In this interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian actor Rachel Griffiths discusses why the tension between Doss’ parents early in the film is essential to completely convey the message. She says, “It’s not a big role but it’s important to set up that it’s the mother that creates the moral point of view for the boy. We had to establish that then our scenes [as a married couple] really show that generational trauma that war will leave.” Photo credit: Nic Walker.
Rising star Teresa Palmer is one of the many Australians with leading roles in Hacksaw Ridge. She plays Dorothy, the young nurse who catches Desmond’s eye early in the film, and later provides the loving support he needs to overcome difficulty. In this interview with Channel 7’s Sunrise team, Teresa shares her insights into Dorothy’s personality and her critical role in this impressive true story.
If you’re not one who normally visits the cinemas, you may be weighing up whether you should make the trip in to see Hacksaw Ridge. According to Payorwait.com, this is one of Mel Gibson’s top directorial efforts – and is well worth the price of admission.
Writing for Aletia, film critic David Ives describes how Hacksaw Ridge’s battle scenes are harrowing, not shying away from the blood, gore and horrific realities of war – but this gritty realism only reinforces the power of Desmond’s actions. Despite these challenges scenes, this is an immensely entertaining film that leaves viewers considering their own convictions.
Mel Gibson received a standing ovation when Hacksaw Ridge debuted at the Venice Film Festival this year. It’s almost as if Gibson came out of retirement to tell this story – it’s his first directorial effort in more than ten years. And when asked why he chose to tell the story of Desmond Doss – the World War II conscientious objector who went on to become a war hero – Gibson said: “To go into that [the Battle of Okinawa 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.”
In this 30-minute special, World War II hero Desmond Doss is reunited with colleagues, comrades and friends from his early life. It’s a unique opportunity to hear how this hero who never touched a gun changed people’s lives – not just those he saved on the battlefield.