In Lynchburg, Virginia, young Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) almost killed his brother, Harold Doss (Nathaniel Buzolic). It makes Desmond, who is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, strongly convinced not to kill. A few years later, Desmond brought a man injured in a car accident to the hospital and met a nurse, Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer). They had a relationship and Desmond told him of his desire to do medical work for Dorothy.

When World War II took place, Desmond was motivated to enroll in the Army. His father, Tom Doss (Hugo Weaving), a troubled World War I veteran, was deeply disappointed by Desmond's decision. Because Desmond is a responsible opponent, he intends to become a combat medic. Before leaving for Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he proposes Dorothy to marry and Dorothy accepts it.

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Desmond was placed under the command of Sergeant Howell (Vince Vaughn). He excelled physically but became an outcast among his fellow soldiers for refusing to hold a rifle and practice on Saturday. Sgt. Howell and Captain Glover (Sam Worthington) tried to get Desmond out of the training grounds on psychiatric grounds but failed. Sergeant Howell then tortured Desmond by placing him as a laborer in hopes that Desmond would leave the training ground on his own. Although he was persecuted overnight by fellow soldiers, Desmond did not find out his attacker and continued his training.

They complete basic training and take leave. At that time, Desmond intends to marry Dorothy, but his refusal to bring a firearm makes Desmond arrested for defiance. Dorothy visits Desmond in prison and tries to convince her to confess wrong so she can be released without charge, but Desmond refuses to compromise with her beliefs. In court, Desmond pleaded not guilty. Before he was sentenced, his father came to court and filed a letter from his former commander, who declared that pacifism (understood that the principle of war did not have to happen) Desmond was protected by the Congress Act. The allegations against Desmond were canceled, and he and Dorothy married.

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Desmond and his entourage were assigned to the 77th Infantry Division and dispersed into the Pacific battlefield. During the Battle of Okinawa, his entourage was assigned to assist the 96th Infantry Division, which was tasked with climbing and securing the Maeda Cliff ("Hacksaw Ridge"). In the initial battle, both sides suffered a major defeat, while Desmond managed to rescue several soldiers, including those who were seriously wounded. The Americans camped at night and Desmond spent the night in a foxhole with Smitty (Luke Bracey), a teammate who first called Desmond "losers." Desmond reveals that his unwillingness to hold a gun is caused by him who almost shot his drunken father when his father threatened his mother, Bertha Doss (Rachel Griffiths), with a pistol. Smitty apologizes for casting doubt on Desmond's bravery and both of them correct the mistakes.

The next morning, the Japanese army launched a massive counterattack and forced American troops back from the cliff. Smitty was killed and many American soldiers, including Sergeant Howell and some of Desmond's teammates, were injured and left the battlefield. Desmond heard the shouts of the dying soldiers and decided to return to the place of the massacre. He started carrying wounded soldiers to the edge of the cliff and lowered them with a rope, each time he prayed to save another. The arrival of dozens of wounded soldiers after allegedly dead became a surprise throughout the team. When the day breaks, Desmond rescues Sergeant Howell and both come out of Hacksaw Ridge under enemy fire.

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Captain Glover tells that the soldiers are inspired by Desmond's efforts and that they will not launch the next attack without him. Although the next day was a Sabbath to Desmond, he continued to join his fellow warriors after he finished his prayer. With reinforcements, they changed the course of the battle. When an ambush was made by Japanese soldiers pretending to surrender, Desmond rescued Captain Glover and another army by kicking an enemy grenade. Desmond was wounded by a grenade blast and American soldiers won in battle. Desmond climbs down the cliff, holding the Bible given by Dorothy.

After rescuing more than 75 American soldiers at Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman. Desmond married Dorothy until the death of his wife in 1991, then he died on March 23, 2006 at the age of 87 years.

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Nuansa
Tuesday, January 30, 2018

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