Hacksaw Ridge (2016) - Court (Trial scene) [1080p]

Summary

The transcript revolves around Private Desmond Doss, a soldier facing charges for disobeying orders due to his refusal to bear arms in combat. Despite the accusations, Doss defends his decision based on personal beliefs and a strong sense of duty, especially after witnessing the tragic consequences of others being unable to serve. His father, a decorated war veteran, passionately supports his son’s rights as a conscientious objector. In the end, Doss’s conviction is upheld by legal protections, allowing him to serve as a combat medic without compromising his principles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Private Desmond Doss pleads not guilty to charges of disobeying direct orders from his commanding officers.
• 😀 Despite initially considering a plea bargain, Private Doss decides to proceed to a Court Marshal.
• 😀 The prosecutor argues that Doss is flaunting his morality and contempt by refusing to follow orders during the war.
• 😀 Doss defends his actions by explaining that he wishes to serve as a medic without using weapons, driven by personal beliefs after the Pearl Harbor attack.
• 😀 Doss emphasizes his desire to contribute to the war effort, even though he could have chosen to remain safe at home with a deferment.
• 😀 He contrasts his choice with two men in his hometown who committed suicide because they were declared unfit for service.
• 😀 Doss’s motivation is rooted in a desire to serve as a medic, saving lives rather than taking them, even in the midst of battle.
• 😀 The hearing reveals a conflict over the values of personal conscience versus military duty and regulations.
• 😀 Doss's father, a decorated war veteran, attends the hearing, expressing his belief in the constitutional protections for conscientious objectors.
• 😀 Ultimately, the charges are withdrawn when it is confirmed that Doss's rights as a conscientious objector, protected by an act of Congress, prevent him from being compelled to bear arms.
• 😀 The case ends with Doss being allowed to resume training as a combat medic, despite his refusal to carry weapons, with his rights upheld.

Q & A

What is the primary charge against Private Desmond Doss in the script?

Private Desmond Doss is charged with disobeying a series of direct orders from his commanding officers.

What is Private Doss's plea to the charge?

Private Doss enters a not guilty plea, despite previously considering a plea bargain.

Why does Private Doss choose to proceed to a Court Martial?

Private Doss chooses to proceed to a Court Martial because he changed his mind about entering a plea bargain.

What is the significance of Private Doss's refusal to touch a weapon?

Private Doss refuses to touch a weapon because he is a conscientious objector, meaning he believes it is wrong to take life, even in war, but still wants to serve as a medic.

How does Private Doss explain his desire to serve in the military despite his objections to violence?

Private Doss explains that after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he took it personally. He couldn't stay home while others fought and died. He wanted to serve as a medic to save lives in combat.

What is the role of Private Doss's father in the scene?

Private Doss's father, Corporal Thomas Doss, intervenes to defend his son, arguing that Private Doss's rights as a conscientious objector are protected by law.

What does Private Doss’s father say about the law in relation to his son’s case?

Private Doss's father, as a former military man, believes that the laws protecting his son’s rights as a conscientious objector are fundamental to the constitution, which he fought to defend.

What is the significance of the letter that Corporal Doss presents?

The letter, signed by Brigadier General Musgrove, confirms that Private Doss's rights as a conscientious objector are protected by law and that he cannot be forced to bear arms, which leads to the withdrawal of the charges against him.

How does the court respond to the evidence provided by Corporal Doss?

The court acknowledges the letter, and Colonel Sangston withdraws the charges, dismissing the case against Private Doss.

What is the final outcome for Private Doss in this scene?

Private Doss is granted the right to serve as a combat medic, continuing his training without being required to carry or use weapons.