The Mel Gibson-directed ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ received a ten-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
The new biographical war film – which stars Andrew Garfield and Vince Vaughn – debuted at the world-famous festival in Italy and received a rousing reception from the audience.
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ centres on the story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts as a combat medic.
Doss was a Seventh Day Adventist who refused to carry a gun – and Mel recently admitted he hopes the movie will "honor" people who work in the armed forces.
He said: "The man who refuses to touch a weapon, and do something much higher than something as venal as killing in a war; it’s a very high calling … You have to love the warrior, and give him homage and honor him. I hope this film does that."
The controversial 60-year-old director also admitted to being captivated by Doss’ religious commitment.
He explained: "It’s undeniable what the essence of Doss was: he was a man of great courage and strong conviction, and strong faith; to go into a battle zone like that – which the Japanese called it ‘steel rain’, with the artillery and lead flying around – to go into that armed with only your faith, your faith has to be strong in you.
"That’s an undeniable part of the story I found really inspiring."
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ is Mel’s first film as director since 2006’s ‘Apocalypto’ and is set for wide release on November 4.
Mel Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge receives standing ovation at Venice Film Festival
