Hacksaw Ridge

The 2016 film Hacksaw Ridge is based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a combat medic in the US Army during World War II. Doss refused to carry or use any weapon, but he saved the lives of at least 75 soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa and was the first person ever to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.
         
With our Peace Testimony, Hacksaw Ridge should be a “Quaker film,” right? Certainly, the scene between Doss and an Army psychiatrist presents a simple but compelling account of a conscientious objector’s thought process. However, the violence of the war scenes in the film undercuts the conscientious objector philosophy.
         
The film is incredibly violent, showing body parts strewn over the battlefield and showcasing soldiers set on fire by flame throwers. It’s as if director Mel Gibson were saying, “My film supports the conscientious objection to war, but let me show you the thrilling blood and gore of war.” In fact, Hacksaw Ridge is the most violent film I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some doozies.
         
Friends who are interested in Desmond Doss may want to see Hacksaw Ridge, but not all the film’s biographical details are accurate. Moreover, I would have liked to learn more about Doss’s Seventh Adventist faith and the role it played in forming his conscientious objection. Considering the sickening nature of the movie’s war scenes, I honestly can’t recommend Hacksaw Ridge. Most Friends would be well advised to stay away from the film, particularly young, impressionable Friends.

~ Richard Russell