The Conscientious Objector

Like the reviewer above, I saw "The Conscientious Objector" at the 2004 Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis. Content such as that included in this fine film is the primary reason for the importance of the documentary medium. As soon as I can obtain a DVD of the film, I will begin sharing it with friends and family, because surely this is a piece of Americana that should have the widest possible audience. This film has a linger effect that makes me recall the courage and integrity and heroism of the protagonist, Desmond Doss, over and over again. This man is a sterling example of what can happen if a person stands for something and refuses to allow his/her resolve to be shaken. The film should find a broad audience among a great variety of groups, from churches to service organizations to grade, high school, and university students, because the human soul is nourished by true accounts such as this. The filmmaker, Terry Benedict, deserves accolades for recognizing in Mr. Doss the stuff that has made our Country great.

This documentary about the only conscientious objector to ever win the Congressional Medal of Honor is a touching and powerful tale of faith and courage.

While the approach is simple and rough around the edges, the story of Desmond Doss, - at first a hated outcast for his refusal to carry or use a weapon, later a hero among heroes for his saving of over 75 men as a medic in what seemed all but impossible circumstances – is so unique, and almost hard to believe that it pulls you in completely, whatever its budgetary or stylistic limitations.

I was surprised to see a few critics attack it as being an ad for Christianity, or for Seventh Day Adventists in the specific. I'm neither Christian nor religious, yet I never felt I was being preached at. It's simply the case that for this man his faith is what helped give him his courage and convictions. Would I want a documentary about Martin Luther King to not deal with how he drew his inspiration from his faith? Or Gandhi or the Dali Llama from theirs?

Told by the men who were there, including Doss himself, this is a film that speaks of the grace of refusing to conform, and being driven to do good, even at great personal risk and sacrifice. A truly inspiring story of an amazing yet humble individual. It has flaws, but in this case, it doesn't really matter.

Outstanding documentary about the life of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector in World War 11 who served in the military as a medic.

Due to his religious beliefs, he would never kill and hence would not even carry a gun.

Obviously, at the beginning he met with much scorn for his refusal to do so but he proved himself worthy of presidential recognition for coming to the aid of wounded soldiers. While under fire himself, he helped the wounded as best he could.

The documentary shows that those who wanted to get rid of him in the military would come to realize what a tremendous asset he was.

It was as if the Lord was on his side at all times during battle. This is really an outstanding story of human faith as well as the triumph of spirit.

After watching the fantastic 'Hacksaw Ridge', I wanted to know more about Desmond Doss. So I bought this documentary - and what can I say? Desmond Doss was a true hero, the film and the documentary both do him justice. Everybody should watch it and be inspired! Fantastic! I wonder why this brave man is not as well known as other American heroes. He was the bravest man I ever heard about.

I just saw this documentary on PAX satellite channel (programmed for Memorial Day). I had heard about Desmond Doss before, but never realized what he did and how he survived the US Army with his faith intact, and the Japanese Army with life and health intact (mostly).

I felt great pride sharing the same faith with Mr. Doss, and was moved to tears at the testimony of many of Doss' fellow soldiers. I found it very inspiring to remind those of faith what it means to maintain your integrity in the face of opposition, foreign and domestic.

I certainly want to purchase some copies of the DVD to share with many of my friends who would appreciate seeing it. Technically well done along with the inspiring content.