Netflix viewers are praising a brutal war movie, with many calling it one of the best films ever made.
The Oscar-nominated film has surged in popularity on the streaming platform. Fans have taken to social media to share strong reactions. Many described the movie as emotionally overwhelming.
One viewer wrote: “Guys, I just watched the best movie ever on Netflix. I highly recommend it.” Another added: “Amazing movie. 10/10 recommend.”
A third said: “One of the best movies I’ve ever watched!” Other viewers described frequent tears and intense emotional impact.
Another fan commented: “Cried my eyes out every five seconds.” A fifth viewer said it was one of the best films they had seen in a long time. The reaction has been widespread and consistent. Many posts focus on the film’s intensity and emotional weight.
The film has also received strong critical acclaim. It holds an 84 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
It also has an IMDb rating of 8.1. These ratings reflect a largely positive critical response alongside viewer enthusiasm.
Steven Prokopy wrote for Third Coast Review: “If you can stomach the gore, you’re in for one jaw-dropping experience.” Dan Scully wrote for Cinema76:
“An epic film of the grandest tradition.” Damian Levy, writing for the Jamaica Gleaner, described it as a movie about defending values under pressure.
Story, cast, and historical background
The 2016 film is directed by Mel Gibson and is based on a 2004 documentary.
That documentary, The Conscientious Objector, was directed by Terry Benedict. The story is set during World War II. It follows American combat medic Desmond Doss.
Doss is played by Andrew Garfield. As a Seventh-day Adventist, the character refuses to carry or use weapons.
Despite this, he serves on the front lines as a medic. His actions take place during the Battle of Okinawa.
Doss later became the first conscientious objector awarded the Medal of Honor. His recognition marked a historic moment in US military history.
The film focuses on his faith, convictions, and actions during combat. These elements form the emotional core of the story.
The supporting cast includes Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn.
The ensemble was widely praised for its performances. Many critics cited the cast as a key strength of the film.
The movie was widely viewed as a return to form for Gibson. His directing career had slowed following a series of controversies. This marked his first time directing since Apocalypto in 2006.
The release was closely watched by both critics and audiences.
Director commentary and legacy
Speaking about Hacksaw Ridge, Gibson explained why the story stood out to him. He told The Guardian that Doss attributed his actions to a higher power.
He contrasted real-life heroes with fictional superheroes, he said real heroes did not wear costumes.
Gibson also emphasized Doss’s courage and faith. He described the battlefield as a place of constant artillery fire. He said entering such conditions without a weapon required deep conviction. Gibson described that aspect of the story as deeply inspiring.
Desmond Doss died in 2006 at the age of 87. His story continues to reach new audiences through the film. The renewed attention on Netflix has introduced his legacy to viewers worldwide.
Fans continue to share strong reactions as the film gains popularity.
Watch the trailer for Hacksaw Ridge here…
Hacksaw Ridge is available to stream via Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Sky Store, Google Play, Tubi, and ITVX.
Featured image credit: Summit Entertainment
