This documentary tells the story of Desmond Doss, an Army medic who entered the army as a conscientious objector and ending up receiving the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the military...the Medal of Honor. The film really can be split into two parts: The first part tells of Doss's pre-battle experiences, starting with his conviction as a child (after seeing his father almost murder his uncle had not a gun been removed from the situation) to never pick up a firearm or take another life. However, Doss also felt a great sense to serve his country during World War II, thus enlisted in the military to try and become a medic, enamored with saving lives instead of taking them. Until seeing battle in Okinawa, though, Doss was ridiculed by fellow soldiers, threatened to be court marshaled, and came close to being kicked out of the Army altogether by his superiors, all for not wanting to pick up a weapon. The kind of persecution he endured for the simple cause of not training in with a rifle is a great stain upon the entire U.S. military. The second part of the documentary is much more hopeful, as it recounts Doss's harrowing experiences during the U.S. invasion of Okinawa. While most men were content to protect their own lives, Doss would time and time again risk his breath to save as many soldiers as possible. In one heroic night, Doss saved nearly an entire fleet of wounded soldiers by patching them up, dragging them to a ridge, and lowing down via a rope by himself...all under heavy Japanese gunfire. By the time his fighting service ended, Doss was the medic that every Army unit wanted by its side. Finally, the cinematography of this film is incredible. The most poignant moments include the traveling of Doss (and some of his fellow Army compatriots) to the training fields and battlegrounds of old as they are now. The emotions are absolutely overpowering at some moments, as the old soldiers "reminisce" about the atrocities committed (but the freedom won) on the very ground they are standing on. Desmond Doss is a true American hero, and his story deserves to be told in this wonderful documentary. Personally, I hold out hope that, through watching this film, more people will come to understand that a man's conviction is not something to be taken lightly, and can be remarkably effective in times when great courage is needed.

The real life story of Desmond Doss is so compelling it should be seen by a larger audience. Unfortunately a documentary will never enjoy the popularity of a movie. Only Spielberg could do it justice. Perhaps he will read this. I can only repeat what other reviewers have said. I am not a Christian, I am not even religious, but I cannot fathom how so much luck could have been with any man. I actually consider it surreal. It makes me wonder !!! Yes, I agree, everyone should see this movie, which is why I say Spielberg should make it into a drama and it should be given to schools - to churches and distributed freely. It is too good a story to leave as a somewhat obscure documentary.

Desmond Doss was a humble hero and a great man. This was truly an inspirational story that brought me to tears at the conclusion. I found his faith in God so beautiful. He served his country and stayed true to God and to himself. I highly recommend watching to it's conclusion. He was truly a member of the greatest generation. It would have been an honor to know him.

This documentary about the only conscientious objector to ever win the Congressional Medal of Honor is a touching and powerful tale of faith and courage. While the approach is simple and rough around the edges, the story of Desmond Doss, - at first a hated outcast for his refusal to carry or use a weapon, later a hero among heroes for his saving of over 75 men as a medic in what seemed all but impossible circumstances – is so unique, and almost hard to believe that it pulls you in completely, whatever its budgetary or stylistic limitations. I was surprised to see a few critics attack it as being an ad for Christianity, or for Seventh Day Adventists in the specific. I'm neither Christian nor religious, yet I never felt I was being preached at. It's simply the case that for this man his faith is what helped give him his courage and convictions. Would I want a documentary about Martin Luther King to not deal with how he drew his inspiration from his faith? Or Gandhi or the Dali Llama from theirs? Told by the men who were there, including Doss himself, this is a film that speaks of the grace of refusing to conform, and being driven to do good, even at great personal risk and sacrifice. A truly inspiring story of an amazing yet humble individual. It has flaws, but in this case, it doesn't really matter.

This documentary uses interviews with Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Delbert Doss and other veterans who served with him to tell the story of a man whose religious convictions forbade him from carrying a gun or killing anyone but who wanted to do what he could to help the U.S. in WWII; so he persisted in becoming a medic despite superiors who didn't want him, and he treated and carried wounded soldiers to safety under mortar and machine fire despite being wounded himself. (At this point Id like to recommend the book "Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty which contains the story of Delbert Doss and other Medal of Honor winners from various U. S. wars; truly inspiring .

Outstanding documentary about the life of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector in World War 11 who served in the military as a medic. Due to his religious beliefs, he would never kill and hence would not even carry a gun. Obviously, at the beginning he met with much scorn for his refusal to do so but he proved himself worthy of presidential recognition for coming to the aid of wounded soldiers. While under fire himself, he helped the wounded as best he could. The documentary shows that those who wanted to get rid of him in the military would come to realize what a tremendous asset he was. It was as if the Lord was on his side at all times during battle. This is really an outstanding story of human faith as well as the triumph of spirit.

After watching the fantastic 'Hacksaw Ridge', I wanted to know more about Desmond Doss. So I bought this documentary - and what can I say? Desmond Doss was a true hero, the film and the documentary both do him justice. Everybody should watch it and be inspired! Fantastic! I wonder why this brave man is not as well known as other American heroes. He was the bravest man I ever heard about.

What you will learn in the first minutes is that the Army wanted Desmond Doss out, because of his unwillingness to touch a gun. But he knew he could and would be of service to his country and his fellow men. I think with good intentions his fellow privates and commanding officers, couldn't see what he could possibly contribute. They did their best to get rid of him. He could have taken the easy way out, but he was not to be shaken. Instead he served above and beyond and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor--probably deserving the award as much as a man can deserve it. The story is incredible. The telling of it is more than competent. I'm recommending this documentary to everyone I know.

If this film does not fill you with gratitude and hope, there's not much hope for you. One of the most inspiring films ever! This is a testament of not compromising one's faith and beliefs and thereby setting and example. Beautifully filmed. So touching. Ever so relevant especially as more of our WWII vets are passing on daily. I saw this one on TBN and will be ordering a copy for my self. There is something to gain from this film even if you are not a Christian. This should be distributed nationwide. History comes alive and I felt as though I was journeying with the brave men. Our vets truly deserve our gratitude. Some of the scenes are a bit graphic, but this is a documentary, not some cut and dry history film shown in class.

Like the reviewer above, I saw "The Conscientious Objector" at the 2004 Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis. Content such as that included in this fine film is the primary reason for the importance of the documentary medium. As soon as I can obtain a DVD of the film, I will begin sharing it with friends and family, because surely this is a piece of Americana that should have the widest possible audience. This film has a linger effect that makes me recall the courage and integrity and heroism of the protagonist, Desmond Doss, over and over again. This man is a sterling example of what can happen if a person stands for something and refuses to allow his/her resolve to be shaken. The film should find a broad audience among a great variety of groups, from churches to service organizations to grade, high school, and university students, because the human soul is nourished by true accounts such as this. The filmmaker, Terry Benedict, deserves accolades for recognizing in Mr. Doss the stuff that has made our Country great.