neither one claiming full ownership following tumultuous episodes in his personal life in recent years.
Upon release of 'Hacksaw Ridge,' it seems somewhat understandable. There can be no doubt that 'Hacksaw Ridge' is a very good film - showing how gritty, bloody and gruesome war can be; however, it does not appear to be all that the awards season buzz has been hovering about it.
Over the years, there have been a lot of films made about the second world war, and it's not hard to name a few ('Saving Private Ryan', or 'Atonement' for example). If a filmmaker is going to create a war film, it needs a unique element to set it apart from all other films in that category. In 'Hacksaw Ridge’, the world of the film may be familiar, but the central character Desmond T. Doss, isn’t a commonly known subject.
The most common thread of conversation about 'Hacksaw Ridge' is that it was Gibson's directorial comeback, after having been absent from behind the camera for the better part of ten years. 'Hacksaw Ridge' shows that Gibson still possesses keen directorial skills, as the film proves to be compelling in its entirety.
Andrew Garfield's Desmond T. Doss is an extremely brave character in being the first Conscientious Objector to be awarded the Medal of Honour after saving seventy-five of his comrades under enemy fire, despite refusing to kill or even carry a weapon. If this doesn't already gain your interest, it certainly should.
The film balances its intense moments of war with Doss' untiring determination and moments of peace as someone who should be admired and more widely recognised. Garfield is an actor who hasn’t yet been fully recognised for his truly top-end acting, and after ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, he definitely should.
Setting aside the 'Amazing Spiderman' films, Garfield is deserving of more demanding, gritty roles like this to show off his wide range of talent. Garfield is undoubtedly the component that holds this film together.
The supporting cast is strong, though Vince Vaughn’s appearance was arguably the strangest casting choice of an army sergeant in a war film yet. Of all the supporting cast members, he was the one that did not seem to suit the role he was given, though he did well with what he had. However, it was still an ill fit that shifted the tone of the scenes he was featured in, as viewers find it difficult to separate Vaughn from his comedy.
Overall, 'Hacksaw Ridge' is a film that demands to be seen on the big screen, as it reels you in, holds you in your seat, and spits you out at the other end emotionally drained. A worthwhile, evocative and important war film if there ever was one.
'Hacksaw Ridge' is released on DVD and Blu-Ray throughout Australia 21st February 2017.
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