HACKSAW RIDGE smashed my heart to smithereens 

They had to downplay his heroic acts, as they thought audiences wouldn’t believe it. RIP Doss.

My neighbor's dad was a medic. His comment was that the reason the men didn't accept Desmond at the beginning because none of them had ever been in combat before and they were showing their own insecurities (including the officers). Among combat troops, medics are beloved and the bravest men on the field, because they're the ones who'll come for you when nobody else will.

As a veteran, I can't fathom the courage Desmond Doss had in him. The mental and physical strength he had to do what he did was/is unfathomable. One could only believe that God gave Desmond the strength and courage he needed to accomplish such a miracle. It would have been a massive honor to have met him!!

I'm a 23 retired combat Infantry vet. Carrying one man for only 50 yds one time is totally exhausting. How Desmond ever did it over 70 times, at night and under fire, is far beyond my ability to imagine.

God that moment on the ridge when Doss is asking God what he wants from him, and then immediately after asking hears the cries of the wounded for a medic...that moment hits me so damn hard every single time. And I always, ALWAYS cry at "Help me get one more."

I think the unsung hero of this tale is the mother. She instilled in him the faith and values that he carried with him till his death. Also Hugo Weaving's portrayal of a vet with PTSD is amazing. Every single character, even the minor characters did an amazing job in this move.

The subtext of Thomas Doss in the courtroom. Being from a largely forgotten war with himself being barely acknowledged hurts my heart more than anything else in this film. "Is that truly how it works, sir? The uniform means nothing. You lost so much that was dear to you and you're forgotten, You have no voice?"😢

Desmond Doss is considered the greatest combat medic in the history of the US Army. This was actually the last major battle in which he participated. The total number of men he saved in all the battles is close to 350. The Desmond Doss Military Hospital at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii was named after Doss after the man's death. Also, it should be noted that director Mel Gibson actually toned down some of the things Doss did because he felt the viewing public would think what he really did unrealistic and outrageous.

As someone who was actually a combat medic Doss was basically superman carrying that many grown men in that kind of environment is a next to impossible feat doss is my personal hero and as hard as it is for me to watch this movie without an emotional response its still one of my favorites

How Hugo Weaving didn't win best supporting actor still blows my mind.

I am a disabled Veteran and I was a Combat Medic in the Army. This is one of my favorite movies ever and I saw a lot of myself in Desmond Doss because we shared similar philosophies when it comes to saving men on the battle field. I volunteered to put my life on the line for my country, my family and friends and people I never met. Medics are the ones with the biggest hearts, to care so much for others and to put your own life second to saving another. I am so grateful that the people in charge decided to make this movie and to tell Desmond's story, not just for me but for my brothers and sisters who were medics. And I am so proud to have been a medic. RIP Private Doss, your tour is over and I thank you for your service 🙏🏻 you were a bad mfr

While Desmond's mental and physical stamina are highlighted, his physical strength can't be overlooked either. That a "cornstalk" of a man was repeatedly able to carry the dead weight of an unconscious soldier acrioss his back is astonishing.

In 2009 when I started a new job, a coworker gave me a dvd of a documentary movie called The Conscientious Objector (2004). It was the story of Desmond Doss told by the real people. It was a great movie and when Hacksaw Ridge was released in 2016 I was happy that more people would learn the heroics of Demond Doss.

Seven years after Okinawa, my 18 yrs old father was stationed in Tokyo Japan. His DI’s took his platoon to see Hacksaw Ridge, and to walk Okinawa Island.. the Marines lost 49,141 brave men. Dad , a paratrooper way on to serve in Korea said it mad a huge impact on them all. RIP DAD, and RIP Private Doss- Thank you , and all who have served and sacrificed. We as grateful Americans salute you! ❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

That scene where the whole battalion was waiting for Doss to finish praying for them gives me chills. What a man.

I spent two years in vietnam. This movie struck me to the core. They didn't then respect us when we came home. From vietnam Thank god everybody respects us today.❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊 Thank you

Hugo Weaving was the big surprise for me here. It was interesting to see him with something to really do. I saw a sneak screening of this film a few weeks before it came out and his performance was the thing I kept going back to.

Great reaction! I served and retired from the Army, did five tours, and stories like Doss’s make my time serving worthwhile. Seeing younger people like yourself also appreciate sacrifices born of so many gives old soldiers like me hope for our future! Thank you for your heartfelt reactions, don’t stop! Shed light on stories such as these and keep the faith!

I love the Sergeants "corn stalk" jabs at Doss' physique. I was barely at minimum weight when I enlisted and my drill sergeants had plenty of fun at my expense with how skinny and scrawny I was 😆

I read his auto-biography in school because I went to a Seventh-Day Adventist school and when I saw this movie came out I was so happy that people can see his story and the things he went through. For me it was a whole different experience watching it after reading it and I can say it did very well in telling his story and to this day it’s on of my favorite movies and I rewatch it whenever I see it

This movie can make a grown man cry and it did!😢

Thank you for reacting to this movie. My father was decorated for valor as a forward mortar scout on Iwo Jima. He never came back the same.

Beautiful reaction to an excellent film. Whenever I need a jolt of faith, I return to the story of Desmond Doss. You're right... what a soul!

The insane thing is that they had to show less than what he really did because they didn't think people would believe it if they showed what he really did. And the Army says he saved more than 100, not 75. Desmond told the Army to tell people he only saved about 50 because he was so humble. The Army met him halfway and credited him with 75 instead of 100+.

Nothing is as frightening as what one human will do to another, even when they've done nothing to deserve it. And nothing is as inspiring as what one human will do for another, even when they've done nothing to deserve it.

When Dawes was being taken away on a stretcher by medics, he saw other injured and he hopped off his stretcher to help them. They didn't put it in the movie because the director thought no one would believe that it actually happened

Thank you so much for sharing this video my Dad was there that day sometimes my Dad would talk about it he would get tears in his eyes I would just hold him and told him how Proud I was of him and all who served our Country

I still remember watching this movie in the cinema. It completely blew me away. It’s INCREDIBLE filmmaking. An unforgettable experience.

One of the most famous conscientious objectors was in WWII, his name was Sargeant Alvin York. There's a movie about him and Gary Cooper plays York. Really good movie. York also earned the Medal of Honor

The story of Desmond Doss keeps a certain light alive in my soul that threatens to dim every day when I get cynical and jaded. He was truly a remarkable man.

The crazy thing about this entire story is that Okinawa/hacksaw ridge wasn’t his first time in combat. He served in another island prior to Okinawa, where he contracted pneumonia, and his lungs were really messed up at the time. He was sick, didn’t have a full meal due to his vegan diet, and did all that to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The ridge he only 35 feet not 75 feet though, that’s the only part they made bigger than what it is. I might not be a man of faith but Desmond Doss is the epitome of a man serving for his lord.

I served in Iraq with a Man, who could no longer take lives. Former Ranger, was our medic. Never failed to patrol with us. We trusted him with our lives.

'Hero' does not begin to describe a man like Desmond. Everytime I watch it, Desmond goes from 'hero' to 'saint' to 'guardian Angel'

There is a reason I say that my heroes are those that follow the belief "So that others may live." When the Captain says "Let's get this soldier to the hospital tent" you can see the look in everyone eyes that Desmond was not the skinny kid they thought he was, but a hero who had a 100 foot shadow behind him.

Yep hacksaw ridge is one of those movies for sure packed with plenty of emotions . Thanks for sharing your reaction with us

I remember watching this film on DVD, and in the special features section there was an interview with a living member of Doss' unit and he said something to the effect that Doss was ridiculed hard for refusing to carry a gun and was branded a coward, only to realize that Doss was the most courageous man in the entire group. At 21:50 when you said welcome to war, the thought that went through my head was nope, its welcome to hell.

Your reaction was one of the most beautiful I've seen. I loved seeing how impacted you were by this movie. Hacksaw Ridge is one of the very best films I've ever seen in my 62 years of life. It was nominated for at least 35 awards and won at least a dozen of them. Garfield won 3 Best Actor awards, and Weaving got one Best Supporting Actor. Some cool facts: Doss had seen action before Hacksaw (Philippines and Guam) and saved many lives there; his division was actually on Hacksaw for several days but he really did save at least 75 men all on May 5, 1945, after that he was on Hacksaw several more days; when he was evacuated, he had 17 pieces of shrapnel in him, a broken arm from a bullet, and his leg blown to smithereens; the search for his bible took 3 days, but his company wouldn't give up looking even though Japanese were still up there shooting; only 3 conscientious objectors have won the Medal of Honor (Doss in WW2 and 2 more in Vietnam). Mel Gibson was right when he said audiences wouldn't believe the whole story. I read the whole commendation for his Medal of Honor, and it was astounding.

Just like Blackhawk down, the grotesque brutality highlights the true nature of war, and the horrors soldiers go through, as well as the heroism shown by those who placed their values and wellbeing of their brothers in arms before their own lives. Also, the accuracy and respect to those whom the movie is dedicated to or based on is admirable.

So glad you could experience the story of an amazing man whose faith and conscience made that so. Doss stands out in a sea of amazing people who had to fight that war. It’s too bad you had to see it all in the horrifying context of the battle (even if it’s only as real as Mel Gibson’s skills make it appear). But recognizing that context makes Doss’s valor all the more astounding.

It's easy to see that watching this, and other war movies, is really difficult for you. Thank you for fighting through it in order to react to them for us.❤

Desmond Doss is one of history’s underrated heroes. His actions over those hours can’t be explained by words.

This is a great movie! I am proud of the 9 years I spent as a medic. I did everything I could within my power for my soldiers

30:37 *The knives, they'd connect, to the end of their rifles were called "bayonets" (bay-o-NET or more casually, bay-uh-NET).*

Thank you for another great reaction Amy, that was so heartfelt, you're obviously a bright empath :)

The lovely grin on your face during the romantic parts made the horror of the battles almost bearable. Thank you for letting us watch along with you again. 😊

This movie definitely didn't hold back on the horror of war and I'm glad, war like this is not glorious, it's chaos and destruction and hell.

I'm glad to have come across this. Sometimes RU-vid makes great choices to recommend to us! I forgot what a great movie this is and what an amazing person Doss was.

What this man did was one of the most remarkable and heroic acts in the entire recorded history of mankind. He should be sainted.

Doss spent a grueling 12 hours on Hacksaw Ridge, saving the lives of 75 people, including his captain, with his acts of bravery as a combat medic. Doss deflected enemy grenades and sustained injuries but remained at the top of the cliff, refusing to leave until all injured soldiers were brought to safety.

Great film about an amazing person. The interviews with Doss and the real people at the end always gets me. Thank you for your sensitive reaction.

Howdy Ames. Whew! What a movie. What a reaction. You pour your soul into these reactions and we appreciate it. You’ve become an honorary gangster, an honorary Dudette, and, after movies like this and Pvt Ryan, an honorary G.I. BTW, the Japanese fought so maniacally because Okinawa was part of their homeland. It was battles like this that convinced the US to use the atomic bombs.

I really don't like war movies, but this one is a favorite of mine. I have watched every reaction I can find on RU-vid as well. It's so well done, the acting is superb - the Dad (Hugo Weaving) is excellent.

When it comes to war movies, Mel's very much into what you would call "authenticity.". Being authentic in the aesthetic and emotional aspects. And that's one of many parts of what made this movie so damn good. It showed all the glory and horror, comradery and heartbreak that war has to offer. Robert E Lee says: "It is well that war is so terrible. Otherwise should we grow too fond of it."

41:00 An interesting fact from the true story, Doss lost his bible during the battle but it wasn’t immediately returned to him. Doss was heartbroken thinking he had lost his bible, until the other soldiers returned it. It turned out that after the battle several soldiers searched every inch of Hacksaw Ridge until they found Doss’s bible and returned it to him.

The dad was a WW1 veteran and had classic signs of PTSD but it wasn't recognized back then. Watching Desmonds dad was harder for me to watch than the rest of the movie. I'm a 23 year's veteran and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan six times. I was a combat medic also.

A wonderful film about one of the men of the Greatest Generation. A fantastic cast, score & cinematography makes this a top film of mine. Desmond’s faith in God shows what true conviction can do. (Another true story I must suggest, also from WWII, is “Unbroken”. It also takes place in the Pacific Theater & covers the experiences of Louie Zamporini, an Army Air Corps veteran. Thank you for your commentary

This is by far one of my favorite movies. Ive never ever seen a movie that has people who are seventh day Adventist in it, and as a Seventh day Adventist myself, it made the movie even more special. I've seen it so many times, plus read the book. It's so moving and emotional. God definitely blessed Doss and gave him the courage and strength to do what he did.

This movie, and the story behind it, is amazing. One thing I always appreciated about Smitty: Yes, he bullied Desmond. BUT he didn't join in when everyone piled on and was beating him. In fact, he put a stop to it. So even when he was being a jerk, he had principles.

Love that you feel the full impact of what's going on.

I live in Lynchburg VA. They have a day just for him and his grandson speaks on that day. There is a highway named after him. They left out a lot more because what they had in the movie people wouldn't believe that it was true. This is the man that ALL men need to strive to be! Thank you for your service. May God keep you. R.I.P. Desmond.

He was an amazing man and so was his wife. Bless them both. Gone but never forgotten. If only all people could be like that the world would not be the cesspool of rot it is today.

40:52 In the film, after Desmond is injured he’s taken away on a stretcher and is sent home. But in real life, after the real Desmond Doss was injured and taken away on a stretcher he saw a more seriously injured soldier and he rolled off of the stretcher, crawled to his fellow soldier, tended to the soldier’s wounds, and ordered the other soldiers to direct their attention to the wounded (thereby giving up his stretcher). Then, after that, he crawled himself back to a hospital tent all while under heavy enemy fire and with 30 pieces of shrapnel in his body. This man was a TRUE HERO.

You made me think of the Marines that died during my tours in Iraq. Its touching and you have a beautiful heart. Great American men died for this great country of ours. Thank you for showing your heart.

This is one of those reactions where I love watching people cry along with the movie. Felt like my first time watching the movie where I cried the whole time. 🤠

I am a combat veteran ( Vietnam ) You can not possibly know the good you have just done. Thank you for this and God bless you.

These men would see no respite from this hell for the rest of their lives. Some of the worst cases of documented PTSD as it was later known, would come from this campaign and manifest itself on these men, on both sides. Families would suffer the consequences of this battle for decades to come as their men came home absolutely shattered. Ames, I think your reaction to this movie is indicative of the directing skill by Mel Gibson. This movie was nominated for six Academy awards and was deserving of those nominations. As often is the case in Mel Gibson movies, a main character, chosen to be a normal person, forced into being so much more for their fellow man when called upon, to acts of heroism. That's what this movie is about. And I thank GOD for these men that stood for their convictions to fight for their comrades and their country. This was an absolute gem of a movie.

Desmond's brother said it best at the end when he said "When you are under conviction that is no joke, it's who you are". Mel Gibson is so underrated as a director it's not even funny. We Were Soldiers is excellent from him as well, along with The Passion of Christ.✌👍🇺🇸

Wow...I was literally just watching another reaction to this when yours posted...I hope you don't mind be pasting my same comment from that reaction on to yours.😎 In some significant ways, this excellent true story of Desmond Doss was toned down to make it more believable. However, there are some things that were changed that you might want to know about. Doss and his unit had actually taken part in two previous Pacific island invasions before they got to Okinawa, and Doss had actually been decorated with the Bronze Star for Valor twice in the second battle, so Desmond was already a well respected member of the unit before Hacksaw Ridge. You can understand why they decided to compress the story entirely to the Okinawa campaign to keep the story easier to understand. Some of the other changes they made are also understandable, such as they amped up the drama of the trial a lot, and the situation where he leaves his wife at the altar while he sits in a cell is not quite the way that happened. The website History vs Hollywood article on this movie is pretty good, and covers most the of the stuff that they changed or were mistaken about. I strongly recommend checking out History vs Hollywood for after you watch movies based on real history. They are usually the best place to get solid information about historical inaccuracies in a very easy to understand format, when they have an article posted about the film in question.👍

Very emotional movie 🥺❤️

“I honestly hate war so much” is a perfect reaction to what war really costs. You’re a beautiful soul. Don’t ever stop giving everyone what it means to be human. :)

Wow! This movie is so emotional and powerful! I can't imagine how much bravery it takes to go to war without a weapon and stay in the battlefield saving so many lives while under gunfire and explosions without a way to defend yourself.

Great editing & great reaction 👍. It's definitely 1 of my favorite war films. It rivials "Saving Private Ryan" for best war movie , in my opinion.

I found your channel a few days ago and I've already looked through all your Harry Potter vids, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers (waiting for the next ep!) and now I'm here. I'm hooked 🤩

"I understand tomorrow is your Sabbath." He shows more development in these words than he did throughout the whole movie, as well as maintaining his priorities. Damn!

As I watched Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) perform one act of incredible heroism after another, I said to myself, "if that isn't a Congressional Medal of Honor (CMH) winner, I don't know what is." Little did I know that Mr. Doss was the first Conscientious Objector to win the CMH. This is one of the greatest war movies I have ever seen. The Japanese were dug in like this on virtually every island in the Pacific Theater on which we fought. The would have been dug in like this on the Japanese mainland and every Japanese who could carry a gun would have been fighting. This is why the decision was made to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was the right decision in my humble opinion. Finally, Ame performed her usual sterling analysis. I'm glad I subscribed.

Mel Gibson's best work as a director, Also love your reactions ❤️

You have such a beautiful soul yourself and a beautiful human being . Super great reaction!

"What do you want from me..? I can't hear you." . . . . "MEDIC!! HELP MEE!"

Doss: I cant hear you [Lord]! Wounded Soldier: MEDIC!!!! Doss....ok!..... Best part of the movie!

Nice reaction Desmond was a true hero he proved that nothing is impossible when I watched this I thought it was amazing though it was sad also those tunnels are almost similar to the ones in the Vietnam War

Been a long time since I saw this movie. Need to rewatch it. Your reactions are always great.

Rest in Peace to not just a brave soul, but a completely selfless individual. I have no doubt he is an angel watching over other soldiers now. Rest easy Doss, thank you for your service.

Man, I'm so glad I found this channel, your reactions are always heartfelt and amazing and you are emotional like me 🥰 would watch you react to anything at this point 😊

Lol You might be the only reaction I’ve seen so far that didn’t scream at a particular scene durning a night on the ridge, You got ice in your veins girl! Love the reaction.

As a US Marine visited the ridge on deployment. Awesome that his simple act of objection saved so many lives. Like you said “I hate war”. Everyone does… even those trained to participate & are apart of it

One of the most honest phrases ever spoken "War is Hell" is SO true - this guys story is so amazing and inspiring, but lets not forget just in WWII let alone all other wars, there have been literally too many acts of courage and selfless heroics its too many to even begin to count. I had three uncles in WWII both in europe and the pacific and as a young teen many times I would try to get them to tell war stories not realizing what I was asking and they would either just look away and say nothing or just say "I dont want to talk about it" - My aunts or mother would just tell me to leave them be and give me a look that spoke volumes. God Bless all who gave their lives and limbs to defend freedom - RIP.

Have to tell you, you're one of like 3 reactors I watch all the way through. You're a beautiful soul 💙

Love your heart-felt reactions & commentary!

Lol i love that every reaction ive seen for this movie, when Hugo Weaving's character appears everyone says "hello mr Anderson" 😂

Gibson said they had to tone down everything Doss did because they didn’t think the audience would believe it. Doss his leg was broken and one sniper who supposedly had 3 clean shots on Doss when he was attending wounded had his Arisaka rifle jammed. That sniper stated he didn't have his rifle jammed before or after

I love “Braveheart” more than any other movie but I can say now that “Hacksaw Ridge” is Mel Gibson’s best work as a director. Specially since it’s an independent movie. This movie was a smash in China!

In my family we can trace back to the fall of Rome. Nearly every generation had people fighting for under one flag or another (Rome, France, Germany, Ireland and America and Yugoslavia). What always remained the same was the belief that what they were fighting for was Family, friends and Community. No matter the uniform they were wearing If they fought honorably and with such intent, I know their place is secure in Heaven because they already served in hell. Bless and be well.

Hi again. I've made comments on a couple of other of your videos. Again, I am compelled to compliment your work, bringing the history of the heroic and selfless men fighting the front line. It is so important to bring to light the heroics of Desmond Doss. Being retired military myself, the courage and bravery of Desmond Doss is now part of all military teaching. Thank you for bring forward his story. Love you for what you do. Thanks. ❤

This was the best reaction I’ve seen. Almost brought me to tears. Something to notice if you are suffering in an unusual way, you probably have an unusually powerful destiny

RIP Desmond Doss (February 7, 1919 - March 23, 2006), aged 87 You will be remembered as a hero.

Ngl u cried every 2 mins

As a European, it is quite unbelievable there's families believing like Doss did. It is formidable. I would say, in a way, like the Japanese (sorry, Americans) If anything, the Father of Doss is played perfectly by Hugo Weaving. Very strong vibes from a decorated WW I Veteran

When my mama and I watched it together, she had just gotten out of the Army and just done a tour in Afghanistan. My mama and I knew *nothing* going into that movie. We thought it would be another Saving Private Ryan. The whole theater was packed, and I distinctly remember all the laughter and voices before the movie. Because my mama and I were also just joking around and talking. By time the movie ended, there wasn't a dry eye in the whole theater and the quiet... I can't quite describe the extreme quiet there was as we left, save for the sniffles every now and then. The drive home, my mama and I didn't say a word, we just sat in silence. By time we did get home, I gave her the biggest hug I could give her, and told her I was glad she was out of the military. Fast forward a few years, it's 2018 and I had just started my job at the very same place the Desmond Doss worked at before he enlisted. When I realized that Desmond Doss worked at Newport News Shipbuilding, it gave me a swell of pride to be able to do my job that much more. I hope I can be a minute fraction of the man that Desmond Doss was, both in man and in faith.

For those who save one life save the world in its entire

The Desmond Doss complete story should be taught in schools history classes.