You are here:

The Conscientious Objector

The Conscientious Objector

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2004

TV-MA

Director

Terry Benedict

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary functions as a traditional biographical account that reinforces established cultural pillars. It prioritizes individual merit, religious conviction, and nationalistic heroism over social deconstruction. While the film disrupts the 'violent soldier' cliché through Desmond Doss's pacifism, this subversion serves to bolster rather than challenge existing institutional hierarchies. The narrative architecture remains firmly rooted in mid-century social norms. Ultimately, the film's focus on a specific American hero within a historical military context limits its breadth of representation across gender, race, and identity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Conscientious Objector have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses on a mid-century military setting that emphasizes traditional social structures.

How does The Conscientious Objector portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on a male-dominated military environment. While the protagonist's pacifism challenges traditional masculine expectations, the overall narrative remains within a framework of traditional military heroism.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Conscientious Objector?

Fair

The narrative focuses on the American GI experience during the Battle of Okinawa. It emphasizes a white, Anglo-Saxon perspective typical of mid-century biographies.

How does The Conscientious Objector represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The film celebrates patriotism and religious faith. It reinforces traditional Western institutional values rather than critiquing the military or organized religion.

Does The Conscientious Objector include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores vulnerability through a medic who operates outside the standard warrior archetype. His conscientious objection provides a unique lens on non-traditional roles.

Present on Screen

  • Explores a non-traditional combat role through ability to act.
  • Provides a unique perspective on physical and psychological vulnerability.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Focuses heavily on a white, Anglo-Saxon experience.
  • Reinforces traditional gender and institutional hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

It's 1945, World War II. The Place, Okinawa. The Scene, an impregnable 400-foot high cliff-AKA Hacksaw Ridge. The Engagement, a battle so fierce the odds of survival were 1 in 10. The Act, Medic Pfc. Desmond T. Doss braved intense enemy fire to rescue 75 wounded GI's over the precipice. The Story, Infantrymen who once ridiculed and scoffed at Desmond's simple faith and refusal to carry a weapon-now owed their lives to him. Director Terry Benedict tells Desmond's incredible story through the eyes of the men who witnessed this humble man's heroic acts. Winning the respect of his fellow soldiers, they recommended him for the highest honor America can bestow on one of her sons-The Medal of Honor.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.