Among many of the prestigious films this year premiering at the Venice Film Festival, Mel Gibson‘s surprise, Hacksaw Ridge, has received much praise. Hacksaw Ridge is Gibson’s first film since 2006’s Apocalypto. Andrew Garfield stars as Desmond Doss, an army medic, who refused to carry a weapon. Doss was the first Conscientious Objector in American history to be awarded the medal of honor.

Critics from various new sources have voiced favorable reviews giving Hacksaw Ridge much deserved attention at this year’s festival.

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman:

“It immerses you in the violent madness of war — and, at the same time, it roots its drama in the impeccable valor of a man who, by his own grace, refuses to have anything to do with war.”

The Guardian‘s Andrew Pulver:

“As repellent a figure as many may still find Gibson, “I have to report he’s absolutely hit ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ out of the park.”

While some reviews in this roundup are mainly positive, as we all know, there are always some less favorable reviews out there. Jessica Kiang of The Playlist was not as impressed as others were, giving the film an overall C:

“This tale of real-life heroism seems less a celebration of humanist convictions than a glorification of religious intransigence and a declaration of the moral superiority of the faithful over the faithless.”

Overall Hacksaw Ridge appears not a film to ignore. With mainly positive reviews this film should reignite Gibson’s directing career whether or not you love it or hate it.

Hacksaw Ridge opens November 4th.