An extraordinary movie of great significance

Rating: 10/10 (27 March 2006)

After overcoming initial hesitation, my wife and I went to see Broke Back Mountain, and we're so glad we did. As the movie progressed, I became aware that I was seeing a movie of great significance. Superb acting, majestic cinematography, incredible dialog, intense emotion, cogent storyline, and the excellent score converged into making this two-hour-plus movie one of the great landmarks in the history of the cinema. I agree with those who say that this movie will be discussed and studied, along with the great ones: Casablanca, Citizen Kane, etc.
The last twenty minutes of the movie comprise some of the most gut-wrenching and emotionally painful experiences I have ever encountered in a movie. I can't get this movie out of my mind and heart. I cried a number of times in the days following the movie. My wife and I had a number of conversations in an attempt to come to grips with this movie's profound impact. I have recommended this movie to a number of people who scoffed at the idea of seeing a "gay movie." This reaction both angers and depresses me. Yes, there is a gay context to the movie, but regardless of gender or sexual orientation, it contains universal themes of love, intense longing, disappointment, infidelity, passion and sexual desire, all of which are applicable to all people, everywhere and anywhere.
The few seconds of watching the murder (yes, I do believe he was murdered) of the loving and lovable Jack Twist were almost too overwhelming and shocking for me to bear. This movie will be remembered for years and years to come.