Hacksaw Ridge and Unflinching Morals

How does someone reconcile their pacifist beliefs with a desire to aid their fellow man in the bloodiest war of all time? The dynamic between a distaste for killing and a global warzone is placed at the forefront of Mel Gibson’s film Hacksaw Ridge (2016). This film focuses on the true story of a young Desmond Doss, a staunch pacifist and conscientious objector in World War II. He does not use his pacifist beliefs, based in Desmond’s adherence to the Biblical commandment “Thou shalt not kill,” to try and get out of serving in the war, but instead he wants to serve as combat medic. His religious beliefs are put to the test as soon as he begins his journey, as he is ostracized by his fellow soldiers and commanders for refusing to even handle a rifle. After an attempt to have him discharged based on psychiatric reasons fails, his commanders put him through grueling, menial labor to convince Desmond to leave on his own accord. But he powers through, refusing to compromise his beliefs no matter how adverse the conditions. Training then, transcends simple military training and becomes a crucible for Desmond, where his beliefs are put to the test in a myriad of ways, but he pulls through and strengthens his resolve as he does, preparing him for his mission in the Pacific theater. As soon as the film takes us to Hacksaw Ridge, we are bombarded with brutalized violence to the point where we almost become desensitized due to the nonstop gore. Though it may detract from the overall moral themes of the film at times, it also shows the real experience someone in this warzone would face. Desmond ends up saving dozens of people presumed to be dead. His heroics earn him a Medal of Honor and show that his adherence to his beliefs did not limit him in his ability, but actually enabled him to do what no one else could and save countless lives. 

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