The most obvious of them was the anti-war stance that the film took. The film portrayed war as a disruption of precious human life. It showed the life of every human as precious, though he is one’s enemy. Violence and militarism are not a solution to nations’ problems. They only stripped one of one’s values, beliefs, and innocence, as they did with many men who fought in the Second World War.
The story presents the assumption that might is always right. One sees how Doss is ridiculed by his fellow soldiers for his religious beliefs. He is beaten by them one night in an attempt to force him to take up arms or leave training. Doss is put through grueling labor and treated as an outcast. His fellows believe that he would not last a day in battle and that in order to protect oneself, it is important to show power and strength.
The theological theme that held the movie together came from the Commandant, “Thou shalt not kill.” Doss is moved by this Commandant and vows to never harm any human being. This belief also reinforces, in Doss, the passion to save people’s lives by entering the medical profession (Indah). He even refuses to train with weapons and kill an enemy during the war as he sees this action as a violation of his religious values.
The scene where Doss risks his own life to save his fellow men during a Japanese counterstrike impressed me the most. It showed Doss’s resilience and selflessness in a hard time.
A conscientious objector is a person who refuses to bear arms during war or military training. The first recorded conscientious objector was Maximilianus, a Christian saint who refused to serve in the Roman army. He was executed for his refusal.
The Sabbath is a day that is set apart for rest and the Lord’s worship every week. God has emphasized that this day should be observed and kept holy. It is seen as a covenant between the Lord and His people. It is observed with reverence either in homes or churches.
The biggest question the film raised for me is why people believe power can bring them glory. The film truthfully captures such instances when men in training camps display their authority to create an influence on others. People believe exhibiting their abilities gives them a position in society, whereas those who value themselves work in silence and make a difference in this world.
Works Cited
Indah, Mutiara. “Psychological Analysis The Main Character of Desmond Doss in Booton Herndon’s “Hacksaw Ridge” Novel.” (2017).
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