---
title: "Hacksaw Ridge"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/hacksaw-ridge-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 324786
imdb_id: "tt2119532"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 139
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 14999
content_rating: "R"
---

# Hacksaw Ridge (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/hacksaw-ridge-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 epic biographical war film directed by Mel Gibson. The film stars Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist and conscientious objector who served as a combat medic in the American Army during World War II. Doss refused to carry or use weapons due to his religious beliefs. He became the first conscientious objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor. His heroic actions took place during the Battle of Okinawa, where he worked to save lives without firing a single shot. The film portrays his military service and the challenges he faced both in training and on the battlefield. It highlights his dedication to his faith and his extraordinary efforts to rescue wounded soldiers under extreme danger. Doss's story stands as a unique example of heroism distinct from traditional combat roles. The film emphasizes his refusal to kill and his commitment to saving lives despite facing persecution for his beliefs. His Medal of Honor citation recognized his valor and exceptional service during one of the war's bloodiest battles.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A devout medic saves lives in WWII without firing a shot."

### Why Watch
- Powerful true story of moral courage
- Gripping battle sequences with emotional depth

### Caveats & Content Note
- Graphic war violence may be intense
- Pacing slows in middle act
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for mature audiences due to intense wartime violence.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: intense, inspiring, brutal, faith-driven, heroic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, fuboTV, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Netflix Standard with Ads, Angel Studios, Wonder Project Amazon Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix Standard with Ads, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Tubi TV, Plex | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Stan | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Mel Gibson
- **Networks / Studios**: Summit Entertainment, Pandemonium, Cross Creek Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Andrew Garfield** as *Desmond T. Doss*
- **Sam Worthington** as *Captain Glover*
- **Vince Vaughn** as *Sgt Howell*
- **Teresa Palmer** as *Dorothy Schuttle*
- **Luke Bracey** as *Smitty Ryker*
- **Hugo Weaving** as *Tom Doss*
- **Rachel Griffiths** as *Bertha Doss*
- **Ryan Corr** as *Lieutenant Manville*
- **Richard Roxburgh** as *Colonel Stelzer*
- **Goran D. Kleut** as *Andy 'Ghoul' Walker*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is the movie based on a true story?
Yes, it's based on the life of Desmond Doss, a real WWII medic.

### Q: Does the main character ever fight or carry a weapon?
No, he refuses to carry or use weapons due to his beliefs.

### Q: Is the movie violent?
Yes, it contains graphic depictions of war and battle injuries.

### Q: What award did Desmond Doss receive?
He was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor.

### Q: Where does the story take place?
The events occur during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Hack Saw - Hand Saws - The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Hand-Tools-Cutting-Tools-Hand-Saws/Hack-Saw/N-5yc1vZc26qZ1z19aqc)
- [Hacksaw Ridge - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacksaw_Ridge)
- [Hacksaw - Wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacksaw)
- [Hacksaw Ridge (2016) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/)
- [Amazon.com: Hacksaw](https://www.amazon.com/hacksaw/s?k=hacksaw)
- [Watch Hacksaw Ridge | Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/80108975)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*