AN ANALYSIS OF DESMOND T. DOSS' STRUGGLE IN HACKSAW RIDGE MOVIE

Desmond Doss, Heroism

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the struggle of Desmond T. Doss in the film Hacksaw Ridge. Doss is portrayed as a devout Seventh-day Adventist who refuses to carry a weapon during World War II. The research focuses on how the film presents his moral dilemma, inner conflict, and the message of nonviolence through his character. The method used in this study is a library-based qualitative approach. The primary data is the film Hacksaw Ridge (2016) directed by Mel Gibson. Data collection involves watching the film, understanding the character, and interpreting the storyline using film theory and moral-philosophical analysis. The result shows that Doss’s religious belief causes him to face rejection and alienation from fellow soldiers. However, the same belief becomes his source of strength. Visual and auditory elements such as lighting, silence, and camera angles are used to portray his moral conflict. The film ultimately presents heroism not through violence, but through moral conviction and the courage to stay true to one's values.