Moving, Unforgettable and Painful

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2007)

This is not a movie about homosexuals, this is a movie about pure love. It doesn't matter how many people call this a "gay cowboy movie" or shun it for featuring two men in love, this is one of the best movies ever made. Not only that, it is one of the truest movies you will ever see. Ang Lee is probably the best modern director, not only is this movie a masterpiece, but most of his others are as well (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Ice Storm). He is not afraid to approach a story which has a touchy issue and film it with such beauty that it considerably moved this reviewer. But Lee is one of the many involved in this movie who did an amazing job.
All the actors did such a fantastic job it is hard to say who is best. Ultimately, though, Heath Ledger carries this movie with his best performance as Ennis Del Mar. Ledger's performance is not only his best but one of the best period. Anyone who watches this can not deny Ledger's phenomenal job. However, it would not be fair to dismiss the three other actors who were also brilliant. Jake Gyllenhaal is Jack Twist, a heart-wrenchingly sad character who falls in love with Ennis. Much like Ledger, this is another career best. These two actors took on two of the hardest roles one could take on and from them gave two moving and unforgettable performances. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway are the two supports and both are perfect. Michelle Williams' Alma is such a sad character it's hard not to feel for her and Hathaway's Lureen is a strong but in the end broken women it is likewise not hard to feel for her. Both ladies are amazing.
Now to the writers, these amazing people who have created the best story to be put onto the big screen in years. It is so real, so beautiful and so sad. Yet, it seems so simple. Two men, Ennis (a ranch hand) and Jack (a rodeo cowboy) who after spending a summer together sheep-herding for a lifelong connection which is really love. Although they go their separate ways and marry and have kids they realise the true depth of their love.
Along with a touching and moving score and some beautiful shots of mountains and the country this is ultimately the most affecting and touching movie that has come in awhile and will likely be remembered and revered as one of the greatest films ever made.
5/5