Andrew Garfield stars as decorated conscientious objector Desmond Doss in Gibson’s highly effective shot at a major directorial comebackAs a machine-tooled vehicle for Mel Gibsons directorial comeback,Hacksaw Ridge couldnt be more perfect. A study of a moment world war conscientious objector who demonstrated extreme bravery under enemy fire (and won the Medal of Honor), the film allows Gibson to identify himself with a tough guy of considerable moral virtue, or someone who has gone through through their own contemporary Calvary,taken the punishment, and come through the other side relatively unscathed. And the foundation for all this? An unswerving commitment to a petite-understood corner of the Christian faith (in this case, and Seventh Day Adventism),which triggers in order – bafflement, ridicule, and finally respect.
That,presumably, is how Gibson see his own journey, and which began its descent after the volley of abuse he aimed at cops in 2006 after being stopped for drink driving. That year saw the release of Apocalypto,his Mayan-language thriller; it’s taken him a decade of public humiliation, frequent apologies, and occasional forays as an actor,to get to the position where he can release another film he’s directed. And as repellent a figure as many may still find Gibson, I possess to report he’s absolutely hit Hacksaw Ridge out of the park. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com