Watch: Hacksaw Ridge Trailer

It’s been ten years since Mel Gibson directed a film. This new film about the decorated war hero who never fired a single bullet has been in development hell for fourteen years with several directors expressing interest in adapting the story of Desmond Doss. The new film marks a departure for Gibson, whose films Braveheart and Apocalypto featured protagonists who committed violence.

The trailer lays out the premise of the film. Even if you are unfamiliar with the real Doss, the footage shown wastes no time in establishing the inherent conflict he faced. As a Seventh-day Adventist, he was opposed to committing acts of violence, even in the theatre of war. Because of this conviction, he faced persecution at the hands of his fellow trainees. Despite this, he would go on to win the Medal of Honor, awarded to him by former US president Harry Truman.

The film already had its world premiere earlier this month at the 73rd Venice Film Festival, where it was met with a ten minute standing ovation. Despite Gibson’s interesting opinions and string of controversies, the actor-director looks prepared to win the hearts of audiences once again.

Hacksaw Ridge will release in the UK in 2017.