Mel Gibson bid goodbye to his years-long absence from the director's chair with the new movie "Hacksaw Ridge" starring Andrew Garfield. The movie follows the true-to-life story of Seventh Day Adventist Desmond Doss, who refused to carry a weapon during World War II.
"Hacksaw Ridge" could easily be described as a war film, but Gibson says during an interview with France 24's Louise Dupont that it was actually meant to be an "anti-war movie."
"It is an anti-war movie. I think all war movies are anti-war movies, but we do have to be compassionate to our warriors," Gibson explains. "When I was a kid, I moved to Australia, I would have been drafted in Vietnam at 18, but by that time the war had ended, I was like 17 and the war was over so I never got drafted."
Gibson, who is also well-known for his portrayal of Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace in the 1995 film "Braveheart," says even though he hates war, he loves the bravery and heroism exemplified by warriors.
"My father was not a big believer in that conflict, but — and here's the truth of it — I hate war, but I love the warrior," Gibson says. "And those guys that went to war, I appreciate and honour their sacrifice, because many of them lost much, even when they come home they suffer. So they need some attention."
As for Doss, Gibson marvels at the man's strong Christian faith. He tells The Hollywood Reporter that Doss was able to go to war unarmed because he relied strongly on God. "It's undeniable what the essence of Desmond Doss was. He was a man of great courage and strong conviction and strong faith," says Gibson.
"To go into a battle zone like that – I think the Japanese called it a steel rain – with the artillery and the lead that was flying around, to go into that armed with only your faith, your faith has to be strong indeed. That's an undeniable part of the story that I just find really inspiring. He just conquers everything," he says.
"Hacksaw Ridge" will make its way to cinemas on Nov. 4.
