The Conscientious Objector

2004 documentary film by Terry Benedict

2004 (2004)

Running time

102 minutesLanguageEnglish

The Conscientious Objector is a 2004 documentary film directed by Terry Benedict about the life of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who received the Medal of Honor for his service in World War II. Due to his religious convictions as a Seventh-day Adventist, Doss refused to carry a weapon. He initially faced opposition, persecution, and ridicule from his fellow soldiers, but ultimately won their admiration by demonstrating courage and saving many lives as a combat medic.

In 2016, Hacksaw Ridge, a fictional film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield as Doss, was released to critical and commercial success, signaling Gibson's welcome-back to Hollywood. Benedict was one of the producers of Hacksaw Ridge, and the film features several excerpts from The Conscientious Objector immediately before the end credits.

Reception

The film has received more positive acclaim^[1]^[2]^[3] and has won multiple awards, including:^[4]

Long Island International Film Expo Festival Prize – Best Feature Film
Santa Cruz Film Festival Audience Award – Best Documentary
Heartland Film Festival Crystal Heart Award – Best Director
Cinequest Film Festival Audience Choice Award
Cinequest Film Festival Director's Award

References

^ Propes, Richard (November 30, 2006). "'The Conscientious Objector' Review". The Independent Critic. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
^ Stoda, Kevin (July 4, 2010). "A great Story for This Fourth of July—DESMOND T. DOSS—a Hero of WWII". Eslkevin's Blog. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
^ Radical Catholic Mom (May 19, 2008). "A War Hero Without a Gun". Patheos. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
^ "The Conscientious Objector". IndiePlaya. Retrieved November 19, 2016.