Mel Gibson pictured directing new WW2 drama Hacksaw Ridge in Sydney

Behind The Scenes: Hacksaw Ridge Filming Locations Revealed!

Mel Gibson pictured directing new WW2 drama Hacksaw Ridge in Sydney

By  Maggie Kozey

Have you ever wondered how filmmakers transport audiences to another time and place, making historical events come alive with such vivid detail? The answer often lies in the meticulous selection of filming locations, as was the case with the 2016 war drama, "Hacksaw Ridge."

"Hacksaw Ridge," directed by Mel Gibson, is a powerful biographical war film that recounts the extraordinary true story of Desmond Doss, a World War II American Army medic who refused to bear arms due to his devout religious beliefs. Despite his pacifist stance, Doss served valiantly during the Battle of Okinawa, saving countless lives and ultimately becoming the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot. To authentically recreate the harrowing events of Doss's life and the brutal landscape of Okinawa, the filmmakers scouted locations that could convincingly portray both the American home front and the war-torn Pacific theater. The principal photography, featuring Andrew Garfield in the lead role, commenced in late September 2015 and concluded after approximately 59 days, wrapping up in late November or early December of the same year.

Category Information
Subject Desmond Thomas Doss
Full Name Desmond Thomas Doss
Date of Birth February 7, 1919
Place of Birth Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
Date of Death March 23, 2006
Place of Death Piedmont, Alabama, USA
Nationality American
Occupation US Army Medic
Military Branch United States Army
Service Years 1942-1946
Unit 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division
Conflicts World War II (Battle of Okinawa)
Awards Medal of Honor, Bronze Star Medal
Spouse(s) Dorothy Schutte (m. 1942; d. 1991), Frances Duman (m. 1993; d. 2000)
Children Desmond Thomas Doss Jr.
Religion Seventh-day Adventist
Reference Link Biography.com - Desmond Doss

The primary filming location for "Hacksaw Ridge" was New South Wales, Australia. Mel Gibson strategically chose this region for its diverse landscapes, which could be transformed to resemble both the United States and the rugged terrain of Okinawa. Specific locations within New South Wales played crucial roles in bringing the story to life.

Sydney, New South Wales, served as a major hub for the production. In addition to on-location shoots, soundstages in Sydney were utilized to construct intricate sets, including the network of tunnels that characterized Hacksaw Ridge itself. Additional filming sites in and around Sydney included Disney Studios, Moore Park, Camden, and Centennial Park. These locations provided the versatility needed to depict various scenes, from training sequences to moments of respite and reflection for Desmond Doss.

The town of Richmond, nestled in Australias Hunter Valley, was carefully selected to represent Dosss hometown in America. Its quaint charm and historical architecture provided an authentic backdrop for scenes depicting Doss's life before the war. The Newington Armory at Sydney Olympic Park served as the location for the "Fort Jackson" scenes, meticulously recreating the atmosphere of an army training base. The production team transformed this site to depict the rigorous training that Doss and his fellow soldiers underwent before being deployed to the Pacific.

Beyond Sydney and its surrounding areas, other locations in New South Wales contributed to the film's authenticity. Bringelly, Camden, Centennial Park, Goulburn, Manly, Newington Armory, and Richmond were all used to recreate the environments needed for the wartime drama. The production team worked diligently to transform these Australian landscapes into convincing representations of both America and Japan during World War II. This involved detailed set design, meticulous attention to historical accuracy, and the use of visual effects to enhance the realism of the film.

While New South Wales was the primary filming location, parts of "Hacksaw Ridge" were also shot in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, USA. This location likely served to capture specific landscape elements needed to enhance the film's visual authenticity, possibly to depict the American countryside or training environments. The combination of Australian and American locations allowed the filmmakers to create a seamless and believable world for the story to unfold.

The selection of filming locations for "Hacksaw Ridge" was a critical element in the film's success. The production team's ability to transform diverse landscapes into convincing representations of both America and the Pacific theater contributed significantly to the film's immersive quality. The attention to detail in recreating historical settings helped to transport audiences back in time, allowing them to connect more deeply with Desmond Doss's extraordinary story.

The visual impact of "Hacksaw Ridge" is undeniable, and the film's critical acclaim is a testament to the effectiveness of its storytelling. The film garnered numerous nominations, including six Academy Award nominations, highlighting its excellence in various aspects of filmmaking. The choice of filming locations played a pivotal role in achieving this level of success, demonstrating the importance of location scouting and set design in creating a compelling cinematic experience.

The success of "Hacksaw Ridge" has also had a tangible impact on some of its filming locations. Following the film's release, there has been a notable increase in the number of visitors to the Maeda Escarpment in Urasoe, Okinawa, the site known as "Hacksaw Ridge" by American soldiers during the war. This location, where the film's climactic battle scenes take place, has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking to understand the events that transpired there. However, its important to acknowledge that the landscape has changed significantly since the war, and it can be challenging to fully grasp the conditions faced by Doss and his fellow soldiers based solely on a visit to the site.

In conclusion, the filming locations of "Hacksaw Ridge" were carefully chosen to authentically depict the story of Desmond Doss and the harrowing events of World War II. New South Wales, Australia, served as the primary filming location, with additional scenes shot in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. The production team's meticulous attention to detail in recreating historical settings contributed significantly to the film's immersive quality and critical acclaim. The film stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of a true American hero, and its impact continues to be felt in the places where the story was brought to life.

Beyond "Hacksaw Ridge," the selection and management of filming locations is a complex and crucial aspect of filmmaking. It involves extensive logistical planning, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the story being told. The right location can elevate a film, adding authenticity, visual appeal, and emotional resonance. The success of "Hacksaw Ridge" underscores the importance of this process and the dedication of the professionals who work behind the scenes to bring stories to life on the big screen.

Moreover, the film "Hacksaw Ridge" wasn't the only production to utilize the scenic backdrops of Australia. "The Invisible Man" (2020) also took advantage of the south coast's visual appeal. This highlights Australia's growing reputation as a versatile filming destination, capable of accommodating a wide range of genres and stories.

It's also worth noting that while "Hacksaw Ridge" is based on a true story, not all war films adhere to such strict historical accuracy. For example, Clint Eastwood's "Heartbreak Ridge," released in 1986, is a work of fiction. Understanding the distinction between historical accounts and fictional narratives is important when engaging with war films and their portrayals of events and individuals.

The Japanese forces had fortified the Maeda Escarpment for years, creating a network of tunnels and camouflaged positions. Desmond Doss himself described the mountain as "honeycombed and camouflaged," making it appear as natural terrain. This added layer of complexity made the battle of Okinawa even more challenging and underscores the extraordinary courage displayed by Doss and his fellow soldiers.

The story of Desmond Doss, brought to life in "Hacksaw Ridge," continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world. The film's success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the dedication of the filmmakers who worked tirelessly to create an authentic and moving portrayal of an extraordinary individual.

The film "Hacksaw Ridge," directed by Mel Gibson and written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan, is based on the 2004 documentary "The Conscientious Objector" directed by Terry Benedict. It is a biographical war film of 2016. This film tells the story of Desmond Doss, who enlists as a field medic during World War 2, even though he is a weapon refuser.

Other than the locations mentioned, filming also took place on a soundstage in Sydney, where Robison created the network of tunnels at Hacksaw Ridge. The movie was released in 2016. It received critical acclaim and garnered several nominations, including six Academy Award nominations.

In Swedish, "Hacksaw Ridge r Mel Gibsons frsta egenregisserade film sedan Apocalypto frn 2006. Filmen handlar om vapenvgraren Desmond Doss som tar vrvning som fltsjukvrdare under andra vrldskriget." This translates to "Hacksaw Ridge is Mel Gibson's first self-directed film since Apocalypto from 2006. The film is about the weapon refuser Desmond Doss who enlists as a field medic during World War II."

In Russian, " (2016) HD 720, :" translates to "Watch online the film 'For Conscience's Sake' (2016) in good HD 720 quality, film rating:"

To discover where to watch "Hacksaw Ridge" on Netflix and Prime Video today, including free options, one can search online.

The location of Mel Gibsons "Hacksaw Ridge" American war movie was earmarked for residential development once filming was finished, possibly as early as December. The filming was an extraordinary undertaking, capturing the bravery and determination of a true American hero.

Mel Gibson pictured directing new WW2 drama Hacksaw Ridge in Sydney
Mel Gibson pictured directing new WW2 drama Hacksaw Ridge in Sydney

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Where Was Hacksaw Ridge Filmed? The WW2 Movie’s Filming Locations Explained
Where Was Hacksaw Ridge Filmed? The WW2 Movie’s Filming Locations Explained

Details

Where Was Hacksaw Ridge Filmed? 2016 Movie Filming Locations
Where Was Hacksaw Ridge Filmed? 2016 Movie Filming Locations

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