A break-your-heart love story not to be missed

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2005)

Had the wonderful opportunity to see this film at the Starz Film Festival in Denver, Colorado at closing night with my son and his partner. The story was solid, drawing on the pain, anger, and frustration felt by these two star-crossed souls caught in a time and place that can still be seen in many areas of this country today. Mr. Gyllenhaal's performance brought tenderness and passion to the character of Jack Twist, his character somewhat more comfortable with his orientation. However, it's the outstanding acting done by Mr. Ledger that lies at the heart and soul of this film. With a character who puts forth very little dialog, his actions, body language, and bottled-up emotion flow through every scene and make you ache for the love he can never fulfill. Lack of either Academy Award or Golden Globe nominations (and wins) would be a true disservice to this young man's lifetime performance. The story was evocative, and the score haunts me every time I hear a clip or see the trailer. I so hope this movie is marketed well -- I've been anxiously awaiting the main news magazines to pick up on this outstanding film.
As we all left the theater that evening, I told my two "sons", "what you saw here tonight was history in the making and I'm so glad that I could see it with you." Thank you, Ang Lee, for the courage, commitment and beautiful delivery of a true universal love story!