Film Lens
The Conscientious Objector is a documentary directed by Terry Benedict that tells the story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during World War II. Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist, refused to carry a weapon due to his religious beliefs. The film presents his experiences in the military, where he faced significant opposition and ridicule from fellow soldiers. Despite this, Doss earned their respect through his actions as a combat medic, saving numerous lives during the Battle of Okinawa.
The film also touches on the wider effects of Doss's beliefs and the challenges he faced in a combat environment. It emphasizes his commitment to his principles and how he navigated the complexities of serving in the military without compromising his convictions. The documentary has been well-received, winning multiple awards and later inspiring the fictional film Hacksaw Ridge, which features excerpts from The Conscientious Objector.
Why Watch
- •See Desmond Doss's true story of bravery in combat.
- •Meet the first conscientious objector to win the Medal of Honor.
- •Find out how Doss saved many lives without carrying a weapon.
Did You Know
•Desmond Doss received the Medal of Honor for his service in WWII.
•The film won the Long Island International Film Expo Prize for Best Feature Film.
•Hacksaw Ridge, a fictional film about Doss, was released in 2016.
•The documentary has a runtime of 101 minutes.
Perfect For
World War II historyConscientious objectorsMedal of Honor recipients