Hacksaw Ridge (2016) quotes

Director
Mel Gibson.

Cast
Andrew Garfield.
Sam Worthington.
Luke Bracey.

WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people, and becomes the first man in American history.

 

With the world so set on tearing itself apart, it don’t seem like such a bad thing to me to want to put a little bit of it back together.
– Desmond Doss

I don’t know how I’m going to live with myself if I don’t stay true to what I believe.
– Desmond Doss

Help me get one more.
– Desmond Doss

There is only one question that any military court need ask of the accused: do you deny disobeying Col. Sangston’s direct orders?
– Prosecutor
Well, do you, Private?
– Judge
No, sir, I don’t.
– Desmond Doss
Why are you contesting it, then? Why is it so important to you, given your refusal to even touch a weapon to serve in a combat unit?
– Judge
Because when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, I took it personal. Everyone I knew was on fire to join up, including me. There were two men in my hometown declared 4-F unfit, they killed themselves cause they couldn’t serve. Why, I had a job in a defense plant and I could’ve taken a deferment, but that ain’t right. It isn’t right that other men should fight and die, that I would just be sitting at home safe. I need to serve. I got the energy and the passion to serve as a medic, right in the middle with the other guys. No less danger, just… while everybody else is taking life, I’m going to be saving it. With the world so set on tearing itself apart, it doesn’t seem like such a bad thing to me to wanna put a little bit of it back together.
– Desmond Doss

Most of these men don’t believe the same way you do, but they believe so much in how much you believe.
– Captain Glover

[Quoting Herodotos] In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.
– Company B Soldier

All I saw was a skinny kid. I didn’t know who you were. You’ve done more than any other man could’ve done in the service of his country. Now, I’ve never been more wrong about someone in my life, and I hope one day you can forgive me.
– Captain Glover

Have you ever roped a goat, Hollywood?
– Sgt Howell
No, Sarge.
– Hollywood Zane
Have you ever looked into a goat’s eyes?
– Sgt Howell
No, Sarge.
– Hollywood Zane
Good. That would be unnatural.
– Sgt Howell

[first lines]
Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the Earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.
– Desmond Doss

[to Ghoul] You are a very strange-looking individual if you don’t mind me saying so, Private.
– Sgt Howell

After what we’ve just been tough, any sane man would be screaming for a weapon.
– Smitty Ryker
I never claimed to be sane.
– Desmond Doss

I have seen stalks of corn with better physiques. Makes me want to pull an ear off, Private! Can you carry your weight?
– Sgt Howell
Yes, Sergeant!
– Desmond Doss
It should be easy for you then. Corporal!
– Sgt Howell
Sergeant.
– Corporal Jessop
Make sure you keep this man away from strong winds.
– Sgt Howell

I believe that any man who takes great pride in their natural naked state will surely enjoy the brisk of the outdoors. Now move your privates, private parts! Move it! You son of an exhibitionist!
– Sgt Howell

Private Doss, you are free to run into the hellfire of battle without a single weapon to protect yourself.
– Judge

[looking at Hollywood’s face wound] It looks much worse than it is. Girls will still want to kiss you.
– Desmond Doss

Some nut’s up there dragging wounded from the top. Even lowered a couple of Japs.
– Stretcher Bearer

[Repeating Sgt. Howell’s words to him] You’re tying a bowline boy, not building a bra.
– Desmond Doss

It won’t be hard, it’ll be impossible. You know whatever beliefs you have in your crazy head now, they won’t ever play out. It don’t work that way. And if by some, I don’t know, miracle chance you survive, you won’t be giving no thanks to god.
– Tom Doss