Desmond's real exploits were even crazier in real life. The film makers had to tone down what he did cause they thought audiences would find it too unbelievable.
Hugo Weaving did some criminally underrated work in this movie. I remember rolling my eyes during his first scene because I thought he was going to be the Hillbilly Drunkard that's in pretty much every movie that has a rural setting. Then I gradually realized it's a brilliantly layered portrayal of a man in unimaginable pain trying to survive in a place and time where men didn't ask for help, and where there wouldn't be any help even if he somehow mustered up the will to ask for it. PTSD is a living hell for far too many people even though we know what it is and we know what causes it. How much worse was it back when no one knew what It was?
We still don't really know what causes it. Trauma, yeah, but what has actually happened to the mind? No. We still don't have any really progress in finding out. It presents differently in each, and that leaves us to believe that each trauma affects differently, especially in different individuals. I haven't seen anything suggesting that anyone has figured anything else out about PTSD.
You might want to scope out another Mel Gibson film, "We Were Soldiers" from the Vietnam era. It goes into even more detail about the families back home.
You have a beautiful soul. The empathy and humanity you show in your reactions is so heartwarming. "I love love" is something I used to feel, but has been lost over time. Please hold onto that feeling, because I truly miss it.
This movie makes it look like Okinawa was Desmond Doss and the 77th's 1st time in combat. He and his unit had already served in Guam and the Philippines.
If you want to see from the Japanese perspective, Clint Eastwood released a fantastic two part series set around the Battle of Iwo Jima - Flags of of Father, which covers the American side, then Letters from Iwo Jima which covers the Japanese side of the conflict.
I am a retired CSM, retired black 2004. Seen the horrors of war with 5 combat deployments. I am 60 now, keep the faith, being deployed is never easy no matter the capacity. My son is close to your age, despite my honesty about this, he joined the Army anyway. Thanks for the reaction, honest and real, anyone of us who thinks that war is good, is just not being intellectually honest. In all my time it is those who wish for this are the ones that never perform. Keep up the work on reactions and stay safe!
One thing that has always impressed me about you, Eralia, is your humanity. It would be easier to go cold, distant and uncaring. But you're bravely out there, feeling, despite the jerks and the know-it-alls. You're something special, I'm glad you're here, I deeply respect that you're putting yourself between home and harm (even if it wasn't your idea), and I'm grateful for your service. Keep shining and sharing.
We were soldiers and Letters from Iwo Jima are two great movies that give you a glimpse of both sides in war. We were soldiers takes place in Vietnam War an Letters takes place in WW2 pacific.
Thank you for your service. I was conscripted in 1976 and served in the Angolan Bush War and discharged in 1988. This movie always gets me, my grandfathers served in WW1 and most of the men in my family served in WW2.
Eralia Doss' achievements prior to Hacksaw Ridge, he was awarded with two Bronze Stars in two battles: Guam & Philippines. As others stated, Mel and producers pick 75 as believable numbers of service members that he saved during Battle of Okinawa aka Hacksaw Ridge. Actual number came be 50 to 100 that he saved....
It's instructive, for me, to watch the reactions of military or ex-military members to war movies. Your reactions and insights are far more different from those who never served. Great reaction, and thank you for your service. Stay safe.
I am a combat vet ( Vietnam ) I think it's fantastic to have one of our own reacting . First thanks for your service no matter what your MOS is you raised your right hand and that's all I need to know. to be honest I have had some hard times for years but since I found you things are getting better for me. Thank you for this and may God bless the rest of your life. Oh if you haven't yet could you please react to ( We were soldiers )
The Battle of Hacksaw Ridge was extremely bloody. Mel Gibson did a pretty good job showing how violent that battle actually was. The Battle for Okinawa led to the deaths of 12,000 American soldiers and sailors. Of that 12,000 KIAs, 5,000 were from the Navy. That leaves 7,000 KIAs on the island portion of the battle. 2,500 men died on Hacksaw Ridge. That means that the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge accounted for 36% of all deaths on Okinawa. What made the battle so costly? 1. The Maeda Escarpment, Hacksaw, had been turned into an underground battleship according to the men that fought there. 2. The Japanese employed a Reverse Slope defense or a defense in depth. The purpose of this type of defense is to inflict as many casualties as possible. 3. Much of the fighting in the Pacific was hand to hand. 4. The Japanese did not follow the rules of war set by the Geneva Convention of 1929. It was a war crime to kill any medical personnel. Finally, it was a war crime to fake surrender then attack your enemy.
It is said that Mr. Doss saved even more people than the ones portrayed by the movie. Mel Gibson said that they had to tune it down because people might think it wasn't real.
At 33:00 you asked what was it like from “their side of the war”. See “Letters from Iwo Jima” directed by Clint Eastwood. It’s a companion movie to “Flags of Our Fathers” also directed by Clint Eastwood.
As many times as I’ve seen this movie it still draws tears from me. Such a beautiful story of sacrifice and love for one’s fellow man… in the midst of a chaotic world. Truly inspiring!
As someone who was in the Army myself, I thank you for serving. I suspect we may not share a lot of the same views; I do know you're a good soldier. You hate war, you hate destruction. Only true soldiers hate war and killing, because they have to go fight it.
There is one thing the movie got wrong the men under Desmond's care already knew he wasn't a coward as he had already been awarded two Bronze stars with "V" device for valor under fire months before Hacksaw. He also did a lot of stuff not shown in the movie but listed in his MoH citation. The movie makes it seem he was only there a few days but look at the timeline in his MoH cite. Desmond Doss Medal of Honor citation - "He was a company aidman when the 1st Battalion assaulted a jagged escarpment 400 feet high. As our troops gained the summit, a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire crashed into them, inflicting approximately 75 casualties and driving the others back. Pfc. Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the fire-swept area with the many stricken, carrying them one by one to the edge of the escarpment and there lowering them on a rope-supported litter down the face of a cliff to friendly hands. On 2 May, he exposed himself to heavy rifle and mortar fire in rescuing a wounded man 200 yards forward of the lines on the same escarpment; and two days later he treated four men who had been cut down while assaulting a strongly defended cave, advancing through a shower of grenades to within eight yards of enemy forces in a cave's mouth, where he dressed his comrades' wounds before making four separate trips under fire to evacuate them to safety. On 5 May, he unhesitatingly braved enemy shelling and small-arms fire to assist an artillery officer. He applied bandages, moved his patient to a spot that offered protection from small-arms fire, and, while artillery and mortar shells fell close by, painstakingly administered plasma. Later that day, when an American was severely wounded by fire from a cave, Pfc. Doss crawled to him where he had fallen 25 feet from the enemy position, rendered aid, and carried him 100 yards to safety while continually exposed to enemy fire. On 21 May, in a night attack on high ground near Shuri, he remained in exposed territory while the rest of his company took cover, fearlessly risking the chance that he would be mistaken for an infiltrating Japanese and giving aid to the injured until he was himself seriously wounded in the legs by the explosion of a grenade. Rather than call another aidman from cover, he cared for his own injuries and waited five hours before litter bearers reached him and started carrying him to cover. The trio was caught in an enemy tank attack and Pfc. Doss, seeing a more critically wounded man nearby, crawled off the litter and directed the bearers to give their first attention to the other man. Awaiting the litter bearers' return, he was again struck, this time suffering a compound fracture of one arm. With magnificent fortitude he bound a rifle stock to his shattered arm as a splint and then crawled 300 yards over rough terrain to the aid station. Through his outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in the face of desperately dangerous conditions Pfc. Doss saved the lives of many soldiers. His name became a symbol throughout the 77th Infantry Division for outstanding gallantry far above and beyond the call of duty.” Look up "Desmond Doss This is Your Life" here on YT to meet Desmond his family and some of the men he saved. Above all you get to see how truly humble he was.
You really need to check out Hamburger Hill, a truly great war film that depicts the personal expense on the soldier. Very gritty and heavy and gives new appreciation for soldiers. It is about a group of soldiers in a company tasked with taking a hill in vietnam that was fought over for days, just to leave it a short while later.
Thank you for your reaction to this epic true story, the true story movie that really got to me was Lone Survivor - a modern day movie as such, it is about Operation Red Wings an Afghanistan mission that took place in 2005.
You should watch Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers. They are both movies by Clint Eastwood and show the battle from each side. Truly incredible movies.
Doss was part of the 77id known as the "Old Bastards", Doss wes not the only storied individuals of this unit. On TH-cam the Fat Electrician tells the story very well.
Hello Eralia I have seen Hacksaw Ridge only once but it was a while ago and nice to see you watching and reacting to it. I'm always glad to see you when you are on have a wonderful weekend stay safe and take care Thank You Eralia.👋☕🇺🇲
I just want to say thank you for your service, I never personally served but I have a huge respect for people who choose to go into service and risk their lives for other people. So much respect for you and anybody else in these comments that have served before and are even thinking about serving.
Thank you for your service. The story is all true. They were more incredible things that Desmond did that were so unbelievable that they let them out of the movie because they thought people would not believe it. Yea The way I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for that are with me my rod and I staff they comfort me
You should check out two movies for both sides of a battle in WWII "Flags of our Fathers" and "Letters From Iwo Jima" each movie covers both sides of the battle from opposite sides of the war.
I actually checked on your channel a few days ago to see if I’d missed something. Had been a while since I’d see you post. Was more than glad to see this today, and glad you enjoyed it. Loved your commentary, especially from your point of view. Laughed more than a couple times and almost teared up almost as much. Stay sentimental! And keep well!
Great reaction. If you want to see both sides of a battle you need to watch 2 Clint Eastwood movies. "Flags of Our Father" and "Letters from Iwo Jima." They are both excellent films. The two films were shot at the same time using the same sets and extras.
'War, what is it good for...absolutely nothing', lyrics of the chorus of the 1970 single titled 'War', recorded by Motown soul singer Edwin Starr. Number One on charts for 3 weeks, but got much radio airplay. Viet Nam war was beginning to finally wind down.
First of all, honestly, thank you for your service. I personally was deployed several times during Desert Shield, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom, so I would have words for anyone questioning your situation due to your bedsheets or whatever. This was also a great reaction to the story a real life superhero and whose deeds even surpassed what was shown on film.
I was a Navy Corpsman. Of the 10 years I served, 8 were with the Marines. As such Doss's story was well known to me. The real story is even crazier. By Okinawa, Doss had already proven himself to his men. Twice decorated for valor for his actions on Guam & the Philippines. On Okinawa, his actions were over 4-5 days much longer than shown in the movie. At the end of it all, the brass said he'd rescued 100 men Doss insisted it was no more than 25. 75 was a compromise. Much later battalion records showed 140-150 men were rescued by Doss. 45 years later while stationed on Okinawa I stood on Hacksaw Ridge. It is now a Peace Park dedicated to Doss. As for the Red Cross markings, at the time they were required by the Geneva Conventions. Japan never signed on to them. The top three targets were Doc, Officer & Radioman. Any obvious markings were quickly discarded to appear as a regular troop
Loved this reaction, When you started watching this style of film I was really hoping hacksaw ridge would be one of them. This movie is so heartbreaking but inspiring.
"war is dumb." . smartest thing i've heard said in a long time. sure, sometimes we must defend ourselves but i honestly believe that if we've got to the point of actual fighting, we have already failed on a monumental scale.
Gospel of John 13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”, that’s what I think about when I think of this movie. I know a lot of of people don’t believe in God, but Desmond’s faith carried him and those 75+ men he helped, his love for his brothers in arms was a devine love. I am glad you watched this film, you being military gives your reactions a unique perspective. Your view on wars is valid and in most cases I agree, but there are moments where people have to defend themselves because we are a flawed species. Thanks for sharing your reaction, thanks for serving 🇺🇸, please be careful, and God Bless you!!!
What a story, what a depiction of conviction, dedication & fortitude Desmond had. A beautiful example of just how powerful faith is. I empathize with your position…retired 24 year USAF vet with 20+ deployments to every shade of brown possible lol. This story should inspire everyone. There’s something special about your relationships with your military comrades that the civilian world will never understand. I must recommend another true story for you; “Unbroken”, also WWII & the Pacific theater. The accuracy is on par with this film. Tells the events of Louie Zamporini who was an Army Air Corps veteran. Think you will find it equally inspiring. God bless & stay safe.
I got to see Desmon Doss a long time ago at a camp event, at the time I never knew who he was. but after reading and learning about him. he was such a amazing man. He passed at a ripe old age. This is one of my fave movies.
First of all, I have to say Thank You for Your Service. Here on TH-cam there is the documentary called 'The Conscientious Objector' that they pulled interview snippets from. It greatly expands on his story and shows the whole story and not just what was compressed and adapted for the film. Highly recommend watching it here or getting it elsewhere. Also, subscribed!
Your commentary about the wedding night is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard in a movie review. As was previously eluded to, Doss’s actual injury on Hacksaw was so incredible that Gibson thought viewers would not believe it, so instead they showed him batting and kicking the grenades. I could tell you - and I did in another review - but you should read the book - Redemption At Hacksaw Ridge by Booton Herndon. It is the official authorized story of Desmond Doss.
One of the reasons why I like your channel so much is because you're a veteran and you know the military jargon that they use in military films... You really need to watch these other war films that are all true stories. The first one is Lori. Second one pursuit of Honor. The other one is we were soldiers can also watch flags of our Fathers and from the Japanese perspective letters from iwojima... Semper Fi
Letters from Iwo Jima is probably the best movie depicting life of a Japanese soldier. It goes in tandem with Flags of Our Fathers which is the American side of the story. Both movies are directed by Clint Eastwood and are amazing depictions. Also another great depiction of the Pacific Theatre during WW2 is The Pacific, directed by Tom Hanks and Spielberg. It covers pretty much the entire duration of the war and is based on many different memoirs of soldiers in the various campaigns.
If you’d like to watch 2 Great War movies that show the same battle from both sides watch “flag of our fathers” then watch “letters from Iwo Jima”. Both were filmed by same director
I have been to Okinawa a few times while serving in the Navy. Quite thought-provoking walking on ground where people fought and died. I felt the same during a trip to Gettysburg a couple years before joining the Navy. One thing I am grateful for is never having to take a life while in the Navy. I did have to fire a gun from time to time at paper targets; I was not a very good shot. I have not picked up a gun since leaving in 2006 and I never will. I have read many books about World War Two, both as the war was fought in the European and Pacific theaters. Some of those books looked at the war from both sides. It was an interesting perspective. One of my favorite authors is Jeff Shaara. It started with his father, Michael Shaara who wrote the 1975 novel The Killer Angels, which was about the Battle of Gettysburg. That was adapted into the 1993 film Gettysburg. Michael Shaara had passed away in 1989, but is son continued where he left off, writing the Civil War novels Gods And Generals and The Last Full Measure. Since then, he has written two books about the Revolutionary War, one about the Mexican War in 1847/48; four more about the Civil War; one about World War One; a three-volume series of World War Two in the European Theater; a book about the final years of the war in the Pacific Theater, which deals mostly with the fighting on Okinawa, as well as the preparation and dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He has also written a book about the attack on Pearl Harbor and another about the battle of Midway, six months after Pearl Harbor. As a Navy Veteran, I could not wait to read those two. He wrote a book about the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War and a book about the life of Theodore Roosevelt. His most recent book is about the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. I have not been disappointed by anything he has written.
I have family who were in all the wars we were in since the French and Indian War. A long line. They all, in every generation, served with the hope that their children wouldn't have to. Face it, I wouldn't be alive if they hadn't all been lucky. (Oh, and I had a grandmother who was born in "Lemberg", as Lviv was then known---she was lucky to come to New York before WWI)
There is a video by Simple History called "The Medic who Fought a War Without a Weapon" that tells Doss' story more accurately. Definitely worth watching after seeing this film
For War Movies, I recommend "Stalag 17" 1953, ""Mr. Roberts" 1955, "The Enemy Below" 1957, "No Time for Sergeants" 1958, "Run Silent, Run Deep" 1958, "The Great Escape" 1963, "Kelly's Heroes" 1970, "Patton" 1970, "Full Metal Jacket" 1987, "The Siege of Firebase Gloria" 1989, "The Patriot" 2000, "The Big Red One" 1980, "Das Boot" 1981
The part where Desmond on the Edge of the Ridge and asked the Lord, what is it what he wants him to do? Desmond heard words Medic someone was calling for Medic. Desmond knew what his Lord wanted him to do. Desmond got his Helmet and going into the explosions from the artillery shells from the Battleships. When he was going into the explosions it reminded me a verse. Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Next you should watch The Band of Brothers, the best Miniseries in 2001 with 20 nominations and won 7 Emmys. Band of Brothers is a story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.
So the book With the Old Breed by Eb Sledge (member of the 1st marines took part in the island hopping in the pacific) he does a great job at condemning war and the things it makes humans do without condemning the people who do those things. Because they are put into an unfathomably impossible position. It's worth a read if you haven't
There’s a book in several documentaries on TH-cam about him. You’ll find it that they had a tone down his Exploits for this movie because nobody would believe it
I have been waiting for this since you did your Saving Private Ryan reaction. Again I like to thank you for your service! edit: Desmond Doss is my IRL hero, military or not.
you could watch letters from iwo jima for some point of view from japan, its interesting, the defending general had been to america and had friends there, and so he knew they could not win the war, but he forbade his men from ritual suicide but he was hated for it.
I'm glad you're home safe (at least I hope you are and this is just part of your pre-recorded footage, late editing/posting due to fecking copyright shite! lol)!! I recall recommending this film to you on one of your polls a while back... as its such a hard hitting, gritty, warfare movie based on real events! What I didn't realise when I recommended this film, was how much of the film I had forgotten from the first 3/4, before his heroic actions atop of "hacksaw-ridge"... I'm going to be re-watching this myself in full soon... If you're looking for other warfare films to watch now you're home, i've seen a couple good recommendations within the comments to this reaction.... "We Were Soldiers" Is an amazing film! P.S Feck those jealous Feckers who where too dull to bring a few comfort items with them on their depoyment! Everyone who serves their country and especially those who deploy, are Top notch imo! Just because you have a comfy bed in your barracks (as you thought ahead before you shipped out) does Not mean you're not deployed... Feck the Feckers who say otherwise!!!!! P.P.S the icecreame comment made me chuckle! lol
lol, "back in my day". I think these kind of movies are great. We have not fought a peer, or near peer, since WWII; it's important people remember what that is like.
I CRIED MY EYES OUT watching this movie. I love Andrew's acting in everything I've seen him in, but this right here was SO GOOD! His acting here and in the Amazing Spider Man 2 movie where (SPOILERS SPOILER SPOILERS SPOILERS) Gwen dies really gets me emotional every time
If you want to see a good movie that shows a little bit of a perspective from both sides, I would suggest the movie we were soldiers with Mel Gibson it's another true story but it's about the Vietnam war is an excellent movie hope to see it on your channel.
Have you ever seen the movie so proudly we hail. It’s about army nurses in the Philippines at the beginning of World War II right after Pearl Harbor. It’s a true story too, and it’s based on the diaries of the actual nurses.
Not a movie but a book you should definitely read is "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. It's a memoir book about the Authors time in Vietnam. Read it in highschool and it is such a well written powerful story.
The history of Desmond's unit is very interesting as well. He was a member of the 77th Infantry Division. An experimental unit made up of older volunteers. The US military wanted to see what a unit of older recruits was capable of in case the war ran long and the supply of young soldiers became limited. There is a TH-cam channel that did a video on the 77th ID. I suggest Old Age & Treachery - The Unstoppable 77th Infantry Division by the fat electrician (a former US Army medic) It's quite good. Possibly worth a reaction. Nick's channel is very reactor friendly. He often comments to reaction videos.
Desmond's real exploits were even crazier in real life. The film makers had to tone down what he did cause they thought audiences would find it too unbelievable.
Literally true.
That's incredible
Hugo Weaving did some criminally underrated work in this movie. I remember rolling my eyes during his first scene because I thought he was going to be the Hillbilly Drunkard that's in pretty much every movie that has a rural setting. Then I gradually realized it's a brilliantly layered portrayal of a man in unimaginable pain trying to survive in a place and time where men didn't ask for help, and where there wouldn't be any help even if he somehow mustered up the will to ask for it.
PTSD is a living hell for far too many people even though we know what it is and we know what causes it. How much worse was it back when no one knew what It was?
We still don't really know what causes it. Trauma, yeah, but what has actually happened to the mind? No. We still don't have any really progress in finding out. It presents differently in each, and that leaves us to believe that each trauma affects differently, especially in different individuals.
I haven't seen anything suggesting that anyone has figured anything else out about PTSD.
You might want to scope out another Mel Gibson film, "We Were Soldiers" from the Vietnam era. It goes into even more detail about the families back home.
You have a beautiful soul. The empathy and humanity you show in your reactions is so heartwarming.
"I love love" is something I used to feel, but has been lost over time. Please hold onto that feeling, because I truly miss it.
This movie makes it look like Okinawa was Desmond Doss and the 77th's 1st time in combat. He and his unit had already served in Guam and the Philippines.
Definitely need to react to Band of Brothers. Another true story with interviews of the real soldiers.
If you want to see from the Japanese perspective, Clint Eastwood released a fantastic two part series set around the Battle of Iwo Jima - Flags of of Father, which covers the American side, then Letters from Iwo Jima which covers the Japanese side of the conflict.
Letters From Iwo Jima covers the hopeless hell of being a Japanese soldier. The only thing worse than winning a war is losing one.
Yeah second this one. Great movie.
Got to watch “flags of our fathers” first. That with “letters from iwo jima “ are companion pieces.
I am a retired CSM, retired black 2004. Seen the horrors of war with 5 combat deployments. I am 60 now, keep the faith, being deployed is never easy no matter the capacity. My son is close to your age, despite my honesty about this, he joined the Army anyway. Thanks for the reaction, honest and real, anyone of us who thinks that war is good, is just not being intellectually honest. In all my time it is those who wish for this are the ones that never perform. Keep up the work on reactions and stay safe!
One thing that has always impressed me about you, Eralia, is your humanity. It would be easier to go cold, distant and uncaring. But you're bravely out there, feeling, despite the jerks and the know-it-alls.
You're something special, I'm glad you're here, I deeply respect that you're putting yourself between home and harm (even if it wasn't your idea), and I'm grateful for your service.
Keep shining and sharing.
We were soldiers and Letters from Iwo Jima are two great movies that give you a glimpse of both sides in war. We were soldiers takes place in Vietnam War an Letters takes place in WW2 pacific.
Thank you for your service. I was conscripted in 1976 and served in the Angolan Bush War and discharged in 1988. This movie always gets me, my grandfathers served in WW1 and most of the men in my family served in WW2.
Eralia
Doss' achievements prior to Hacksaw Ridge, he was awarded with two Bronze Stars in two battles: Guam & Philippines. As others stated, Mel and producers pick 75 as believable numbers of service members that he saved during Battle of Okinawa aka Hacksaw Ridge. Actual number came be 50 to 100 that he saved....
It's instructive, for me, to watch the reactions of military or ex-military members to war movies. Your reactions and insights are far more different from those who never served.
Great reaction, and thank you for your service. Stay safe.
I am a combat vet ( Vietnam ) I think it's fantastic to have one of our own reacting . First thanks for your service no matter what your MOS is you raised your right hand and that's all I need to know.
to be honest I have had some hard times for years but since I found you things are getting better for me. Thank you for this and may God bless the rest of your life. Oh if you haven't yet could you please react to ( We were soldiers )
The Battle of Hacksaw Ridge was extremely bloody. Mel Gibson did a pretty good job showing how violent that battle actually was.
The Battle for Okinawa led to the deaths of 12,000 American soldiers and sailors. Of that 12,000 KIAs, 5,000 were from the Navy. That leaves 7,000 KIAs on the island portion of the battle. 2,500 men died on Hacksaw Ridge. That means that the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge accounted for 36% of all deaths on Okinawa.
What made the battle so costly?
1. The Maeda Escarpment, Hacksaw, had been turned into an underground battleship according to the men that fought there.
2. The Japanese employed a Reverse Slope defense or a defense in depth. The purpose of this type of defense is to inflict as many casualties as possible.
3. Much of the fighting in the Pacific was hand to hand.
4. The Japanese did not follow the rules of war set by the Geneva Convention of 1929. It was a war crime to kill any medical personnel. Finally, it was a war crime to fake surrender then attack your enemy.
It is said that Mr. Doss saved even more people than the ones portrayed by the movie. Mel Gibson said that they had to tune it down because people might think it wasn't real.
At 33:00 you asked what was it like from “their side of the war”. See “Letters from Iwo Jima” directed by Clint Eastwood. It’s a companion movie to “Flags of Our Fathers” also directed by Clint Eastwood.
Yes, a magnificent pair of movies.
As many times as I’ve seen this movie it still draws tears from me. Such a beautiful story of sacrifice and love for one’s fellow man… in the midst of a chaotic world. Truly inspiring!
We Were Soldiers & band of brothers is a must watch
As someone who was in the Army myself, I thank you for serving. I suspect we may not share a lot of the same views; I do know you're a good soldier. You hate war, you hate destruction. Only true soldiers hate war and killing, because they have to go fight it.
*Airman
There is one thing the movie got wrong the men under Desmond's care already knew he wasn't a coward as he had already been awarded two Bronze stars with "V" device for valor under fire months before Hacksaw. He also did a lot of stuff not shown in the movie but listed in his MoH citation. The movie makes it seem he was only there a few days but look at the timeline in his MoH cite.
Desmond Doss Medal of Honor citation -
"He was a company aidman when the 1st Battalion assaulted a jagged escarpment 400 feet high. As our troops gained the summit, a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar, and machine-gun fire crashed into them, inflicting approximately 75 casualties and driving the others back. Pfc. Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the fire-swept area with the many stricken, carrying them one by one to the edge of the escarpment and there lowering them on a rope-supported litter down the face of a cliff to friendly hands.
On 2 May, he exposed himself to heavy rifle and mortar fire in rescuing a wounded man 200 yards forward of the lines on the same escarpment; and two days later he treated four men who had been cut down while assaulting a strongly defended cave, advancing through a shower of grenades to within eight yards of enemy forces in a cave's mouth, where he dressed his comrades' wounds before making four separate trips under fire to evacuate them to safety.
On 5 May, he unhesitatingly braved enemy shelling and small-arms fire to assist an artillery officer. He applied bandages, moved his patient to a spot that offered protection from small-arms fire, and, while artillery and mortar shells fell close by, painstakingly administered plasma. Later that day, when an American was severely wounded by fire from a cave, Pfc. Doss crawled to him where he had fallen 25 feet from the enemy position, rendered aid, and carried him 100 yards to safety while continually exposed to enemy fire.
On 21 May, in a night attack on high ground near Shuri, he remained in exposed territory while the rest of his company took cover, fearlessly risking the chance that he would be mistaken for an infiltrating Japanese and giving aid to the injured until he was himself seriously wounded in the legs by the explosion of a grenade. Rather than call another aidman from cover, he cared for his own injuries and waited five hours before litter bearers reached him and started carrying him to cover.
The trio was caught in an enemy tank attack and Pfc. Doss, seeing a more critically wounded man nearby, crawled off the litter and directed the bearers to give their first attention to the other man. Awaiting the litter bearers' return, he was again struck, this time suffering a compound fracture of one arm. With magnificent fortitude he bound a rifle stock to his shattered arm as a splint and then crawled 300 yards over rough terrain to the aid station.
Through his outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in the face of desperately dangerous conditions Pfc. Doss saved the lives of many soldiers. His name became a symbol throughout the 77th Infantry Division for outstanding gallantry far above and beyond the call of duty.”
Look up "Desmond Doss This is Your Life" here on YT to meet Desmond his family and some of the men he
saved. Above all you get to see how truly humble he was.
You really need to check out Hamburger Hill, a truly great war film that depicts the personal expense on the soldier. Very gritty and heavy and gives new appreciation for soldiers. It is about a group of soldiers in a company tasked with taking a hill in vietnam that was fought over for days, just to leave it a short while later.
Thank you for your reaction to this epic true story, the true story movie that really got to me was Lone Survivor - a modern day movie as such, it is about Operation Red Wings an Afghanistan mission that took place in 2005.
You should watch Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers. They are both movies by Clint Eastwood and show the battle from each side. Truly incredible movies.
Doss was part of the 77id known as the "Old Bastards", Doss wes not the only storied individuals of this unit. On TH-cam the Fat Electrician tells the story very well.
33:40 Letters from Iwo Jima 2006.
Hello Eralia I have seen Hacksaw Ridge only once but it was a while ago and nice to see you watching and reacting to it. I'm always glad to see
you when you are on have a wonderful weekend stay safe and take care
Thank You Eralia.👋☕🇺🇲
Hey Eralia hope ur doing good and just wanted to let u know i enjoy watching ur reactions to movies and stay safe.
I just want to say thank you for your service, I never personally served but I have a huge respect for people who choose to go into service and risk their lives for other people. So much respect for you and anybody else in these comments that have served before and are even thinking about serving.
Thank you for your service. The story is all true. They were more incredible things that Desmond did that were so unbelievable that they let them out of the movie because they thought people would not believe it. Yea The way I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for that are with me my rod and I staff they comfort me
You should check out two movies for both sides of a battle in WWII "Flags of our Fathers" and "Letters From Iwo Jima" each movie covers both sides of the battle from opposite sides of the war.
Love your reactions. Hang in there and keep safe, warrior.
At the 27:00 mark, you clearly identify as military personnel. lol
Everyone's deployment experience is different.
I actually checked on your channel a few days ago to see if I’d missed something. Had been a while since I’d see you post. Was more than glad to see this today, and glad you enjoyed it. Loved your commentary, especially from your point of view. Laughed more than a couple times and almost teared up almost as much. Stay sentimental! And keep well!
A lot of war movies show you how they train to get there. This is the only movie to show you how he FIGHTS to get there!
Eralia, any chance of a reaction to Band of Brothers?
Great reaction. If you want to see both sides of a battle you need to watch 2 Clint Eastwood movies. "Flags of Our Father" and "Letters from Iwo Jima." They are both excellent films. The two films were shot at the same time using the same sets and extras.
You are a thoughtful and knowledgeable young lady. I enjoy your channel very much, stay sweet hearted, stay safe!
'War, what is it good for...absolutely nothing', lyrics of the chorus of the 1970 single titled 'War', recorded by Motown soul singer Edwin Starr. Number One on charts for 3 weeks, but got much radio airplay. Viet Nam war was beginning to finally wind down.
Letters from iwo jima is a great depiction of the Japanese side in ww2
First of all, honestly, thank you for your service. I personally was deployed several times during Desert Shield, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom, so I would have words for anyone questioning your situation due to your bedsheets or whatever.
This was also a great reaction to the story a real life superhero and whose deeds even surpassed what was shown on film.
I was a Navy Corpsman. Of the 10 years I served, 8 were with the Marines. As such Doss's story was well known to me. The real story is even crazier. By Okinawa, Doss had already proven himself to his men. Twice decorated for valor for his actions on Guam & the Philippines. On Okinawa, his actions were over 4-5 days much longer than shown in the movie. At the end of it all, the brass said he'd rescued 100 men Doss insisted it was no more than 25. 75 was a compromise. Much later battalion records showed 140-150 men were rescued by Doss. 45 years later while stationed on Okinawa I stood on Hacksaw Ridge. It is now a Peace Park dedicated to Doss.
As for the Red Cross markings, at the time they were required by the Geneva Conventions. Japan never signed on to them. The top three targets were Doc, Officer & Radioman. Any obvious markings were quickly discarded to appear as a regular troop
Loved this reaction, When you started watching this style of film I was really hoping hacksaw ridge would be one of them. This movie is so heartbreaking but inspiring.
"war is dumb." . smartest thing i've heard said in a long time. sure, sometimes we must defend ourselves but i honestly believe that if we've got to the point of actual fighting, we have already failed on a monumental scale.
You simply must research Desmond Doss!!! In Guam, Leyte, Okinawa and along with General MacArthur's return to the Philippines.
Gospel of John 13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”, that’s what I think about when I think of this movie. I know a lot of of people don’t believe in God, but Desmond’s faith carried him and those 75+ men he helped, his love for his brothers in arms was a devine love. I am glad you watched this film, you being military gives your reactions a unique perspective. Your view on wars is valid and in most cases I agree, but there are moments where people have to defend themselves because we are a flawed species. Thanks for sharing your reaction, thanks for serving 🇺🇸, please be careful, and God Bless you!!!
What a story, what a depiction of conviction, dedication & fortitude Desmond had. A beautiful example of just how powerful faith is. I empathize with your position…retired 24 year USAF vet with 20+ deployments to every shade of brown possible lol. This story should inspire everyone. There’s something special about your relationships with your military comrades that the civilian world will never understand. I must recommend another true story for you; “Unbroken”, also WWII & the Pacific theater. The accuracy is on par with this film. Tells the events of Louie Zamporini who was an Army Air Corps veteran. Think you will find it equally inspiring. God bless & stay safe.
Hi Eralia. Miss your videos. Btw, love your background.😊
A beautiful reaction as always and it is always good to see that incredible smile even thru those tears 🌹
I got to see Desmon Doss a long time ago at a camp event, at the time I never knew who he was. but after reading and learning about him. he was such a amazing man. He passed at a ripe old age. This is one of my fave movies.
”All you’re missing is some ice cream”
Truer words have not been spoken. 🤣
The road to 100K is back
First of all, I have to say Thank You for Your Service.
Here on TH-cam there is the documentary called 'The Conscientious Objector' that they pulled interview snippets from. It greatly expands on his story and shows the whole story and not just what was compressed and adapted for the film. Highly recommend watching it here or getting it elsewhere.
Also, subscribed!
Thank you for your service stay strong stay safe
My favorite movie. Hope you stay safe until you're done!
A very touching reaction. I look forward to watching more of yours.
"We Were Soldiers" is a Viet Nam movie and is from both perspectives, and highly emotional. Great respect for your emotional reaction.
Great reaction to such a beautiful soul!
There was a good book written about Desmond Doss, called THE UNLIKELIST HERO. A GREAT READ.
Your commentary about the wedding night is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard in a movie review.
As was previously eluded to, Doss’s actual injury on Hacksaw was so incredible that Gibson thought viewers would not believe it, so instead they showed him batting and kicking the grenades.
I could tell you - and I did in another review - but you should read the book - Redemption At Hacksaw Ridge by Booton Herndon. It is the official authorized story of Desmond Doss.
Speaking for myself, I love the “sultry ASMR” tone. Please keep it up.
One of the reasons why I like your channel so much is because you're a veteran and you know the military jargon that they use in military films... You really need to watch these other war films that are all true stories. The first one is Lori. Second one pursuit of Honor. The other one is we were soldiers can also watch flags of our Fathers and from the Japanese perspective letters from iwojima... Semper Fi
I recommend checking out "Taking Chance". There is no combat shown. But it's a true story. It shows a part of war that is not normally paid attention.
36:51 For the Japanese perspective, watch "Letters From Iwo Jima" Also, "A Midnight Clear" has a glimpse of things from the German side
Letters from Iwo Jima is probably the best movie depicting life of a Japanese soldier. It goes in tandem with Flags of Our Fathers which is the American side of the story. Both movies are directed by Clint Eastwood and are amazing depictions. Also another great depiction of the Pacific Theatre during WW2 is The Pacific, directed by Tom Hanks and Spielberg. It covers pretty much the entire duration of the war and is based on many different memoirs of soldiers in the various campaigns.
Hello Eralia it’s great to see you! You look good! Have a great weekend!
If you’d like to watch 2 Great War movies that show the same battle from both sides watch “flag of our fathers” then watch “letters from Iwo Jima”. Both were filmed by same director
I have been to Okinawa a few times while serving in the Navy. Quite thought-provoking walking on ground where people fought and died. I felt the same during a trip to Gettysburg a couple years before joining the Navy. One thing I am grateful for is never having to take a life while in the Navy. I did have to fire a gun from time to time at paper targets; I was not a very good shot. I have not picked up a gun since leaving in 2006 and I never will. I have read many books about World War Two, both as the war was fought in the European and Pacific theaters. Some of those books looked at the war from both sides. It was an interesting perspective. One of my favorite authors is Jeff Shaara. It started with his father, Michael Shaara who wrote the 1975 novel The Killer Angels, which was about the Battle of Gettysburg. That was adapted into the 1993 film Gettysburg. Michael Shaara had passed away in 1989, but is son continued where he left off, writing the Civil War novels Gods And Generals and The Last Full Measure. Since then, he has written two books about the Revolutionary War, one about the Mexican War in 1847/48; four more about the Civil War; one about World War One; a three-volume series of World War Two in the European Theater; a book about the final years of the war in the Pacific Theater, which deals mostly with the fighting on Okinawa, as well as the preparation and dropping of the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He has also written a book about the attack on Pearl Harbor and another about the battle of Midway, six months after Pearl Harbor. As a Navy Veteran, I could not wait to read those two. He wrote a book about the battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War and a book about the life of Theodore Roosevelt. His most recent book is about the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. I have not been disappointed by anything he has written.
I have family who were in all the wars we were in since the French and Indian War. A long line. They all, in every generation, served with the hope that their children wouldn't have to. Face it, I wouldn't be alive if they hadn't all been lucky. (Oh, and I had a grandmother who was born in "Lemberg", as Lviv was then known---she was lucky to come to New York before WWI)
Your reactions are so good because you open your heart and let yourself feel the emotions. Please do Braveheart and The Last Samurai.
There is a video by Simple History called "The Medic who Fought a War Without a Weapon" that tells Doss' story more accurately. Definitely worth watching after seeing this film
For War Movies, I recommend "Stalag 17" 1953, ""Mr. Roberts" 1955, "The Enemy Below" 1957, "No Time for Sergeants" 1958, "Run Silent, Run Deep" 1958, "The Great Escape" 1963, "Kelly's Heroes" 1970, "Patton" 1970, "Full Metal Jacket" 1987, "The Siege of Firebase Gloria" 1989, "The Patriot" 2000, "The Big Red One" 1980, "Das Boot" 1981
You're not crying I'm crying... no wait...
The part where Desmond on the Edge of the Ridge and asked the Lord, what is it what he wants him to do? Desmond heard words Medic someone was calling for Medic. Desmond knew what his Lord wanted him to do. Desmond got his Helmet and going into the explosions from the artillery shells from the Battleships. When he was going into the explosions it reminded me a verse.
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Next you should watch The Band of Brothers, the best Miniseries in 2001 with 20 nominations and won 7 Emmys.
Band of Brothers is a story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.
So the book With the Old Breed by Eb Sledge (member of the 1st marines took part in the island hopping in the pacific) he does a great job at condemning war and the things it makes humans do without condemning the people who do those things. Because they are put into an unfathomably impossible position. It's worth a read if you haven't
Doss was not alone on that ridge God was giving him all the strength he needed
Desmond's Father fought at the battle of Bella Wood in WW1. A hard battle that lasted months.
more accurate Depiction of Desmond Doss is
Covered in a documentary called the conscientious objector
Ah, yes...I loved shift work in the military; sleep during the day, with people walking down the halls, slamming doors...good stuff.
Watch "Letters from Iwo Jima" if you want to see the Japanese perspective.
There’s a book in several documentaries on TH-cam about him. You’ll find it that they had a tone down his Exploits for this movie because nobody would believe it
What an incredible story and film.
I have been waiting for this since you did your Saving Private Ryan reaction.
Again I like to thank you for your service!
edit: Desmond Doss is my IRL hero, military or not.
first paramedic was a airbourne comback medic riding in a ambulance with a doctor he tought him medical stuff he knew trauma
you could watch letters from iwo jima for some point of view from japan, its interesting, the defending general had been to america and had friends there, and so he knew they could not win the war, but he forbade his men from ritual suicide but he was hated for it.
Hey! First time here!! This is one of my all time favorite movies!
I'm glad you're home safe (at least I hope you are and this is just part of your pre-recorded footage, late editing/posting due to fecking copyright shite! lol)!!
I recall recommending this film to you on one of your polls a while back... as its such a hard hitting, gritty, warfare movie based on real events!
What I didn't realise when I recommended this film, was how much of the film I had forgotten from the first 3/4, before his heroic actions atop of "hacksaw-ridge"... I'm going to be re-watching this myself in full soon...
If you're looking for other warfare films to watch now you're home, i've seen a couple good recommendations within the comments to this reaction.... "We Were Soldiers" Is an amazing film!
P.S Feck those jealous Feckers who where too dull to bring a few comfort items with them on their depoyment! Everyone who serves their country and especially those who deploy, are Top notch imo! Just because you have a comfy bed in your barracks (as you thought ahead before you shipped out) does Not mean you're not deployed... Feck the Feckers who say otherwise!!!!!
P.P.S the icecreame comment made me chuckle! lol
lol, "back in my day". I think these kind of movies are great. We have not fought a peer, or near peer, since WWII; it's important people remember what that is like.
I CRIED MY EYES OUT watching this movie. I love Andrew's acting in everything I've seen him in, but this right here was SO GOOD!
His acting here and in the Amazing Spider Man 2 movie where (SPOILERS SPOILER SPOILERS SPOILERS) Gwen dies really gets me emotional every time
If you want to see a good movie that shows a little bit of a perspective from both sides, I would suggest the movie we were soldiers with Mel Gibson it's another true story but it's about the Vietnam war is an excellent movie hope to see it on your channel.
With the limited access to refrigerators at that time Ice Cream would be a rare treat. But it looks like they managed to make due without it.
Now you need to turn around and watch Fat Electrician's video on the 77th Infantry Division that Desmond Dawes was a part of
doss*
Have you ever seen the movie so proudly we hail. It’s about army nurses in the Philippines at the beginning of World War II right after Pearl Harbor. It’s a true story too, and it’s based on the diaries of the actual nurses.
it's always great to get to see you
The best whispering reaction😊
Not a movie but a book you should definitely read is "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. It's a memoir book about the Authors time in Vietnam. Read it in highschool and it is such a well written powerful story.
The history of Desmond's unit is very interesting as well.
He was a member of the 77th Infantry Division. An experimental unit made up of older volunteers. The US military wanted to see what a unit of older recruits was capable of in case the war ran long and the supply of young soldiers became limited.
There is a TH-cam channel that did a video on the 77th ID.
I suggest Old Age & Treachery - The Unstoppable 77th Infantry Division by the fat electrician (a former US Army medic) It's quite good. Possibly worth a reaction. Nick's channel is very reactor friendly. He often comments to reaction videos.
Letters from Iwo Jima was a film made by Clinton Eastwood depicting the Japanese point of view from the war . Great movie
Such a good one, good pick.
was waiting for you to do this one.