Andrew Garfield is Doss in Mel Gibson's drama, applying his effortless charm and puppy-like features to play the humble hero with a grin so wide etched onto his face he looks like a sane version of The Joker. While his performance ticks all the emotional boxes to warrant acclaim, it does pale somewhat in comparison to his more layered turn in Silence. That said, he nails the Virginian accent. Others don't always. As good as Hugo Weaving is and as fine as Sam Worthington is in their roles, their native Australian slips through here and there. In addition to these cast members is Vince Vaughan as the watchable Sergeant Howell, an easy role that requires shouting and some glaring. All in all, it's Garfield's show; the film literally rests on his shoulders for long stretches.
The first third of the film deals with Doss' backstory and cheesy courtship of Dorothy (Teresa Palmer), but once there it puts the Gorgonzola aside and kicks into gear, Gibson's strengths are most apparent. The visceral battle - which consumes about half of the run time - is one of the most astonishing and brutal put to screen, and justifies seeing the film for the most part, seeing as the remainder is fairly predictable drama (Gibson's never been a dab hand at storytelling which isn't brash and occasionally manipulative). However, it certainly makes the price of admission worth it as Mad Max shoves you onto the edge of the seat and shocks your sternum with harrowing visuals and abrasive sound. It really validates Doss' stance against violence.
Speaking of validation, for some reason Hacksaw Ridge is prefaced with the old "Based on a True Story" chestnut and climaxes with documentary footage of those involved. Is it needed? Not really. Is it sweet to see the real life Doss in all his soft spoken glory? Yes.
FOUR STARS. PS. You're still an anti-Semite.
PPS. Yes I know there's been a lot of Four Star Reviews recently, but I assure you we know other numbersh.
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