Netflix fans are praising a brutal war movie and have declared it to be the ‘best film ever.’
Although many of us may never experience the true brutality of war, the film genre allows us to be immersed in the horrifying and heartbreaking realities of such times.
They portray humanity at its worst, often drawing from real-life experiences that are unimaginable for many of us.
An Oscar-nominated movie has taken the streaming platform by storm, with viewers hailing it online.
One fan writes: “Guys, I just watched the best movie ever on Netflix. I highly recommend it.”
Another adds: “Amazing movie. 10/10 recommend.”
A third says: “One of the best movies I’ve ever watched!”
“Cried my eyes out every five seconds,” somebody else shares.
A fifth enthuses: “One of the best movies I have seen in a long time.”
Critics praise the film
With an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 84% and IMDb rating of 8.1, the film has also received critical acclaim.
Steven Prokopy wrote for Third Coast Review: ” If you can stomach the gore, you’re in for one jaw-dropping experience.”
For Cinema76, Dan Scully reviewed: “An epic film of the grandest tradition.”
“A movie for anyone who has felt like an outcast,” penned Damian Levy for Jamaica Gleaner. “It captures the feeling of having to defend one’s values and stand by one’s convictions, looking left when everyone is telling you to look right. It’s brutal. Tense.”
What is the film about?
The 2016 film, directed by Mel Gibson, is based on the 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector, directed by Terry Benedict.
Set in World War II, it follows American combat medic Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), who, as a Seventh-day Adventist, refused to use a weapon of any kind.
He faced ridicule, harassment, and disbelief from fellow soldiers, yet despite this, he remained committed to his religion.
The soldier’s actions reflected his beliefs during the Battle of Okinawa. Armed with nothing but his faith, he repeatedly risked his life to save wounded comrades, lowering them one by one down the cliffs despite gunfire raining down around him.
Doss went on to become the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor for his service during the Battle of Okinawa.
He was awarded the highest military decoration in the United States after saving the lives of approximately 75 soldiers, all without ever carrying a weapon.
The movie honoring Doss’s story features a star-studded cast, portraying the incredible courage and unwavering faith of the soldier amidst the horrors of war.
The supporting cast includes Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn.
The directors controversies
The film was widely viewed as Gibson’s return to form, with his career having been in decline following several controversies.
His career began to decline following several controversies, including his widely publicized incidents of anti-Semitic remarks.
During a 2006 DUI arrest, he reportedly told the arresting officers: “The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world.”
His comments were condemned not only by the public but also by the media and Hollywood, significantly damaging the director’s reputation.
Gibson also has a history of widely controversial statements and incidents that contributed to perceptions of bigotry and volatility
Gibson’s comeback with Oscar-nominated war film
Returning to the director’s chair for the first time since 2006’s Apocalypto, Gibson said of Hacksaw Ridge (per The Guardian): “Desmond attributed his actions to a power greater than himself, and the difference between a real superhero and a comic-book superhero is that real superheroes didn’t wear any Spandex.”
He added: “It’s undeniable what the essence of Doss was: he was a man of great courage and strong conviction, and strong faith; to go into a battle zone like that – which the Japanese called it ‘steel rain, ’with the artillery and lead flying around – to go into that armed with only your faith, your faith has to be strong in you.
“That’s an undeniable part of the story I found really inspiring.”
Doss died at age 87 in 2006.
Watch the trailer for Hacksaw Ridge here…
Hacksaw Ridge is available to stream via Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Sky Store, Google Play, Tubi, and ITVX.
