It's likely that Desmond saved more than the stated 75. Possibly over 100 were saved by Desmond and while there is artistic license made for his life off the battlefield to add to the drama, his actions on the field are reduced just a bit because it seems supernatural. At one point, his arm is injured and he puts it in a sling and still saves around two dozen men without the use of one arm. If they showed that, the average viewer today would likely have not believed he could do such things but the men he saved said he did the unbelievable for them.
It is a fantastic, amazing story of heroism. If you google the 'actual Hacksaw Ridge'(with Desmond in the photo!), the 'cliff' is much smaller than was depicted here. It looks to be about 20 feet high. Not to take ANYTHING away from the amazing feat he performed and the many lives he saved.
That is one of the most incredible parts of this story. Desmond, the real man and hero, out-heros Hollywood and their imagination! His actual heroics are beyond belief!!!!
I don't think the size of the cliff makes any difference. This is about the fact that he *kept going back,* even when he was injured himself. I don't think he even considered staying somewhere safe, not when there was another life that could be saved. Desmond Doss joined the army for one reason only - to save lives as his contribution to the war effort, and this was his big chance to fulfill his purpose, so he grabbed onto that chance and refused to let go. (Re-reading that it sounds like I'm suggesting that he was glad the battle was happening and I don't mean that at all; I'm sure he was frightened and appalled by the horror he saw all around him. But his purpose overrode all that.) I'm not sure what the "correct" definition of courage is, but I think that sometimes it's just being so focused on the job at hand that you don't have time to pay attention to the fear. You pay for that kind of courage in the nightmares you have afterward.
FYI, photos can be deceptive, especially if there's nothing in the photo to show scale. The actual height of the climb those soldiers had to make was 400 feet (I didn't add an extra zero, it was four hundred feet).
There were some Japanese who told their side of the story. One Japanese sniper said he had Doss in his sights several times but his trigger was stuck and wouldn’t pull. Not to mention that he ran back and forth from enemy lines the entire time without a weapon and saved at least 75 people. I was thinking of the Bible verse: “Yes, 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.” (Psalms 23:4 AKJV)
Stop leaving this comment on reactions. It’s not true. There’s no way a Japanese soldier could ever know who he had been pointing the gun at. Don’t make up stuff like this, there’s no point. The true story is wild enough as it is
@@Hey_Jamieread up and you will see a Japanese sniper told during an interview. He spotted a man running around helping soldiers. He attempted to shoot him 3 times and his gun failed to fire. Try doing a search and you can read all about him. There's also a documentary about him.
Desmond Doss is one of very few contentious objectors who have earned The Medal of Honor. Respect. Hugo Weaving deserved an Academy Award for his performance in this. He perfectly portrayed a broken man with severe PTSD.
Severe PTSD in a time when there was no medical help for it… in fact there were soldiers from WWI who were COURT MARTIALED for desertion or cowardice - when their brain was affected by the HORRIFIC and UNPRECEDENTED warfare utilized in the 1910s
Few mentions, First the number Desmond brought down off the ridge is not completly clear as accounts range from 50 to 100+ as such the medal of honor attributes 75 Second the battle of Hacksaw Ridge was not actually his or his units first fight as the movie portrays he had seen combat prior to that in Guam and the Philippines and awarded 2 bronze stars for it. Third the ending scene was cut down significantly of what actually happened as he was wounded by the grenade and under fire he cared for his own injuries and laid there for 5 hours until help was able to get to him however as they were carrying him out on a litter they came under attack from a Japanese tank battalion and during that another solider was injured so he crawled off the litter and directed them to help the critically injured solider leaving him there while he waited he was struck in the arm shattering the bone (which is why the real photos of him you see his arm in a cast) He then tied a broken rifle to his arm to act as a splint and crawled 300 yards through the rough terrain to the aid station.
From an Australian stand point a tale similar we all grow up with and are taught in school atleast before and during my time there (25 year old) Simpson and his Donkey, the legend of John Kirkpatrick a stretcher bearer during WW1 who was noted for bringing wounded back from the frontline even under fire for a month day and night with little rest using the aid of donkeys until he was fatally shot through the heart later other stretcher carriers also utilized donkeys so it kind of over inflated his attributed rescues. none the less a respected hero.
I don't know how well it would do as a reaction series as it lacks the cinematic elements of say band of brothers but another interesting TV show from the medical side of things is M*A*S*H it may be a bit to long of a series but it's a good one set during the korean war follow a medical unit, few inaccuracies but i know many of combat vets that loved the series. it leans a lot more on the comedy side of things with how people cope with war and the American TV version of the show has a disgusting laugh track shoved in tho they dial it way back by the third season and there is the version of the show from outside the US that does not contain that laugh track at all. Some modern conflict recommendations tho they are more documentary they are both solid Inside Combat Rescue (TV Show) and Restrepo (Movie)
Desmond was a broken man. My dad was WW2 vet and most of his buddies. I saw my fair share of PTSD in my days. It’s heart breaking to see an otherwise succesful human being tortured by what went on overseas. Men of unbelievable courage under fire who can’t get through a Remembrance Day ceremony without falling apart. And these are the ones who were intact enough to live life on the outside. We had a hospital in a close by city housing vets who couldn’t make it on the outside world. The damage to their very souls was too great. War is no joke and it was my immense honour to know these men and women ( my mother was in the forces as well.)
I read a book about another Seventh-day Adventist who happened to be German, and was drafted into the GERMAN army during WWII. He didn't agree with anything Hitler stood for, quite the opposite, but he was drafted into the army. Tried to be a conciencous objector or medic but they wouldn't let him. The book details how he managed to adhere to his beliefs in HITLER"''S Army. He secretly threw away his pistol and carried a gun-shaped piece of wood in his holster so he wouldn't kill anyone in the heat of battle. He was in a company that was usually first Into any given area, and he tried to covertly warn the Jews to get away fast before the army really got there. He even managed to find ways to not do any work on Sabbath through the entire war, except for one Saturday near then end when they were retreating and he lost track of the days. out of his whole battalion he was one of the few not killed, and one of an even smaller number uninjured. The book is Callled "A Thousand shall Fall." It also details ways God protected his family back at home throughout the war.
35:33 My favorite story about Doss came from interviews of that day... From Japanese survivors. They recount witness of a lone soldier with no weapon carrying wounded to the edge of the ridge, standing clearly exposed as he lowered them down with all his strength, and every time they had a clear shot… their guns jammed.
Yes, it was against his religion to "work" on the Sabbath. It was not, however, against his religion to save lives on the Sabbath. One of the bravest and most honorable men I've ever heard of. And no, he isn't watching this. He passed away in 2006. Even when he was still alive I doubt that he would have wanted to tell the story; it would have been too much like bragging, and it probably would have triggered nightmares for him.
No cap this is the best reaction I have seen to this movie and I've seen a few, great points at the end & I was also shocked that I didn't know this man's story but hopefully thanks to this movie his bravery will now never be forgotten.
By the way… you guys are so fun to watch movies with… I’ve seen most of them, but seeing you reactions it’s like watching it for the first time all over again! And Cam… your responses are PRICELESS!
As others have noted, in a lot of ways the true story of Desmond Doss was toned down to make it more believable. However, there was one thing that was changed that you might want to know about. Doss and his unit had actually taken part in two previous Pacific island invasions before they got to Okinawa, and Doss had actually been decorated with the Bronze Star for Valor in both, so Desmond was already a well respected member of the unit before Hacksaw Ridge. You can understand why they decided to compress the story entirely to the Okinawa campaign to keep the story easier to understand. Some of the other changes they made are also understandable, such as they amped up the drama of the trial a lot, and the situation where he leaves his wife at the altar while he sits in a cell is not quite the way that happened. Also that artillery fire from the battleships was CGI, not practical...and in reality, Hacksaw Ridge was out of range of naval gunfire...the Japanese chose the location in part to be safe from the fire of the really big guns on the battleships. The History vs Hollywood article on Hacksaw is pretty good, and covers most the of the stuff that they changed or were mistaken about.✌✌
Doss was very modest & only admitted to saving around 45. But witnesses all agreed he saved at least 100-110. So the Army split the difference and gave him credit for 75. The reality was, by the time Doss got to Okinawa, he'd already taken part in battles on 2-3 different islands & was already highly decorated.
They say they settled on 75 because he said 50, but the men in his unit said he got over 100 men down to safety, so they settled on 75 for the Medal of Honor citation, Good job guys.
Yeah that scene where he can’t hear God swt anymore, then hears “Medic!!” and goes back into the fire… gets me EVERY time. And it might be one of the most beautiful shots in all of cinema. ETA: one of the others was when he was being lowered by stretcher
With the exception of some minor points about the practices of Seventh-Day Adventists at that time, this movie seems to be fairly accurate. Hacksaw Ridge was at *least* as horrific as it's portrayed here. You can read the full text of Desmond Doss's citation for the Congressional Medal of Honor here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doss
From what I read about the real Desmond, he told his commanders that he’d saved closer to 50 men. Others told those same commanders that it was closer to 100. Ultimately when the military awarded him the Medal of Honor, they decided just to split the difference between those two estimates and arrived at 75.
The dad is Agent Smith from The Matrix and Elrond from the Lord of the Rings movies. Now watch Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima. Flags is about the battle of Iwo Jima from the American point of view, and Letters is from the Japanese point of view. Both directed by Clint Eastwood.
Even if you don't have faith in any religion, you can't help but respect Doss' faith. His faith is what made him who he was. Great reaction and wonderful insight you two have offered. Great work.
Since you guys are into the pacific theater. I hope you guys also check out Midway which i believe the turning point in the pacific theater. Your reactions were amazing.
Its sad and kind of scary that these two teenage boys understand everything going on in this movie, in these adult situations better than most of the full-grown adults reacting to it.
When my cousin David was drafted for Viet Nam ,he said he was a conscientious objector ,but because he wasn't a member of a recognized pacifist religion his request was denied . He said he just didn't want to kill people,so they said he could be a medic ,so he became a Navy corpsman . They then attached him to a Marine unit fighting in Viet Nam where he got 3 purple hearts .
That's kind of fucked up. Not what your cousin did, good for him for finding a way. However, the idea of deny So an atheist or agnostic couldn't sincerely have a conscientious objection to war unless they're part of an organized religion? That's a really messed up way of thinking!
There is a documentary about Desmond Doss where you can hear him tell you some of his story. He was a Seventh Day Adventist, and he is celebrated within that church. I’m old enough, I’m fortunate enough to have known a great number of WW2 veterans, my Grandfather fought in the pacific, and they are a different breed of people. They say that “hard times create hard men”, and it’s true. They are called “The Greatest Generation” for a reason.
As a veteran I am proud to see today’s interest in the military genre of movies. The advances in special effects have presented such an immersive visual effect, those without military experience can get a little idea of the “HARSH REALITY” our military can face. I had the honor to attend a special showing of “Saving Private Ryan” the second week of its theatrical release. The first two rows (floor level and one up) were reserved for WWII veterans & family. Just before the coming attractions showed, approximately 20 people were ushered to their seats. At the end only subdued sniffles and sobs could be herd with NOONE moving to leave. After a brief pause the first of the veterans got up to leave, while the rest of us in attendance gave them ALL a standing ovation as they left. There seems to be a flow-over effect of people watching some older movies; “Full Metal Jacket”, “Platoon”, “M*A*S*H”, “Apocalypse Now” etc. I think these movies are great but need to be viewed with the filter of social commentary for the time they were made. I would like to see reactions to two older movies, based on two of the most decorated war heroes. These movies, though not posing the fantastic special effects of today’s movies, contain just as much interest by the simple act of storytelling. The first is the story of one of the most decorated soldiers of WWI. The main character of the story (Alvin C York) chose actor Gary Cooper to portray him. Released in September 1941, just before America entered WWII, “Sergeant York”. The second story is about the MOST DECORATED soldier of WWII. The movie not only adapted from his autobiography (Audie Murphy) but starred him as well. From October 1955, just over ten years after the end of the war “To Hell and Back”.
Here's a crazy fact Desmond worked with Shifty Powers from band of brothers before the war, two absolute heroes working in the same factory both immortalised on film.
Excellent review guys. Keep up the good work. To add one more level of insanity/greatness to his story (you decide which). Another tennat of Doss's faith was he was a strick vegitarian. Army rations at this time were mostly potted meat (the forerunners of Vienna Sauages and SPAM), because they were high protien. Typically they also have crackers, and a few pieces of dried fruit occiasionally a vegetable. So he would have to trade his canned meat with other men and take their crackers and dried fruit. Hard to imagine being able to do what he did, let alone do it after only have eaten a hanful of crackers. The man was FREAKING AMAZING.
If you care to read it, here's his citation for his Medal of Honor: 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
The Battleship You See Represents An Iowa-Class Battleship!! It Carried 9 16-Inch Naval Rifles, Each Capable Of Firing A Shell Weighing 2,700 Pounds 24 - 27 Mi,MI, Away!!
Unfortunately, that is one of the things that was added that did not happen in real life. The Japanese actually chose that ridge because it was too far inland for the Battleships to reach. The Army was obviously hitting it with every other big gun they could hit it with, and the airstrikes were hitting the ridge constantly, but there weren't any 16-inch shells in the bombardment. ✌✌
I have watched this reaction so many times. It might be my favorite that Cam & Zay have done. This movie is so well made and so well acted. A truly powerful story about a truly heroic but modest man. I grew up not far from Lynchburg where Desmond Doss was from and I definitely heard his story growing up before the film came out. I remember when he passed away. He’s definitely one of my biggest heroes.
I've watched this film at least10 times in the last 6 years. Phenomenal direction by Mel Gibson and of course, exquisitely acted. It got quite a few Oscar nominations, including Best Actor and Best Director.
Great job guys. Love the channel. Wish you'd put the BOB doc on TH-cam hehe. After The Pacific I suggest Midway (2019). That will give you the naval aspect of the war.
Every time I watch this it gets me very emotional. When Doss jumps with the dead Smitty.... Then the Lt, who was beyond a scumbag to Doss, but when he finally comes down the looks he was getting from the men was like he was a miracle worker, then the Lt lovingly and gently put his hand on Dosses face asking if he was wounded, then he said lets get this soldier to a hospital tent. The fact is Doss actually saved over 100 lives and had his heroics watered down for this movie because they thought nobody would believe what he did. Mel Gibsons decision to REDUCE what Desmond Doss did, knowing this made it even more emotional the 2nd time seeing this and every time after that. The fact that there's no hollywood BS here, everything actually happened, he was an angel of God in the hellhole of war. A great man and a true hero in EVERY sense of the words, "great" and "hero" are overused words in todays insane society, but Desmond Doss was both and then some, he's a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, that says it all... RIP Desmond.
I’m 42, my grandparents were starving children in the Great Depression and WWII soldiers/nurses in their teens. Talk to people from their generation before they’re gone. They went through a lot.
A great reaction to an absolutely incredible story of real hero! They had to pull back on the actual heroics of Desmond, because it was thought people just wouldn't believe it, even in a Hollywood movie!
My Daddy fought for the USA in WW2.. he was a Marine and served in the US Army also. He was 19yrs at the time...He was a force to be reckoned with... God rest his sole.
I’ve watched at least 30 reactions to this … normally just skip to the war scenes.. and then skip to my fav parts … but as soon as I got to the doss saving people .. I couldn’t skip u guys… probably the best reaction I’ve seen to this. Hope y’all have read all the informative comments and know even more how crazy a hero Doss was… thank you guys for sharing 🙏💯✌️✌️
Also.. I just watched a reaction to this with over 300k likes … and it was terrible imo … this has 10x less likes and is crazzyyy better .. they showed so little emotion and you guys had awesome reactions and were totally into it more than just “this is for a video” like them … 👍👍👍
In case no one noticed, Dad was sporting a Silver Star medal when he showed up in uniform which is the sort of thing that impresses other military people.
What you guys were seeing when you asked if it was “real artillery” was 16 inch naval guns aboard a Battleship. They fired projectiles that weighed as much as a car up to 30 miles. The largest naval guns were fielded by the Japanese navy aboard the Japanese battleships Yamamoto and Musashi, and were 18 inch guns.
I could go on and on about the legend that was Desmond Doss but I'd like to say I appreciated your reactions to him, and this very hyper accurate portrayal of this man. It heartens me to hear two young men like yourselves really appreciating this history, and recognizing true life hero's did, and do exist. Thank you for your respect.
Hey guys. Good reaction. I have a suggestion for you. Try watching a more fun movie to mix it up. This material is very heavy and is a little overwhelming. I must say after watching some of your comedy reactions I wasn’t sure if you could take this material with the sensitivity needed for this movie. But you were not only respectful of these real life heroes, you had some good insights in how you, the younger generation, perceive something that happened over 80 years ago.
I agree you guys are doing Band of Brothers and This. You definately need to take slapstic route to balance out bit. You Enjoyed Airplane. Zucker´s have Naked Guns and Top Secret aswell from them. Or More Mel Brooks like Young Frankenstein.
You need to react to Unbroken 2014, it is also based on real events and real people, and like in this movie you had to wait to see the post-credits scenes.
26:49 So for a little context He actually wasn't just trying to get Ghoul to not focus on the pain of his injuries, it is actually a common medical practice to find signs of potential Brain Trauma, like a concussion, to Ask Victims/Patients to recall the most basic info they should never have to stop and think about like their name and age, or in the military this could also include heavily engrained things like nicknames, as shown with asking him what he was also known as, or things like their rank or MIN (Military Identity Number), which generally included things like what company or battalion they were a part of. Generally you start from the easiest first, to ensure it isn't at least severe yet, then get more and more into it before ruling if they are mentally okay, minorly okay, or really not. Most of the stuff beyond Name and potentially rank after such an assault is handled by the guys in the med tents and aid stations once the wounded person is evac'ed off the front.
This movie, which I watched in its entirely only about 2 weeks ago, has connections for me. I spent 13 months as Regimental Surgeon of a Marine Corps regiment deployed on Okinawa where this battle took place though we were, of course, at the end of the Vietnam War when Okinawa was peaceful, not WW II. But I kept trying to think where "Heartbreak Ridge" actually was. I visited most of the major battlefields of WW II while I was there and the only place I recall where there were cliffs like that was at the south end of the island which was the last redoubt of the Japanese. It was actually called "Suicide Cliff" because the last Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped off the cliff to their deaths rather than be captured, and at the top now is a Japanese cemetery and memorial garden with monuments from each Japanese prefecture.
Great reaction to a great movie. History says that he claimed he saved 50 lives but his fellow soldiers stated it was over 100. The army decided to split the difference. The closest accurate count actually puts it over 100 lives. Another war film you might like to react to could be Sgt. York. A true story about another man who didn't want to fight in the war (WWI) but went and distinguished himself to become the most decorated soldier of the war. It stars Gary Cooper and a lot of other big names. Hope to see you do it soon.
Guys if you're planning getting on The Pacific make sure you get the one with the interview at the beginning with a mini documentary narrated by Tom Hanks
Desmond Doss is a rare warrior, and the things he did is beyond belief, but the truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Here are some other worthy soldiers you may want to look into. Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez-Mr. Ballen did a video on him. Sergey Aleshkov-Soldier Boy (2019) is a Russian film about the six years old boy who made an impact on the soldier he became attached. He earned the Medal "For Battle Merit" on April 26, 1943.
29:30 the flamethrower was by far one of the most valuable weapon of the Pacific, as gruesome as it is. The Japanese defenses were dug into the cliffside or underground, which conceals them from reconnaissance aircraft and some were even placed outside the trajectory of the naval or artillery big guns. This would mean the only way to knock them out was with a direct hit. With even grenades, satchel charges, and bazookas not proving enough, the US began deploying flamethrowers in larger numbers, which proved to be very effective, but not for the reason people think. Many Japanese soldiers killed by flamethrowers weren’t even burned by them. Instead, the intensity of the flames would suck all the oxygen out of the tunnels and kill them through carbon monoxide poisoning. Many of those that died from the flamethrower suffocated due to lack of air. This was even felt by the user, as one Marine on Iwo Jima requested a different role because he couldn’t handle being nauseous.
Keep in mind the real Hacksaw Ridge was about 400 ft high. Much higher than the movie shows it. So he was more or less lowering every man from the top of a 30 story building.
I grew up on okinawa 25 years after the war. We would pick up bullets all the time from the ground. You can visit the underground headquarters. Discoverd by American kids exploring in 70's
The crazy part about it was they left the actual unbelievable facts out of the movie, because they thought the story would be seen as unrealistic, despite it happening.
I am really glad that Vince Vaughn is moving away from comedy films to focus on gritty action like in this movie. Another one he's in that I would definitely recommend is Brawl In Cell Block 99, where he plays an ex-boxer turned drug runner who gets double crossed by the Cartel. He then proceeds to beat all their asses in prison.
Desmond never even told his kids and grandkids. Nobody but Dorothy knew until one day a reporter from TIME showed up at Desmonds house and asked him about what he did.
I watched the whole movie with no emotion, I was basically like, “yeah, seems like a great story.” Then when the real Desmond Doss started talking, I burst into tears.
This should get you pumped for watching The Pacific. Okinawa was fought in 1945, so late in the war. TP covers from 1942 to 1946. More to say later when you start watching
The irony of this movie is that Mel Gibson believe it or not had to tone it down for the believability. Read about him and you'll find out about how he was wounded like 3 times in 2 minutes and still crawled hundreds of feet to safety. If he would have put all of that in there, people would no way think this was not fiction or being way embelished
23:32, yes, that’s a BAR (B.A.R.). I have handled one holding it like in the movie. Yes, I could hold it steady. Would I be able to control when firing? No. The recoil of the gun is enough to rock someone back if there isn’t enough supporting weight behind it. Could some absolute unit of a man do it? Sure. Is it doable for most people? No. This was fiction.
I don't think ive ever heard the words " What a fuckin savage! " more appropriately applied at any point too anything in my life ha ha this fucking guy, its unbelievable what he did.
Desmond's father severed in the Marines the Battle of Belleau Wood where a large majority of the fighting became hand to hand ths is where the Marines earned the feared nickname "Devil Dogs" given to them by the Greman army. The acts of bravery that Doss did during his time in the Army have been watered down for the film. There were things Doss did that were left out because the audience would think "that's Hollywood no way that actually happened "
One name that out does Desmond Doss "Audie Murphy" which has the Highest Rank ever in Military History at the age of 17yrs old with 22 Medals and 2 Medal of Honors 2 Purplehearts after fighting in more than 9 Tours of frontline attacks and unarmed fights saving and estimate of over 100+ friendlies in the Worse war in WW2 the Battle of the Bulge which was considered by many the Bloodbath War as history tells stories of when the streets and rivers ran RED every day, MAJOR Audie Murphy has more Medals than any soldier ever to this day FACT!
His story was so complex. They began by showing the WW I battle his dad was in when he list the three men who enlisted with him. His mom was so understanding of how tortured her husband was but stood by him during his drunken anger. I imagine he made a vow when he hurt his brother to never hurt another. His strength of faith and calling in God kept that vow. I imagine when he fought to keep his father from abusing his mother and realized that he had in his heart the capability to kill that he went back to God and prayed for the strength to resist picking up a weapon. Then there was the subplot if his dad's dread if his son's going into battle so he might end up visiting them in that same cemetery and yet he fought for his boys right to go into battle unarmed. He said nothing to his son going out of the courtroom, but the look the two exchanged was monumental. The men who witnessed his bravery estimated his savings at nearly 100; Dos in hishumility said he couldn't remember more than 50 or so. They split the difference in his Citation to Accompany the Award and listed 72 to split the difference. What wasn't show was that he actually saved and lowered 3 Japanese defenders. The man was heroic among heroes that day.
Got to see this in the theater. Dragged my gal-pal who kinda dislikes violence & war films. Lol. But we both loved it. I am a big movie junkie so have seen many, many war films. I thought the story, plot, practical & special effects, etc., was stand-out. Garfield was perfect as Des. I cry every time watching this. I rate this atleast a 9.4.❤ Thanks for yr reaction.
both are amazing films and both are directed by Mel Gibson. Did you catch his cameo in this one. He is the one telling Desmond they are going to get him home in the beginning scene.
I really like you guys' reactions. Loved your reactions to Airplaine and Back to the Future. (you should finish the trilogy, btw :P) I was raised Seventh-day Adventist (Doss' religion). We definitely are taught to take the 10 commandments VERY seriously. It's why we worship on Saturday (look up the fourth commandment.) And we've historically been mostly pacifist because of the "Thou shalt not Kill." We're taught to not compromise, to stick to our beliefs no matter how difficult, not just when it's easy. We identify as Christian for sure, but there are a few things unique about us. 1) We believe the 7th day is holy (as I said) and we are not supposed to work, supposed to rest and spend time at church and just spending the day "with God." But, just as Jesus healed and fed the hungry on the Sabbath, it's doing God's work to help people such as helping the sick and needy , especially things that can't be put off (i.e, someone in the hospital needs a nurse on Sabbath just like they need a nurse any other day, but regular routine doctor appointments that could be done another day should be done another day.. That's why I would work in a hospital on Sabbath but not in a restaurant or store that COULD be closed on Saturday without harming anyone) 2) we have a sort of unique belief in what happens whe you die. We believe that when someone dies they are "asleep" waiting for the return of Jesus. They are not in Heaven, not watching over their loved ones, they are unaware of what's going on just as you are when you sleep. We believe that soon Jesus will come again (hence the name "adventist" and then the dead will be raised (at least the righteous dead ) and go to heaven at the same time as the faithful, the world as we know it now will end, sin will be destroyed. So, according to Doss's own beliefs, no he is unfortunately not hearing you thank him. But someday...(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) 3) Others have mentioned Doss was a vegetarian. In Leviticus chapter 11 God laid out what meats are "clean" and "unclean" and Adventists have always followed that, very similar to Jews. (well, we avoid eating the same creatures Jews won't eat, but we don't go as far as keeping dairy and meat separate, having separate utensils, etc..) But no pork or shellfish for us! However, Adventists have always preached a LOT about health and how to be healthy, and Vegetarianism is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED as a healthier diet, but it's not "required" just being kosher is. Many, Many (maybe majority?) of Adventists are vegetarian and Adventist companies were the first to start making meat alternatives out of soy. sorry for the ramble.. .LOL but the more ya know! Adventists also have a lot of schools. I went to one for high school. Believe it or not, Desmond Doss's niece (or is it maybe great niece) went to school for me a year and dated my brother LOl. Desmond Doss' spoke at her graduation in 1995, at the end of my Freshman year.
Had to reply; I felt inspired years ago to learn biblical Greek and biblical Hebrew, to try to read the bible in it's earliest written languages. I'm certainly not an expert, but one thing that kind of study does is encourage you to read the Bible very carefully and thoughtfully. While many people seem unaware of this (I was raised Roman Catholic & was not aware until my Bible studies), your point (2) has a strong basis in both the Old & New Testament. See Daniel 12:2 for just one example, where death is clearly described as sleeping until called by the Lord. So while it may not be universal, many people other than 7th Day Adventists hold this belief.
Hacksaw Ridge is arguably the greatest WW2 movie ever made. Its visceral. Its engrossing. Its historical and accurate. Its not fictional propaganda like most WW2 movies. There are phenomenal performances across the board. This is easily Andrew Garfields best performance. I grew to care about everyone in Desmond's squad, including Hollywood and Ghoul. This is arguably Vince Vaughns best role and performance. And theyre all based on real people. "Ive seen stalks of corn with better physiques." LMAO Then of course, there is Desmond's dedication, hope and faith. I felt it and Andrew Garfield totally sold it. I totally believed in Desmond and his mission. It was actually beautiful to watch in the midst of this h*ll on earth.
A more accurate depiction of Desmond Doss is a documentary movie called the conscientious objector As it pertains to the men he served with and his own account of what happened
Fun fact.... Andrew Garfield is British. Luke Bracey (who plays Smitty) is Australian. Several other actors in this film are from different countries as well but all playing American soldiers with spot on language and accents. This cast was so talented.
If he wasn’t portrayed as enough of a badass, remember that he was vegetarian and started out malnourished. (They show him giving his meat away right?) What is NOT in the movie, is at one point he ate some spoiled coconuts and got dysentery…. which must have ravaged his body terribly
My father served 4 years 3 on a air craft carrier my mom was secretary for a Colonel in DC. Along with two uncles and three aunts all got married before the men went into battle. That way they would get $10,000.00 dollar payout if they died in combat. Worth about $194,000.00 in todays money.
I really loved your reactions my Sweethearts. My Dad was in world war 2 and my Husband was in Viet Nam they were never the same again I liked the whole Movie cried from begging to end . He deserved every Medel he got.He wasn't focus on getting shot he was focus on saving lives . Hugs be Safe.🥰
My wife and I will have been married 23 years this month. I have yet to propose to her. Her mom proposed to me. She said, "Glen and I are going to Vegas, why don't you bring Pam and get married?" I'm like, well I 'm not doing anything anyway...why not.
This is why our US Flag is so important to people. It stands for all who gave their lives and died for this country. That is why we stand and put our hand over our heart.
Mel Gibsondirected this… that being said, and I know it’s religious it I would absolutely LOVE to see your reaction to THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST! it’s just as good! And graphic, graphic, GRAPHIC!
I cried like a baby when I saw it the first time… the second time I watched it I just laughed and laughed… knowing I believed it, it filled me with total faith and happiness… sorry if you’re not a believer… but that was my experience… it brought me to belief and just total wonder and curiosity and the the miraculous…
I read somewhere that the military calculations was 203 men. Japanese and American. Originally the military thought 125 but in the end they figured out 203 they left the 75 on the citation.
It's likely that Desmond saved more than the stated 75. Possibly over 100 were saved by Desmond and while there is artistic license made for his life off the battlefield to add to the drama, his actions on the field are reduced just a bit because it seems supernatural. At one point, his arm is injured and he puts it in a sling and still saves around two dozen men without the use of one arm. If they showed that, the average viewer today would likely have not believed he could do such things but the men he saved said he did the unbelievable for them.
It is a fantastic, amazing story of heroism. If you google the 'actual Hacksaw Ridge'(with Desmond in the photo!), the 'cliff' is much smaller than was depicted here. It looks to be about 20 feet high. Not to take ANYTHING away from the amazing feat he performed and the many lives he saved.
That is one of the most incredible parts of this story. Desmond, the real man and hero, out-heros Hollywood and their imagination! His actual heroics are beyond belief!!!!
I don't think the size of the cliff makes any difference. This is about the fact that he *kept going back,* even when he was injured himself. I don't think he even considered staying somewhere safe, not when there was another life that could be saved.
Desmond Doss joined the army for one reason only - to save lives as his contribution to the war effort, and this was his big chance to fulfill his purpose, so he grabbed onto that chance and refused to let go. (Re-reading that it sounds like I'm suggesting that he was glad the battle was happening and I don't mean that at all; I'm sure he was frightened and appalled by the horror he saw all around him. But his purpose overrode all that.)
I'm not sure what the "correct" definition of courage is, but I think that sometimes it's just being so focused on the job at hand that you don't have time to pay attention to the fear. You pay for that kind of courage in the nightmares you have afterward.
FYI, photos can be deceptive, especially if there's nothing in the photo to show scale. The actual height of the climb those soldiers had to make was 400 feet (I didn't add an extra zero, it was four hundred feet).
Y’all should watch Apacolypto. Another Mel Gibson film and it is awesome.
There were some Japanese who told their side of the story. One Japanese sniper said he had Doss in his sights several times but his trigger was stuck and wouldn’t pull.
Not to mention that he ran back and forth from enemy lines the entire time without a weapon and saved at least 75 people. I was thinking of the Bible verse:
“Yes, 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.”
(Psalms 23:4 AKJV)
75 is the official number, some say he saved more than 100(!).
Psalms 91:7
You will see a thousand falling by your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.
Other Bible verse 🥲
Stop leaving this comment on reactions. It’s not true. There’s no way a Japanese soldier could ever know who he had been pointing the gun at. Don’t make up stuff like this, there’s no point. The true story is wild enough as it is
@@Hey_Jamieread up and you will see a Japanese sniper told during an interview. He spotted a man running around helping soldiers. He attempted to shoot him 3 times and his gun failed to fire. Try doing a search and you can read all about him. There's also a documentary about him.
@@Lonewolf0161 When it's not your time to die, it's not your time.
Desmond Doss is one of very few contentious objectors who have earned The Medal of Honor. Respect. Hugo Weaving deserved an Academy Award for his performance in this. He perfectly portrayed a broken man with severe PTSD.
Severe PTSD in a time when there was no medical help for it… in fact there were soldiers from WWI who were COURT MARTIALED for desertion or cowardice - when their brain was affected by the HORRIFIC and UNPRECEDENTED warfare utilized in the 1910s
Few mentions,
First the number Desmond brought down off the ridge is not completly clear as accounts range from 50 to 100+ as such the medal of honor attributes 75
Second the battle of Hacksaw Ridge was not actually his or his units first fight as the movie portrays he had seen combat prior to that in Guam and the Philippines and awarded 2 bronze stars for it.
Third the ending scene was cut down significantly of what actually happened as he was wounded by the grenade and under fire he cared for his own injuries and laid there for 5 hours until help was able to get to him however as they were carrying him out on a litter they came under attack from a Japanese tank battalion and during that another solider was injured so he crawled off the litter and directed them to help the critically injured solider leaving him there while he waited he was struck in the arm shattering the bone (which is why the real photos of him you see his arm in a cast) He then tied a broken rifle to his arm to act as a splint and crawled 300 yards through the rough terrain to the aid station.
From an Australian stand point a tale similar we all grow up with and are taught in school atleast before and during my time there (25 year old)
Simpson and his Donkey, the legend of John Kirkpatrick a stretcher bearer during WW1 who was noted for bringing wounded back from the frontline even under fire for a month day and night with little rest using the aid of donkeys until he was fatally shot through the heart later other stretcher carriers also utilized donkeys so it kind of over inflated his attributed rescues.
none the less a respected hero.
I don't know how well it would do as a reaction series as it lacks the cinematic elements of say band of brothers but another interesting TV show from the medical side of things is
M*A*S*H it may be a bit to long of a series but it's a good one set during the korean war follow a medical unit, few inaccuracies but i know many of combat vets that loved the series.
it leans a lot more on the comedy side of things with how people cope with war and the American TV version of the show has a disgusting laugh track shoved in tho they dial it way back by the third season and there is the version of the show from outside the US that does not contain that laugh track at all.
Some modern conflict recommendations tho they are more documentary they are both solid Inside Combat Rescue (TV Show) and Restrepo (Movie)
@@Medic_Medulla The movie M*A*S*H*(which the TV show is based off) is much better watch
They probably didn't add that, because that makes his story, his legend, even MORE amazing than it already is!
Desmond was a broken man. My dad was WW2 vet and most of his buddies. I saw my fair share of PTSD in my days. It’s heart breaking to see an otherwise succesful human being tortured by what went on overseas. Men of unbelievable courage under fire who can’t get through a Remembrance Day ceremony without falling apart. And these are the ones who were intact enough to live life on the outside. We had a hospital in a close by city housing vets who couldn’t make it on the outside world. The damage to their very souls was too great. War is no joke and it was my immense honour to know these men and women ( my mother was in the forces as well.)
I think you mean Thomas Doss, not Desmond. WW1
I read a book about another Seventh-day Adventist who happened to be German, and was drafted into the GERMAN army during WWII. He didn't agree with anything Hitler stood for, quite the opposite, but he was drafted into the army. Tried to be a conciencous objector or medic but they wouldn't let him. The book details how he managed to adhere to his beliefs in HITLER"''S Army. He secretly threw away his pistol and carried a gun-shaped piece of wood in his holster so he wouldn't kill anyone in the heat of battle. He was in a company that was usually first Into any given area, and he tried to covertly warn the Jews to get away fast before the army really got there. He even managed to find ways to not do any work on Sabbath through the entire war, except for one Saturday near then end when they were retreating and he lost track of the days.
out of his whole battalion he was one of the few not killed, and one of an even smaller number uninjured.
The book is Callled "A Thousand shall Fall." It also details ways God protected his family back at home throughout the war.
35:33 My favorite story about Doss came from interviews of that day... From Japanese survivors. They recount witness of a lone soldier with no weapon carrying wounded to the edge of the ridge, standing clearly exposed as he lowered them down with all his strength, and every time they had a clear shot… their guns jammed.
Desmond estimated the number of people he saved at 50 people. His fellow soldiers believed it was closer to 100.
over 100, those keeping count all swore it was 105 but desmond said 50 and the army just met those in the middle by saying 75
Yes, it was against his religion to "work" on the Sabbath. It was not, however, against his religion to save lives on the Sabbath. One of the bravest and most honorable men I've ever heard of.
And no, he isn't watching this. He passed away in 2006. Even when he was still alive I doubt that he would have wanted to tell the story; it would have been too much like bragging, and it probably would have triggered nightmares for him.
No cap this is the best reaction I have seen to this movie and I've seen a few, great points at the end & I was also shocked that I didn't know this man's story but hopefully thanks to this movie his bravery will now never be forgotten.
By the way… you guys are so fun to watch movies with… I’ve seen most of them, but seeing you reactions it’s like watching it for the first time all over again! And Cam… your responses are PRICELESS!
As others have noted, in a lot of ways the true story of Desmond Doss was toned down to make it more believable. However, there was one thing that was changed that you might want to know about. Doss and his unit had actually taken part in two previous Pacific island invasions before they got to Okinawa, and Doss had actually been decorated with the Bronze Star for Valor in both, so Desmond was already a well respected member of the unit before Hacksaw Ridge. You can understand why they decided to compress the story entirely to the Okinawa campaign to keep the story easier to understand. Some of the other changes they made are also understandable, such as they amped up the drama of the trial a lot, and the situation where he leaves his wife at the altar while he sits in a cell is not quite the way that happened.
Also that artillery fire from the battleships was CGI, not practical...and in reality, Hacksaw Ridge was out of range of naval gunfire...the Japanese chose the location in part to be safe from the fire of the really big guns on the battleships.
The History vs Hollywood article on Hacksaw is pretty good, and covers most the of the stuff that they changed or were mistaken about.✌✌
Doss was very modest & only admitted to saving around 45. But witnesses all agreed he saved at least 100-110. So the Army split the difference and gave him credit for 75. The reality was, by the time Doss got to Okinawa, he'd already taken part in battles on 2-3 different islands & was already highly decorated.
They say they settled on 75 because he said 50, but the men in his unit said he got over 100 men down to safety, so they settled on 75 for the Medal of Honor citation, Good job guys.
Yeah that scene where he can’t hear God swt anymore, then hears “Medic!!” and goes back into the fire… gets me EVERY time. And it might be one of the most beautiful shots in all of cinema.
ETA: one of the others was when he was being lowered by stretcher
For such young guys ya'll had very mature reactions thank ya'll.
With the exception of some minor points about the practices of Seventh-Day Adventists at that time, this movie seems to be fairly accurate. Hacksaw Ridge was at *least* as horrific as it's portrayed here.
You can read the full text of Desmond Doss's citation for the Congressional Medal of Honor here:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doss
RIP Desmond Doss (February 7, 1919 - March 23, 2006), aged 87
You will always be remembered as a legend and a hero.
From what I read about the real Desmond, he told his commanders that he’d saved closer to 50 men. Others told those same commanders that it was closer to 100. Ultimately when the military awarded him the Medal of Honor, they decided just to split the difference between those two estimates and arrived at 75.
The dad is Agent Smith from The Matrix and Elrond from the Lord of the Rings movies.
Now watch Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima. Flags is about the battle of Iwo Jima from the American point of view, and Letters is from the Japanese point of view. Both directed by Clint Eastwood.
Great reaction guys. Desmond's documentary is just as impressive, maybe more. Highly recommend it to anyone that watched the movie
Even if you don't have faith in any religion, you can't help but respect Doss' faith. His faith is what made him who he was. Great reaction and wonderful insight you two have offered. Great work.
Since you guys are into the pacific theater. I hope you guys also check out Midway which i believe the turning point in the pacific theater. Your reactions were amazing.
Its sad and kind of scary that these two teenage boys understand everything going on in this movie, in these adult situations better than most of the full-grown adults reacting to it.
When my cousin David was drafted for Viet Nam ,he said he was a conscientious objector ,but because he wasn't a member of a recognized pacifist religion his request was denied . He said he just didn't want to kill people,so they said he could be a medic ,so he became a Navy corpsman . They then attached him to a Marine unit fighting in Viet Nam where he got 3 purple hearts .
That's kind of fucked up.
Not what your cousin did, good for him for finding a way.
However, the idea of deny
So an atheist or agnostic couldn't sincerely have a conscientious objection to war unless they're part of an organized religion? That's a really messed up way of thinking!
There is a documentary about Desmond Doss where you can hear him tell you some of his story. He was a Seventh Day Adventist, and he is celebrated within that church. I’m old enough, I’m fortunate enough to have known a great number of WW2 veterans, my Grandfather fought in the pacific, and they are a different breed of people. They say that “hard times create hard men”, and it’s true. They are called “The Greatest Generation” for a reason.
As a veteran I am proud to see today’s interest in the military genre of movies. The advances in special effects have presented such an immersive visual effect, those without military experience can get a little idea of the “HARSH REALITY” our military can face. I had the honor to attend a special showing of “Saving Private Ryan” the second week of its theatrical release. The first two rows (floor level and one up) were reserved for WWII veterans & family. Just before the coming attractions showed, approximately 20 people were ushered to their seats. At the end only subdued sniffles and sobs could be herd with NOONE moving to leave. After a brief pause the first of the veterans got up to leave, while the rest of us in attendance gave them ALL a standing ovation as they left. There seems to be a flow-over effect of people watching some older movies; “Full Metal Jacket”, “Platoon”, “M*A*S*H”, “Apocalypse Now” etc. I think these movies are great but need to be viewed with the filter of social commentary for the time they were made.
I would like to see reactions to two older movies, based on two of the most decorated war heroes. These movies, though not posing the fantastic special effects of today’s movies, contain just as much interest by the simple act of storytelling.
The first is the story of one of the most decorated soldiers of WWI. The main character of the story (Alvin C York) chose actor Gary Cooper to portray him. Released in September 1941, just before America entered WWII, “Sergeant York”.
The second story is about the MOST DECORATED soldier of WWII. The movie not only adapted from his autobiography (Audie Murphy) but starred him as well. From October 1955, just over ten years after the end of the war “To Hell and Back”.
He didn’t use Smitty as a counterweight, he just wanted to bring his body back so they could send it home
I'd say double purpose.
Here's a crazy fact Desmond worked with Shifty Powers from band of brothers before the war, two absolute heroes working in the same factory both immortalised on film.
This is one of those movies that if it wasn’t based on a true story you would never believe it. This is a great movie.🤣
Ur reaction to him goin back in at the part “I can’t hear you”… “medic!! Help me!” … “alright” was exactly the reaction I wanted 🔥💯
Desmond is the real Captain America. What a heart.
Excellent review guys. Keep up the good work. To add one more level of insanity/greatness to his story (you decide which). Another tennat of Doss's faith was he was a strick vegitarian. Army rations at this time were mostly potted meat (the forerunners of Vienna Sauages and SPAM), because they were high protien. Typically they also have crackers, and a few pieces of dried fruit occiasionally a vegetable. So he would have to trade his canned meat with other men and take their crackers and dried fruit. Hard to imagine being able to do what he did, let alone do it after only have eaten a hanful of crackers. The man was FREAKING AMAZING.
If you care to read it, here's his citation for his Medal of Honor:
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
The Battleship You See Represents An Iowa-Class Battleship!! It Carried 9 16-Inch Naval Rifles, Each Capable Of Firing A Shell Weighing 2,700 Pounds 24 - 27 Mi,MI, Away!!
Unfortunately, that is one of the things that was added that did not happen in real life. The Japanese actually chose that ridge because it was too far inland for the Battleships to reach. The Army was obviously hitting it with every other big gun they could hit it with, and the airstrikes were hitting the ridge constantly, but there weren't any 16-inch shells in the bombardment. ✌✌
I have watched this reaction so many times. It might be my favorite that Cam & Zay have done.
This movie is so well made and so well acted. A truly powerful story about a truly heroic but modest man. I grew up not far from Lynchburg where Desmond Doss was from and I definitely heard his story growing up before the film came out. I remember when he passed away. He’s definitely one of my biggest heroes.
I've watched this film at least10 times in the last 6 years. Phenomenal direction by Mel Gibson and of course, exquisitely acted. It got quite a few Oscar nominations, including Best Actor and Best Director.
Great job guys. Love the channel. Wish you'd put the BOB doc on TH-cam hehe. After The Pacific I suggest Midway (2019). That will give you the naval aspect of the war.
Every time I watch this it gets me very emotional. When Doss jumps with the dead Smitty.... Then the Lt, who was beyond a scumbag to Doss, but when he finally comes down the looks he was getting from the men was like he was a miracle worker, then the Lt lovingly and gently put his hand on Dosses face asking if he was wounded, then he said lets get this soldier to a hospital tent. The fact is Doss actually saved over 100 lives and had his heroics watered down for this movie because they thought nobody would believe what he did. Mel Gibsons decision to REDUCE what Desmond Doss did, knowing this made it even more emotional the 2nd time seeing this and every time after that. The fact that there's no hollywood BS here, everything actually happened, he was an angel of God in the hellhole of war. A great man and a true hero in EVERY sense of the words, "great" and "hero" are overused words in todays insane society, but Desmond Doss was both and then some, he's a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, that says it all... RIP Desmond.
I’m 42, my grandparents were starving children in the Great Depression and WWII soldiers/nurses in their teens. Talk to people from their generation before they’re gone. They went through a lot.
The Bra knot is a Spanish bowline used for mountain rescues .
A great reaction to an absolutely incredible story of real hero! They had to pull back on the actual heroics of Desmond, because it was thought people just wouldn't believe it, even in a Hollywood movie!
Desmond himself said he saved only 50, but soldiers said, he saved much more than 75 men (some say over 100 !).
My Daddy fought for the USA in WW2.. he was a Marine and served in the US Army also. He was 19yrs at the time...He was a force to be reckoned with... God rest his sole.
I’ve watched at least 30 reactions to this … normally just skip to the war scenes.. and then skip to my fav parts … but as soon as I got to the doss saving people .. I couldn’t skip u guys… probably the best reaction I’ve seen to this. Hope y’all have read all the informative comments and know even more how crazy a hero Doss was… thank you guys for sharing 🙏💯✌️✌️
Also.. I just watched a reaction to this with over 300k likes … and it was terrible imo … this has 10x less likes and is crazzyyy better .. they showed so little emotion and you guys had awesome reactions and were totally into it more than just “this is for a video” like them … 👍👍👍
In case no one noticed, Dad was sporting a Silver Star medal when he showed up in uniform which is the sort of thing that impresses other military people.
What you guys were seeing when you asked if it was “real artillery” was 16 inch naval guns aboard a Battleship. They fired projectiles that weighed as much as a car up to 30 miles. The largest naval guns were fielded by the Japanese navy aboard the Japanese battleships Yamamoto and Musashi, and were 18 inch guns.
I’m so happy that you guy don’t cut everything down to 20 minutes 🤯 I appreciate that so much!!! Great reaction to such a beautiful story ❤️
Another highly recommended war movies are "Unbroken" and "The Great Raid" they are all based on a true story
The book, “Unbroken” is much better than the movie.
I could go on and on about the legend that was Desmond Doss but I'd like to say I appreciated your reactions to him, and this very hyper accurate portrayal of this man. It heartens me to hear two young men like yourselves really appreciating this history, and recognizing true life hero's did, and do exist. Thank you for your respect.
Hey guys. Good reaction. I have a suggestion for you. Try watching a more fun movie to mix it up. This material is very heavy and is a little overwhelming. I must say after watching some of your comedy reactions I wasn’t sure if you could take this material with the sensitivity needed for this movie. But you were not only respectful of these real life heroes, you had some good insights in how you, the younger generation, perceive something that happened over 80 years ago.
I agree you guys are doing Band of Brothers and This. You definately need to take slapstic route to balance out bit. You Enjoyed Airplane. Zucker´s have Naked Guns and Top Secret aswell from them. Or More Mel Brooks like Young Frankenstein.
You need to react to Unbroken 2014, it is also based on real events and real people, and like in this movie you had to wait to see the post-credits scenes.
26:49
So for a little context
He actually wasn't just trying to get Ghoul to not focus on the pain of his injuries, it is actually a common medical practice to find signs of potential Brain Trauma, like a concussion, to Ask Victims/Patients to recall the most basic info they should never have to stop and think about like their name and age, or in the military this could also include heavily engrained things like nicknames, as shown with asking him what he was also known as, or things like their rank or MIN (Military Identity Number), which generally included things like what company or battalion they were a part of. Generally you start from the easiest first, to ensure it isn't at least severe yet, then get more and more into it before ruling if they are mentally okay, minorly okay, or really not. Most of the stuff beyond Name and potentially rank after such an assault is handled by the guys in the med tents and aid stations once the wounded person is evac'ed off the front.
This movie, which I watched in its entirely only about 2 weeks ago, has connections for me. I spent 13 months as Regimental Surgeon of a Marine Corps regiment deployed on Okinawa where this battle took place though we were, of course, at the end of the Vietnam War when Okinawa was peaceful, not WW II. But I kept trying to think where "Heartbreak Ridge" actually was. I visited most of the major battlefields of WW II while I was there and the only place I recall where there were cliffs like that was at the south end of the island which was the last redoubt of the Japanese. It was actually called "Suicide Cliff" because the last Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped off the cliff to their deaths rather than be captured, and at the top now is a Japanese cemetery and memorial garden with monuments from each Japanese prefecture.
Great reaction to a great movie. History says that he claimed he saved 50 lives but his fellow soldiers stated it was over 100. The army decided to split the difference. The closest accurate count actually puts it over 100 lives. Another war film you might like to react to could be Sgt. York. A true story about another man who didn't want to fight in the war (WWI) but went and distinguished himself to become the most decorated soldier of the war. It stars Gary Cooper and a lot of other big names. Hope to see you do it soon.
Guys if you're planning getting on The Pacific make sure you get the one with the interview at the beginning with a mini documentary narrated by Tom Hanks
Doss did this over. And over. And over. Again. In every battle he was in. The man was divinely protected. Like a judge from the old testament
Desmond Doss is a rare warrior, and the things he did is beyond belief, but the truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Here are some other worthy soldiers you may want to look into.
Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez-Mr. Ballen did a video on him.
Sergey Aleshkov-Soldier Boy (2019) is a Russian film about the six years old boy who made an impact on the soldier he became attached. He earned the Medal "For Battle Merit" on April 26, 1943.
29:30 the flamethrower was by far one of the most valuable weapon of the Pacific, as gruesome as it is. The Japanese defenses were dug into the cliffside or underground, which conceals them from reconnaissance aircraft and some were even placed outside the trajectory of the naval or artillery big guns. This would mean the only way to knock them out was with a direct hit.
With even grenades, satchel charges, and bazookas not proving enough, the US began deploying flamethrowers in larger numbers, which proved to be very effective, but not for the reason people think.
Many Japanese soldiers killed by flamethrowers weren’t even burned by them. Instead, the intensity of the flames would suck all the oxygen out of the tunnels and kill them through carbon monoxide poisoning. Many of those that died from the flamethrower suffocated due to lack of air. This was even felt by the user, as one Marine on Iwo Jima requested a different role because he couldn’t handle being nauseous.
The actions of Desmond in this film were carried on in other battles in ww2. I can't recall which battles but some research will bring it to the fore
Keep in mind the real Hacksaw Ridge was about 400 ft high. Much higher than the movie shows it. So he was more or less lowering every man from the top of a 30 story building.
I grew up on okinawa 25 years after the war. We would pick up bullets all the time from the ground. You can visit the underground headquarters. Discoverd by American kids exploring in 70's
The crazy part about it was they left the actual unbelievable facts out of the movie, because they thought the story would be seen as unrealistic, despite it happening.
I am really glad that Vince Vaughn is moving away from comedy films to focus on gritty action like in this movie. Another one he's in that I would definitely recommend is Brawl In Cell Block 99, where he plays an ex-boxer turned drug runner who gets double crossed by the Cartel. He then proceeds to beat all their asses in prison.
Desmond never even told his kids and grandkids. Nobody but Dorothy knew until one day a reporter from TIME showed up at Desmonds house and asked him about what he did.
I watched the whole movie with no emotion, I was basically like, “yeah, seems like a great story.” Then when the real Desmond Doss started talking, I burst into tears.
It was nice to see Desmond Doss at the end of the movie talking about his experiences. It's rare to see the real person who was depicted in a movie.
This should get you pumped for watching The Pacific. Okinawa was fought in 1945, so late in the war. TP covers from 1942 to 1946. More to say later when you start watching
The irony of this movie is that Mel Gibson believe it or not had to tone it down for the believability. Read about him and you'll find out about how he was wounded like 3 times in 2 minutes and still crawled hundreds of feet to safety. If he would have put all of that in there, people would no way think this was not fiction or being way embelished
23:32, yes, that’s a BAR (B.A.R.). I have handled one holding it like in the movie. Yes, I could hold it steady. Would I be able to control when firing? No. The recoil of the gun is enough to rock someone back if there isn’t enough supporting weight behind it. Could some absolute unit of a man do it? Sure. Is it doable for most people? No. This was fiction.
I don't think ive ever heard the words " What a fuckin savage! " more appropriately applied at any point too anything in my life ha ha this fucking guy, its unbelievable what he did.
Desmond's father severed in the Marines the Battle of Belleau Wood where a large majority of the fighting became hand to hand ths is where the Marines earned the feared nickname "Devil Dogs" given to them by the Greman army.
The acts of bravery that Doss did during his time in the Army have been watered down for the film. There were things Doss did that were left out because the audience would think "that's Hollywood no way that actually happened "
Great points about showing this movie in schools! Thank you.
One name that out does Desmond Doss "Audie Murphy" which has the Highest Rank ever in Military History at the age of 17yrs old with 22 Medals and 2 Medal of Honors 2 Purplehearts after fighting in more than 9 Tours of frontline attacks and unarmed fights saving and estimate of over 100+ friendlies in the Worse war in WW2 the Battle of the Bulge which was considered by many the Bloodbath War as history tells stories of when the streets and rivers ran RED every day, MAJOR Audie Murphy has more Medals than any soldier ever to this day FACT!
You guys should watch Enemy at the Gates. It’s a fantastic war film all about snipers.
Let this sink in guys all those lives he saved happened in the span of 12 hours
the truth is sometimes more incredible than our wildest fantasies
His story was so complex. They began by showing the WW I battle his dad was in when he list the three men who enlisted with him. His mom was so understanding of how tortured her husband was but stood by him during his drunken anger. I imagine he made a vow when he hurt his brother to never hurt another. His strength of faith and calling in God kept that vow. I imagine when he fought to keep his father from abusing his mother and realized that he had in his heart the capability to kill that he went back to God and prayed for the strength to resist picking up a weapon. Then there was the subplot if his dad's dread if his son's going into battle so he might end up visiting them in that same cemetery and yet he fought for his boys right to go into battle unarmed. He said nothing to his son going out of the courtroom, but the look the two exchanged was monumental. The men who witnessed his bravery estimated his savings at nearly 100; Dos in hishumility said he couldn't remember more than 50 or so. They split the difference in his Citation to Accompany the Award and listed 72 to split the difference. What wasn't show was that he actually saved and lowered 3 Japanese defenders. The man was heroic among heroes that day.
Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.
Got to see this in the theater. Dragged my gal-pal who kinda dislikes violence & war films. Lol. But we both loved it. I am a big movie junkie so have seen many, many war films. I thought the story, plot, practical & special effects, etc., was stand-out. Garfield was perfect as Des. I cry every time watching this. I rate this atleast a 9.4.❤ Thanks for yr reaction.
39:03 ….who lives in a pineapple under the sea…
Would Love To See You Two React To WE WERE SOLDIERS!!
both are amazing films and both are directed by Mel Gibson. Did you catch his cameo in this one. He is the one telling Desmond they are going to get him home in the beginning scene.
If you didn't notice, the pacific war was war more brutal than the European war. Gives you a sense of the how the series The Pacific is.
I really like you guys' reactions. Loved your reactions to Airplaine and Back to the Future. (you should finish the trilogy, btw :P)
I was raised Seventh-day Adventist (Doss' religion). We definitely are taught to take the 10 commandments VERY seriously. It's why we worship on Saturday (look up the fourth commandment.) And we've historically been mostly pacifist because of the "Thou shalt not Kill." We're taught to not compromise, to stick to our beliefs no matter how difficult, not just when it's easy.
We identify as Christian for sure, but there are a few things unique about us.
1) We believe the 7th day is holy (as I said) and we are not supposed to work, supposed to rest and spend time at church and just spending the day "with God." But, just as Jesus healed and fed the hungry on the Sabbath, it's doing God's work to help people such as helping the sick and needy , especially things that can't be put off (i.e, someone in the hospital needs a nurse on Sabbath just like they need a nurse any other day, but regular routine doctor appointments that could be done another day should be done another day.. That's why I would work in a hospital on Sabbath but not in a restaurant or store that COULD be closed on Saturday without harming anyone)
2) we have a sort of unique belief in what happens whe you die. We believe that when someone dies they are "asleep" waiting for the return of Jesus. They are not in Heaven, not watching over their loved ones, they are unaware of what's going on just as you are when you sleep. We believe that soon Jesus will come again (hence the name "adventist" and then the dead will be raised (at least the righteous dead ) and go to heaven at the same time as the faithful, the world as we know it now will end, sin will be destroyed. So, according to Doss's own beliefs, no he is unfortunately not hearing you thank him. But someday...(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
3) Others have mentioned Doss was a vegetarian. In Leviticus chapter 11 God laid out what meats are "clean" and "unclean" and Adventists have always followed that, very similar to Jews. (well, we avoid eating the same creatures Jews won't eat, but we don't go as far as keeping dairy and meat separate, having separate utensils, etc..) But no pork or shellfish for us! However, Adventists have always preached a LOT about health and how to be healthy, and Vegetarianism is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED as a healthier diet, but it's not "required" just being kosher is. Many, Many (maybe majority?) of Adventists are vegetarian and Adventist companies were the first to start making meat alternatives out of soy.
sorry for the ramble.. .LOL but the more ya know!
Adventists also have a lot of schools. I went to one for high school. Believe it or not, Desmond Doss's niece (or is it maybe great niece) went to school for me a year and dated my brother LOl. Desmond Doss' spoke at her graduation in 1995, at the end of my Freshman year.
Had to reply; I felt inspired years ago to learn biblical Greek and biblical Hebrew, to try to read the bible in it's earliest written languages. I'm certainly not an expert, but one thing that kind of study does is encourage you to read the Bible very carefully and thoughtfully.
While many people seem unaware of this (I was raised Roman Catholic & was not aware until my Bible studies), your point (2) has a strong basis in both the Old & New Testament. See Daniel 12:2 for just one example, where death is clearly described as sleeping until called by the Lord. So while it may not be universal, many people other than 7th Day Adventists hold this belief.
Hacksaw Ridge is arguably the greatest WW2 movie ever made. Its visceral. Its engrossing. Its historical and accurate. Its not fictional propaganda like most WW2 movies.
There are phenomenal performances across the board. This is easily Andrew Garfields best performance. I grew to care about everyone in Desmond's squad, including Hollywood and Ghoul. This is arguably Vince Vaughns best role and performance. And theyre all based on real people.
"Ive seen stalks of corn with better physiques." LMAO
Then of course, there is Desmond's dedication, hope and faith. I felt it and Andrew Garfield totally sold it. I totally believed in Desmond and his mission. It was actually beautiful to watch in the midst of this h*ll on earth.
A more accurate depiction of Desmond Doss is a documentary movie called the conscientious objector As it pertains to the men he served with and his own account of what happened
They're kidding a red shirt sounds like Gilbert
Goffney when he gets excited. (RIP) Goffney.
We knew it as Kakazu Ridge. We lived a few miles from there.
I recommend The Finest Hours with Chris Pine. Its a true story of the Coast Guard.
Fun fact.... Andrew Garfield is British. Luke Bracey (who plays Smitty) is Australian. Several other actors in this film are from different countries as well but all playing American soldiers with spot on language and accents. This cast was so talented.
This movie reminds me of a quote
The only difference between fact and fiction is fiction has to be believable, fact is under no such limitations.
If he wasn’t portrayed as enough of a badass, remember that he was vegetarian and started out malnourished. (They show him giving his meat away right?) What is NOT in the movie, is at one point he ate some spoiled coconuts and got dysentery…. which must have ravaged his body terribly
I tell you what, Cam, when you said God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers, you gave me chills.
My father served 4 years 3 on a air craft carrier my mom was secretary for a Colonel in DC. Along with two uncles and three aunts all got married before the men went into battle. That way they would get $10,000.00 dollar payout if they died in combat. Worth about $194,000.00 in todays money.
I really loved your reactions my Sweethearts. My Dad was in world war 2 and my Husband was in Viet Nam they were never the same again I liked the whole Movie cried from begging to end . He deserved every Medel he got.He wasn't focus on getting shot he was focus on saving lives . Hugs be Safe.🥰
I felt bad for laughing at your reaction to the first battle scene. It catches a lot of people off guard.
My wife and I will have been married 23 years this month. I have yet to propose to her. Her mom proposed to me. She said, "Glen and I are going to Vegas, why don't you bring Pam and get married?" I'm like, well I 'm not doing anything anyway...why not.
This is why our US Flag is so important to people. It stands for all who gave their lives and died for this country. That is why we stand and put our hand over our heart.
Mel Gibsondirected this… that being said, and I know it’s religious it I would absolutely LOVE to see your reaction to THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST! it’s just as good! And graphic, graphic, GRAPHIC!
Very hard watch, as good as it is I will never watch it again
I cried like a baby when I saw it the first time… the second time I watched it I just laughed and laughed… knowing I believed it, it filled me with total faith and happiness… sorry if you’re not a believer… but that was my experience… it brought me to belief and just total wonder and curiosity and the the miraculous…
I read somewhere that the military calculations was 203 men. Japanese and American. Originally the military thought 125 but in the end they figured out 203 they left the 75 on the citation.