Andrew Garfield’s Hacksaw Ridge is More Accurate Than Most War Movies

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This war film is powerfully moving and captures the classic feel of a Hollywood drama while staying true to the historical events. Directed by Mel Gibson, it tells the true story of Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, a medic in World War II. Doss bravely served in the Battle of Okinawa without ever carrying a weapon, a decision rooted in his strong religious convictions.

Mel Gibson has often tackled historical war stories, but he’s usually taken liberties with the facts. While that’s typical for his films, Hacksaw Ridge is different. It stands out as one of the most historically accurate WWII movies made recently, and that’s something special.

Hacksaw Ridge Accurately Depicts the Battle of Okinawa

As a huge fan of war movies, I was really struck by how realistically Hacksaw Ridge portrayed the Battle of Okinawa. It was one of the very last major battles of World War II, fought between April and June 1945, mostly between American and Japanese forces. The movie doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to showing just how brutal it was – the explosions were massive, and you really see the horror and fear the soldiers experienced. It’s a tough watch because it doesn’t shy away from the gore and the tragic loss of life – around 100,000 people, both soldiers and civilians, were killed. But it feels authentic and really captures the scale of the fighting.

Mel Gibson’s World War II film is powerfully realistic, both visually and in its portrayal of the soldiers’ experiences. It also pays close attention to the smaller details of military tactics. The film accurately recreates Hacksaw Ridge – the challenging terrain is depicted with impressive scale and authenticity. The combat feels intense and personal, focusing on close-quarters fighting rather than distant battles, which amplifies the emotional impact. Another strength is the film’s accurate depiction of the Japanese ambush and their defensive strategies.

Andrew Garfield’s Portrayal of Desmond Doss is Realistic

Andrew Garfield is a remarkably versatile actor, often going unnoticed for the range he displays – from playing heroes like Spider-Man to the playwright Jonathan Larson in Tick, Tick…Boom! He demonstrated his serious acting skills in Hacksaw Ridge, where he portrayed Desmond Doss, a real-life WWII medic who saved approximately 75 soldiers during the Battle of Okinawa and was awarded the Medal of Honor. Remarkably, Doss earned this honor without ever firing a weapon, a result of his deeply held religious convictions, making him a unique decorated soldier.

Andrew Garfield delivers a powerful performance portraying Desmond Doss’s incredible bravery, particularly when facing immense pressure. He respectfully captures Doss’s unwavering refusal to carry a weapon, even when surrounded by those who did. Garfield skillfully shows Doss’s journey from an unlikely hero to someone audiences genuinely admire and support.

Hacksaw Ridge Dramatizes Real Life Without Overdoing It

The film Hacksaw Ridge is a mostly accurate portrayal of World War II, but it does take some creative liberties with the true story. While the film effectively captures the spirit of the era and the brutality of the battles, director Mel Gibson made certain dramatic changes for impact. For example, in reality, Desmond Doss wasn’t arrested or court-martialed for his refusal to carry a weapon during training. Additionally, Doss was already married to Dorothy Schutte (played by Teresa Palmer) before enlisting in the Army, unlike the film which depicts their marriage occurring after the court-martial.

Unlike some of Mel Gibson’s other films, Hacksaw Ridge handles its departures from historical accuracy well. The changes don’t distract from the story; instead, they enhance it. A film’s overall meaning can be dramatically altered—and often negatively—by too many or poorly executed fictionalizations.

Gibson skillfully blends Desmond Doss’s true story and the events of the Battle of Okinawa with creative storytelling. This approach allows the film to powerfully convey themes of hope, determination, and commitment while remaining faithful to the essential truth. The result is a moving and realistic war film – Hacksaw Ridge stands out as both emotionally resonant and historically accurate.

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2026-01-25 05:36