Hacksaw Ridge — Movie Quotes

Desmond repeats this phrase over and over again during the night on Hacksaw Ridge, after his unit has retreated. Each time he lowers a soldier to safety, he prays for the strength to go back into the danger and save another life.

This becomes Desmond's prayer and mantra as he single-handedly rescues wounded soldiers from the battlefield. It encapsulates his selfless determination, his reliance on faith for strength, and the core of his heroic mission.

Desmond says this during his court-martial proceedings, explaining to the military tribunal why he is so adamant about serving as a medic without carrying a weapon.

This quote is Desmond's simple, powerful justification for his actions and beliefs. It articulates his worldview that in a time of widespread destruction, the act of healing and saving is the most profound and necessary form of service.

Desmond says this to Dorothy when he is facing a court-martial and the possibility of prison for refusing to carry a firearm. He explains that the personal cost of abandoning his convictions is too high.

This line reveals that Desmond's adherence to his principles is not about stubbornness, but about his fundamental identity and integrity. Compromising his beliefs would be a form of spiritual death for him.

After Desmond's heroic night on the ridge, Captain Glover says this to him as the men of the unit wait for Desmond to finish his prayers before launching the final, successful assault on Hacksaw Ridge.

Captain Glover's statement signifies the turning point in how Desmond is perceived by his unit. It shows that the soldiers' respect is not necessarily for Desmond's specific religious doctrine, but for the incredible strength and integrity of his faith, which they have witnessed firsthand.

Desmond explains his decision to enlist as a combat medic to his family, articulating his mission to save lives amidst the carnage of war.

This quote clearly defines Desmond's chosen role in the war. It establishes his unique form of service and patriotism, framing his pacifism not as an objection to the war itself, but as a different, constructive way to participate in it.