Is Hacksaw Ridge on Netflix?
The True Story Behind the Oscar-Winning Film
Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 American biographical war drama film directed by Mel Gibson, based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic in the United States Army during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. The film stars Andrew Garfield as Doss and is widely regarded as one of the greatest war movies of all time.
The Making of Hacksaw Ridge
The film was produced by Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, and was released in theaters on November 11, 2016. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide and earning several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The True Story of Desmond Doss
Desmond Doss was born on May 6, 1919, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to a family of modest means. He grew up in a devout Christian household and was raised with strong moral values. Doss’s family moved to Tennessee when he was a young boy, and he attended high school in Nashville.
Doss’s Decision to Become a Conscientious Objector
In 1942, Doss enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division. However, Doss was a devout Christian and refused to carry a rifle or fire a shot, citing his strong moral convictions. He was assigned to the 307th’s Medical Corps, where he became a medic.
Doss’s Heroic Actions During the Battle of Okinawa
On October 11, 1944, the Battle of Okinawa began, and Doss’s unit was tasked with securing a strategic hilltop. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Doss and his team fought bravely, using their medical skills to treat wounded soldiers and protect civilians.
The Turning Point: Doss’s Decision to Save a Young Soldier
On October 12, 1944, Doss came across a young soldier, Private First Class John T. "Mac" McAnally, who was wounded and bleeding profusely. Doss quickly assessed the situation and realized that he had to act fast to save Mac’s life. Using his medical training, Doss carefully cleaned and bandaged Mac’s wounds, and then administered a shot of morphine to help him sleep.
The Aftermath: Doss’s Heroic Actions and the Medal of Honor
After Mac’s death, Doss was hailed as a hero for his bravery and selflessness. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa. Doss’s actions that day were so heroic that they inspired a new generation of soldiers to follow in his footsteps.
The Film Hacksaw Ridge
The film Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson, tells the true story of Desmond Doss and his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa. The movie stars Andrew Garfield as Doss and features a talented supporting cast, including Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, and Hugo Weaving.
Key Cast Members
- Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss
- Vince Vaughn as Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin L. Swett
- Sam Worthington as Private First Class John T. "Mac" McAnally
- Hugo Weaving as Colonel Leslie Groves
- Rachel Weisz as Doss’s wife, Elizabeth
Key Crew Members
- Mel Gibson as Director
- Brad Pitt as Producer
- Peter Morgan as Screenwriter
- John Logan as Co-Writer
Awards and Nominations
Hacksaw Ridge was nominated for several awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Mel Gibson), Best Actor (Andrew Garfield), Best Supporting Actor (Vince Vaughn), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound Editing
- Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director (Mel Gibson), Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Andrew Garfield), Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (Vince Vaughn)
- BAFTA Awards: Best Film, Best Director (Mel Gibson), Best Actor (Andrew Garfield), Best Supporting Actor (Vince Vaughn), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound
Box Office Performance
Hacksaw Ridge was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide on a budget of $25 million. The movie was released in theaters on November 11, 2016, and received widespread critical acclaim.
Conclusion
Hacksaw Ridge is a powerful and moving film that tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II. The movie is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of Doss and his fellow soldiers, and it has inspired a new generation of soldiers to follow in his footsteps.
Key Statistics
- Box Office: $100 million (worldwide)
- Budget: $25 million
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94% (Certified Fresh)
- Metacritic: 82 (Universal Acclaim)
- IMDB: 7.4/10
Recommendation
If you’re a fan of war movies or are interested in the true story of Desmond Doss, then Hacksaw Ridge is a must-see film. The movie is a powerful and moving tribute to Doss’s bravery and selflessness, and it’s a great way to learn about the true story of one of the most heroic soldiers of World War II.