Hacksaw Ridge (2016) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

While growing up in Lynchburg, Virginia during 1929, a young Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) experiences a pivotal moment when he nearly causes the death of his younger brother, Hal. The brothers are engaged in a typical childhood tussle when Desmond accidentally strikes Hal on the head with a metal bar, briefly stopping his breathing until their father intervenes. This traumatic incident, combined with Desmond's staunch Seventh-day Adventist upbringing, reinforces his conviction in the commandment "Thou shalt not kill." Their father, Tom, has his own demons, as a World War I veteran who confronts his painful memories by speaking to the graves of his lost comrades, particularly alarming for the boys with his violent and abusive behavior towards their mother, Bertha.

Fast forward 15 years, and Doss's life takes a significant turn when he rushes an injured man to the hospital where he meets Dorothy Schutte (Teresa Palmer). Demonstrating remarkable skill, he saves the man's life by improvising a tourniquet with his belt to stem severe bleeding. This moment sparks a relationship filled with love and admiration, as Desmond shares his aspirations to become a medic after being inspired by the doctor’s praise for his quick thinking.

As World War II breaks out, Doss feels compelled to enlist in the Army, viewing it as a means to protect family and country despite the conflict it poses with his beliefs. His brother Hal has already joined up and tries to persuade Desmond that fighting for freedom isn't contrary to their upbringing. However, their father, Tom (played by Hugo Weaving), is dismayed with Desmond's choice, shadowed by PTSD from his wartime experiences.

Doss's journey leads him to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he commands the attention of Sergeant Howell ([Vince Vaughn]) and Captain Glover (Sam Worthington). Struggling against the hostility of fellow soldiers, who see his refusal to carry a firearm as cowardice, Doss remains determined to serve as a combat medic. Captain Glover, along with Howell, attempts to have Doss discharged on psychiatric grounds, but their efforts are thwarted as the camp doctor recognizes Doss's deeply held religious beliefs.

Despite enduring torment and physical abuse from his peers, including a brutal encounter with Smitty (Luke Bracey), Doss perseveres through basic training, clinging to the hope of marrying Dorothy. However, his steadfast adherence to his principles leads to his arrest for insubordination when he again refuses to carry a weapon, causing him to miss his wedding.

In a surprising turn of events, a letter from a former commanding officer during his tribunal affirms that Doss's beliefs are protected by law, leading to the dismissal of the charges against him. Later, he is deployed to the Pacific theater with the 77th Infantry Division during the harrowing Battle of Okinawa. Doss finds himself amidst a fierce battle at Hacksaw Ridge, where his unit faces unfathomable losses.

Courageously resisting the urge to flee, Doss repeatedly enters the fray to rescue his fellow soldiers, saving numerous lives amidst the chaos, even as explosions and gunfire surround him. His bravery soon evolves into a legendary tale as he successfully brings injured men back to safety, firmly believing in the power of saving "one more." The perseverance shown leads to a shift in morale among the troops, who began to look to Doss as an inspiration.

After one particular onslaught where many in his team are left injured, including Smitty, Doss races back into the danger zone, providing aid to as many as he can, all while clutching the Bible that Dorothy had given him. His selfless actions culminate in rescuing 75 soldiers, a feat that earns him the Medal of Honor, awarded by President Harry S. Truman.

Ultimately, Doss's remarkable journey of faith and courage resonates deeply, leaving a lasting legacy as he remains with Dorothy until her passing in 1991, and he himself departs this world on March 23, 2006, at the venerable age of 87.

At the climax of the film, Desmond Doss remains atop Hacksaw Ridge during a fierce battle, risking his life to save wounded soldiers amidst ongoing combat and artillery fire. Despite heavy danger from Japanese soldiers and explosions, he chooses to stay and rescue as many as possible, saving 75 men—some Japanese soldiers included. His knowledge of enemy tunnels allows him to mount a counter-attack that helps turn the tide of the battle, which contributes to the eventual Japanese retreat and the larger Allied victory in Okinawa. This moment of heroism culminates in Doss being injured by a grenade after kicking it away from his comrades—a remarkable act that actually happened in real life. Following the battle, he is evacuated from the ridge, injured but victorious, and later awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman. The film also shows him marrying Dorothy, living happily until her death in 1991, and himself passing away in 2006 from health complications. While the movie simplifies some aspects of Doss’s post-war life, such as the awards he received and his remarriage, it captures the essence of his unwavering faith, bravery, and moral conviction. After the battle, the film reflects on the broader significance of Doss’s story: the power of steadfast belief, compassion, and nonviolence in the face of war’s brutality. The closing scenes highlight that the true heroism lies not in weapons or violence but in having the courage to uphold one's conscience, with Doss’s faith and perseverance inspiring viewers to see beyond judgments and recognize the strength of conviction and love. The ending also hints at the cultural significance of Japanese tradition with the Japanese commander's ritual suicide—a reference to samurai honor—adding historical depth. Ultimately, the film ends with real footage of Doss recounting his experiences, cementing the story's authenticity and message: that true heroism is rooted in moral integrity and unwavering belief in something greater.