Hacksaw Ridge Ending Explained, Cast, Plot, And More

Hacksaw Ridge ending explained

The ending of Hacksaw Ridge encapsulates the culmination of Desmond Doss’ extraordinary journey. It tells the story of the second and third major conflicts at Hacksaw Ridge during World War II. The film shows early scenes of American soldiers taking Hacksaw Ridge from the Japanese to a certain extent.

However, a Japanese counteroffensive forced the Americans to retreat, with the exception of Doss. His unwavering commitment to his beliefs kept him on the ridge, where he displayed tremendous courage and saved countless lives under heavy enemy fire.

This powerful ending reiterates the film’s core themes: Doss’s unwavering faith, his extraordinary dedication to saving lives, and his personal struggle that led him to become the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. Archival photos and footage at the end of the film poignantly reveal that Doss’s selflessness did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions and ultimately lived a life of love and devotion with his wife, Dorothy, Until they die. The ending of “Hacksaw Ridge” is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the impact of one man’s extraordinary courage on the battlefield.

Hacksaw Ridge Overview

Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 biographical war film directed by Mel Gibson and written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkan. It was inspired by the 2004 documentary “Conscientious Objection” directed by Terry Benedict. Military Service”. The story follows Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist Christian and pacifist field medic during World War II who steadfastly refused to carry or use any weapons.

His unwavering dedication to saving lives made him the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor, particularly for his extraordinary actions during the Battle of Okinawa. The cast includes Andrew Garfield as Doss, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Vince Waugh Grace and Richard Pyros in supporting roles.

Hacksaw Ridge was filmed in Australia from September to December 2015. After being released in the United States on November 4, 2016, the film received global acclaim and grossed $180.4 million at the box office. Critics praised Mel Gibson’s direction and Andrew Garfield’s performance, marking a notable comeback in a career that faced a decline due to controversy.

Both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute named it one of the top ten films of 2016. The film received multiple awards and nominations, including six Oscar nominations at the 89th Academy Awards, and won Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound. Best movie editing. Additionally, it was nominated for a Golden Globe and won multiple Australian Academy Awards, cementing its status as a cinematic triumph.

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Andrew Garfield

Desmond Doss

Sam Worthington

Captain Jack Glover

Luke Bracey

“Smitty” Reich

Hugo Weaving

Tom Doss, Desmond’s father

Teresa Palmer

Dorothy Shute, Desmond’s wife

Rachel Griffiths

Bertha Doss, Desmond’s mother

Vince Vaughn

Sergeant Howell

Ryan Cole

lieutenant manville

Richard Roxburgh

Colonel Stelzer

Luke Pegler

Milt “Hollywood” Zane

Richard Pyros

Randall “teaches” Fuller

Ben Ming cover

“Grease” Nolan

Michael Sheasby

“Tex” Lewis

Firas Dilani

Vito Linelli

Damian Tomlinson

ralph morgan

Matt Nable

Lieutenant Colonel Cooney

Ben O’Toole

Corporal Jessop

Nathaniel Buzolic

Harold “Hal” Doss, Desmond’s brother

Milo Gibson

“Lucky” Ford

Goran D. Klett

Andy “Ghoul” Walker

Hacksaw Ridge Episode

In 1925, in Lynchburg, Virginia, young Desmond Doss inadvertently put his younger brother’s life in danger during a playful roughhousing. This incident, coupled with his upbringing as a Seventh-day Adventist, firmly cemented Desmond’s deep commitment to the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.”

Fifteen years later, Desmond found himself taking an injured man to the hospital, where he met a nurse named Dorothy Shute. Their encounter sparked a romance, and during their courtship, Desmond confided in Dorothy his deep-seated interest in medical work.

However, Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor pushed the United States into World War II and broke their peaceful life. In response, Desmond joined the U.S. Army, determined to become a combat medic. The decision deeply troubled his father, Tom, a World War I veteran who struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Desmond and Dorothy got engaged amid the chaos. Desmond’s journey began in basic training, where he faced ostracism from his fellow soldiers due to his steadfast refusal to handle a rifle or attend Saturday training sessions. Despite Sergeant Howell and Captain Glover’s tireless efforts to have Desmond discharged on psychiatric grounds under Section 8, Desmond’s deep commitment to his religious beliefs prevailed. He endured hard labor and even severe beatings from his comrades, but he refused to betray his principles or identify his attackers.

After successfully completing basic training, Doss was granted leave from his unit, during which time he planned to marry Dorothy. However, his staunch opposition to carrying a gun led to his arrest for insubordination. Captain Glover and Dorothy tried to convince him to plead guilty in the hope that he would be released without charges, but Desmond remained steadfast in his defense of his beliefs.

At the court-martial, he pleaded not guilty, but before sentencing, his father dramatically intervened, writing a letter from his former commander (now a brigadier general) confirming that Desmond’s pacifism was protected by the U.S. Constitution. As a result, the charges against him were dropped, and Desmond and Dorothy were able to marry.

Doss’s journey continued as his unit deployed to the Pacific Theater with the 77th Infantry Division. Their mission was to rescue the 96th Infantry Division, which was tasked with defending the Maeda Escarpment, known as “Hacksaw Ridge.” Both sides suffered heavy casualties in the initial battle. Doss saved the life of his comrade Smitty with extraordinary bravery, and finally won Smitty’s respect.

As night falls and the Americans set up camp, Desmond confides in Smitty, revealing that his aversion to guns stems from a traumatic incident when his drunken father threatened his mother with a gun. Smitty apologized for doubting Desmond’s courage, and their relationship was repaired.

The next morning, the Japanese launched a massive counterattack, forcing U.S. troops to withdraw from the cliff. Tragedy struck, Smitty lost his life, and several of Doss’s comrades were wounded on the battlefield. Amid the chaos, Doss hears the anguished cries of wounded soldiers and embarks on a heroic mission to save them.

He bravely carried the injured and even Smitty’s body to the edge of the cliff, lowering them to safety with ropes while praying for the strength to save more lives. The troops below were shocked by the arrival of many wounded soldiers who were initially thought dead. At daybreak, Doss managed to rescue Howell, and the two escaped Hacksaw Ridge under heavy enemy fire.

Captain Glover was humbled and remorseful for dismissing Desmond’s faith as “cowardice,” acknowledging the importance of Doss’s contribution. He told Desmond they planned to retake the ridge on Saturday, but promised to postpone the operation until after Desmond had completed Shabbat prayers.

With reinforcements, they finally turned the tide of the war. During a dangerous ambush by Japanese soldiers pretending to surrender, Doss’ heroism shines through, deflecting an enemy grenade and saving Glover and his comrades. Despite being wounded by a grenade, Doss won the battle through sheer grit. He came down from the cliff, holding in his hand the Bible that Dorothy had given him.

The film ends with a transition to actual photos and footage showing Desmond Doss receiving the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for saving 75 soldiers at Hacksaw Ridge. Additionally, it includes actual footage from Doss before his death, in which he shared poignant memories of his wartime experiences, cementing his legacy as a true American hero.

Hacksaw Ridge trailer

What happens at the end of Hacksaw Ridge?

At the end of Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond Doss displays unwavering courage and selflessness as he saves numerous wounded soldiers on the dangerous battlefield of Hacksaw Ridge during the Battle of Okinawa. Defying the odds, he carried the injured to the edge of the cliff and lowered them to safety with ropes while offering fervent prayers for every life he saved.

As day broke, Doss continued his extraordinary efforts and eventually succeeded in evacuating many wounded soldiers, including his comrades. His extraordinary courage and determination inspired his fellow soldiers, prompting Captain Glover to realize the profound impact of Doss’s selflessness. At the end of the film, Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman for rescuing 75 soldiers at Hacksaw Ridge, a testament to his unparalleled heroism and unwavering commitment to his principles.

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