Where Was Hacksaw Ridge Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Oscar Winning Movie Of 2016!!

Do you like to watch much-celebrated Oscar-winning flicks? Because If you do, then make sure to read this article, where I give you an overview of the critically acclaimed flick, Hacksaw Ridge. And also share with you where was Hacksaw Ridge filmed.

The American historical war drama flick, Hacksaw Ridge, released in 2016 was inspired by the real events that took place during World War II. Director Mel Gibson in this film presents the story of Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, who joins the US Army as a combat paramedic. Yet chooses to tread on the path of non-violence, while actively taking part in the Second World War.

Hacksaw Ridge, was an instantaneous hit. The film had a massive opening and grossed over $180 million in global box office collections against a mediocre production budget of $40 million. This action-packed movie gained 115 nominations in total and went on to win 56 prestigious awards. Including 2 Oscars at the 89th Academy Awards in 2017.

Now, before I give you a brief overview of the film. Let’s find out, where was Hacksaw Ridge filmed. So that you may enjoy the drop-dead gorgeous filming locations of this movie!

Where Was Hacksaw Ridge Filmed? Let’s Know This Critically Acclaimed Flick Closely!

Director Mel Gibson, came back to the spotlight with Hacksaw Ridge, after the infamous controversy that almost ended his show-biz career in Hollywood. Nonetheless, while looking for suitable filming locations for this film, Mel was pretty adamant to shoot in his own country! Thus after conferring with other creative heads of the unit, he decided to film Hacksaw Ridge in parts of Australia and America.

The Majority of the filming was done in Australia, while some pivotal sequences were also filmed in the state of North Carolina in America. There were no reports of any incidents that delayed the filming schedule. The principal photography began towards the end of September 2015 and was finished in a little more than 8 weeks’ time. 

If you haven’t watched the movie yet, don’t worry! the movie is available on multiple streaming platforms, check out where to watch Hacksaw Ridge for free to find out abut these platforms Now, let’s have a detailed discussion about where was Hacksaw Ridge filmed, and explore more about the specific shooting sites.

North Carolina | USA

The opening scene of the film where we see the character of Desmond, living a peaceful life with his family in Virginia, was actually filmed in North Carolina. A medium-sized house located on the outskirts of Lenoir was used to portray the family home of Desmon Doss in Lynchburg.

The filming crew also took some outdoor shots of the Pisgah National Forest, which is located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountain Range. The waterfall sequence which was filmed here, came out brilliant on screen. The filming crew then moved overseas to shoot the rest of the film.

Richmond, New South Wales | Australia

Director Mel Gibson, being an Australian native, knew in and out about the Southeastern state of New South Wales in Australia. After reaching there, the production readily began shooting in the town of Richmond. 

The sequence where Desmond is shown to go to Church to attend a mass featured one of the Churches of this town. The production unit had to arrange for special lighting equipment to capture the interior sequence of the Church. Another sequence of the film, where Desmond appears to walk out of the cinema with Dorothy, was filmed outside an actual theater, located in the central part of the town.

Sydney, New South Wales | Australia

After the production unit completed the filming of establishing scenes of the movie. The filming crew moved to the main filming location. The majority of the filming took place in Disney Studios, which is located in Moore Park. Specifically, the interior sequence of the US Army camp and the hospital where Desmond meets with Dorothy were all filmed here. The production unit constructed a make-believe set at the backlot of the studio and used it for capturing the inspiring scenes. The set was later demolished after the completion of filming.

Some other important sequences were filmed in Centennial Park, which portrayed the sequence where Desmond is shown visiting the cemetery in the film. And few other sequences featured the Newington Armory at Sydney Olympic Park, which was used to depict Fort Jackson, that appeared in the final quarter of the film.

Other Filming Locations, New South Wales | Australia

Reportedly, a few pivotal outdoor shots were captured in the suburban town of Camden. The infamous cliff shown in the movie was filmed in the region of Southern Highlands. An open pit mine near the Main southern railway, was turned around to make it appear like Maeda Escarpment. The Okinawa battle scene shown in the film was shot in the suburban locality of Bringelly. 

Now, let’s discuss the plot of the film in brief. So that you can get a clear understanding of the actual storyline. Meanwhile, you can also check out, Noel Nextdoor, The Curse of Bridge Hollow and The Last Wagon, which are equally entertaining, if not more.

Plot Of Hacksaw Ridge | What’s It About

Hacksaw Ridge begins by introducing us to the central character of the film, Desmond Doss, a charming young man from Lynchburg, Virginia, who grew up in a conservative Seventh-day Adventist Christian household, along with his brother and parents. A childhood trauma fortified Desmond’s belief in religion and inspired him to follow the Holy Scriptures, ardently.

Later in the film, Desmond joins the US Army during the Second World War as a combat paramedic, after choosing to pursue his passion in practising medicine. He also comes across the character of Dorothy, a beautiful and kind nurse. And gets engaged with her before reporting to the Army base.

Midway through the film, as Desmond reaches the army base, he’s shown to go through rigorous physical training for a couple of weeks. But soon lands in trouble for not participating in combat training. Desmond ends up being taken to the Army court and almost gets sanctioned for court martial. Before his father, a veteran officer of the Great War intervenes and presents a defence, which compels the presiding bench to rule in Desmond’s favor.

Shortly after, the lead actor gets commissioned to join the 77th Infantry Division and gets readily deployed to Okinawa, Japan. After reporting, Desmond is given the responsibility to march up and hold the strategic location of Hacksaw Ridge (Maeda Escarpment). 

Doss saves a number of fellow troops from heavy shellings done by the Japanese Army. At one point in time, Desmond even risks his life, by shielding himself against a live grenade, to guard other soldiers of the infantry, who previously ridiculed him. The credits roll, as the triumph of the American forces in Japan, and Desmond returns back to base with faith and honor intact!

Final Words

Alright friends, now that you know where was Hacksaw Ridge filmed, it’s time for me to say goodbye! But I sure do hope that you enjoyed the read, and found what you were looking for. Be sure to add your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t forget to check out other amazing articles on Viebly.