One of the Best Films of 2005

Rating: 9/10 (26 December 2005)

Don't let the advanced press about the subject matter of this film dissuade anyone from seeing this. OK, sure the characters are repressed Gay men living in the 1960's attempting to conform to what society expects of them. But the movie is so much more than this. It's about unfulfilled dreams and the missed chances for happiness. It is something every human being can relate to. I think the performances are outstanding and the movie treats the subject matter with a seriousness that prevents it from ever becoming maudlin or even simplistic.
Heath Ledger is superb as the tormented cowboy trying desperately to conform. If there is but one weakness with the film, it is that the Gyllenhaal's performance cannot possibly match Ledger's.
This is by far one of the best films of the 2005.