Hanniel Jufet C.

Golosinda BSPT-2
Hacksaw Ridge – A Reaction Paper
 
“I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself if I don’t stay true to what I
believe.”
This movie explores the basic conflict between what it means to have a belief
and how to live it out in the face of all the resistance the secular world throws forth.
This movie so realistically portrays the inner struggles both Christians and members
of other religions go through, set against the backdrop of the eerie and deadly Battle
of War. The distinction is that Desmond Doss triumphs over all adversity. Doss is just
as human as the rest of us. His history was filled with errors and regrets, but they
helped him develop in ways that would have hurt other people. However, he
consistently put aside his own personal fear of not being able to protect himself and
even a life with Dorothy, whom he undoubtedly cared deeply for. Even the
accusation that his stubbornness demonstrated pride and not true belief did not
ultimately sway him because his belief in God's words and commandments were just
that strong. This is an example of true repentance. Doss had no other plan for living
except what the Bible said about living. Having internalized this, I am unable to
imagine ever acting in any other way. Doss was referred to as "cowardly" and "weak"
since all they could see was a "skinny youngster." But, as Jesus stated:

Blessed are the weak: for they shall inherit the earth. – Matthew 5:5.
 
There is a power in weakness, something I have always struggled to
understand, but I saw it in Hacksaw – in Desmond Doss.

“Please Lord, help me get one more.”

Doss repeatedly said this as he plunged headlong into the jaws of death at
Hacksaw to save as many people as one guy was physically capable of saving. Neither
did he want for nor anticipate dying when he returned to the flames. That was just
not what was on his mind right now. Death or life was simply a result of his aim,
which was to rescue others. I kept wishing that he would stop sprinting back and
forth from the ridge to the battlefield while dodging explosions, gunfire, and
Japanese patrols throughout the montages. He had saved and contributed plenty.
Nevertheless, when was enough? He prevented the deaths of 75 guys who had been
left for dead. For one second, try to comprehend this number. An apartment with
one bedroom might fit 75 guys. How many members of the family were spared
suffering? How many children were born as a result of this bravery? Suddenly, 75 is a
lot bigger of a figure than one would have first thought. When Doss saved
individuals, he didn't care about their ethnicity or nationality. His passion for his
nation and his fellow citizens had nothing to do with this. He was as patriotic as the
most devoted American soldier, without a doubt. But, as he focused on helping the
injured, he looked beyond the conflict and even the global conflict. He saw people—
all of God's creatures and children—who were created of flesh and blood. The life of
one guy shouldn't have been valued higher than the life of another.