Mel Gibson’s Oscar-nominated WW2 movie is ‘not quite authentic,’ intense battles still impress historians

Hawk’s Ridge is “Not quite genuine,” although its intense battle scenes still impress historian John McManus. Directed by Mel Gibson, the 2016 war film follows the experiences of Desmond Doss during World War II, who, as a devout Seventh-day Adventist, refused to carry or use any weapons or firearms, and became the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary service during the Battle of Okinawa, the film stars Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss alongside a cast that includes Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Vince Vaughn and Richard Pyros.

In a video from InsideHistorian John McManus rated the accuracy of World War II battles in movies and TV shows, including The Battle of Okinawa in Hawk’s Ridge. Watch the portion of the video below, starting at the 0:21 minute mark:

McManus mentions that the movie exaggerates certain aspects of the battle, such as the height of Hacksaw Ridge and the presence of excessive flame, while also misrepresenting how soldiers would have behaved during the bombardment. However, the historian praises the film’s accuracy in depicting certain combat details, such as how soldiers climbed the ropes and used machine guns. generally, He rated the scene an 8/10 in terms of realism. Read his full comments below:

First of all, there’s way too much flame. There are battleships, and yes, maybe they could have been part of the softening up of Hacksaw Ridge, but the way it’s portrayed here, I don’t think is quite authentic in the sense of the infantry soldiers all standing around in the open watching the bombing. They would be spread out, under cover. Hacksaw Ridge itself is portrayed as being a bit taller than it actually was. It is true that they used rope nets to get there, but more often, they just used ladders, because it is not quite as high as is depicted in the film. One thing that is very realistic is the way they are portrayed up on the ropes. They raise their hands vertically rather than horizontally, as you might to stabilize yourself. The latter you would never do, because the guy next to you could step on your hand. So you would always grab the rope ladder to the sides, and that’s really well done. The problem with Hacksaw Ridge is that there is no other way to get around it than from behind. Because Haksaw is just one of a network of these kinds of places, right in the heart of Okinawa, that the Americans are trying to take and overwhelm. So you really have to get up there in a frontal way as they convey.

It was definitely a hand-to-hand fight. A lot of it happens in Hacksaw Ridge. Many Japanese who were sort of outflanked or found themselves among the Americans would have done just that. There are many instances in the Pacific War when you have Americans watching their friends roll around on the ground with a Japanese saying “Get out of the way so I can shoot this guy.”

Vaughn wants to flank that pillbox, because where he is, and the other guys, is right in his cone of fire. So what I always thought he meant by a weapons team is the bazooka team that you see come into play in order to be their best weapon against that pillbox. But in any kind of small-unit engagement, you want to flank your enemy because that’s where he’s going to be vulnerable. One of the things the Americans discovered, among the many unpleasant surprises at Hacksaw Ridge, was just how many of these pillbox-style fortifications there were. Now many of them were like caves, almost like raised caves, which hardly had an opening, so that one would be quite weak, as It is described there.

I don’t know why you would throw that against a pillbox. You really want to detonate a fragmentation grenade there. One thing that’s dead on, you’ll notice Vince Vaughn, the sergeant, when he sees one of his machine gunners go down, he immediately wants somebody back up on that machine gun, because that’s really your supporting firepower. You have to keep the thing in action. And the way they describe the American .30 caliber machine gun and how it was used with two guys, that’s exactly how you would have used it. I would rate it about an 8. Mixed emotions about this scene. I love the intensity of it.

His Battle of Okinawa scene stands out

throughout Hawk’s RidgeMany details about Desmond Doss’ backstory have been altered, such as his father being a World War II veteran, when Doss takes a gun from his alcoholic father, and the details of his first marriage. The film flat-out omits other parts of his backstory and military service, such as his previous combat service in the battles of Guam and Leyte, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for bravery in both battles. Despite the changes and omissions, director Mel Gibson still maintained a remarkable level of accuracy and adhered to the principle of the story.

The Battle of Okinawa is undoubtedly the standout scene in Hawk’s Ridge, Although it takes some liberties with realism, as McManus mentions. However, the accurate depiction of the soldiers climbing the rope, the use of machine guns, and the intensity of the combat are done well enough to impress the historian and earn a strong rating for realism. the main thing This scene depicts Desmond Doss’ extraordinary bravery How he risks his life, without firing a shot, to save 75 people during the Battle of Okinawa.

Our take on historical accuracy from Hacksaw Ridge

It sets a high standard

Hawk’s Ridge Is historically accurate for a Hollywood movieCapturing key aspects of Desmond Doss’ life – including his pacifism, courage and actions during the Battle of Okinawa – although there are many alterations and exaggerations to his story along the way. Overall, this commitment to accuracy, combined with strong performances and intense battle scenes, contributed to the film’s critical and commercial success, earning multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Andrew Garfield and Best Director for Mel Gibson.

Hacksaw Ridge’s True Story Explained

(& the biggest changes the movie makes)

Based on the 2004 documentary The conscientious objector Directed by Terry Benedict, Hawk’s RidgeLike most movies based on true stories, Takes some creative libertiesEspecially in the portrayal of Desmond Doss’ relationship with his wife, Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer). In addition, several aspects of his life before the war, including his relationship with his father, were changed for the film. However, the film remains faithful to the core elements of the experience, and provides a powerful and emotionally resonant tribute to his heroic actions during the war.

In the early days of World War II, This worked in a Navy shipyard But chose to enlist in the military despite being eligible for deferment. He was deeply committed to his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, including a strict adherence to non-violence, making him a conscientious objector. He refused to bear arms and faced ridicule from fellow soldiers, but remained unwavering in his faith. During battles in Okinawa, Guam and Leyte, he served as a medic and risked his life to save others. His bravery at Hacksaw Ridge, where he saved 75 soldiers, earned him the Medal of Honor.

however, Hawk’s Ridge Makes some changes to the true story for dramatic effect. While his Christian beliefs and refusal to bear arms are central, the film changes his motivation, linking it to a fictional incident where his father threatens his mother. In addition, his wedding timeline and court-martial were dramatized, and the two previous battles (Guam and Leyte) were omitted to highlight Okinawa. The film condenses his weeks-long bravery into a few days, heightening the tension, and leaves out other awards like his two bronze stars and a purple heart, focusing only on his Medal of Honor.

Source: Inside