Blown away and left numb

Rating: 10/10 (20 December 2005)

I don't remember ever being so haunted by a film. All preconceptions of the movie I had before I went into the theatre were gone within the first five minutes.
This isn't just a "gay western" as it's been so stereotypically categorized. It's a love story. Not only that, but it's a beautiful, heart wrenching love story. I've never been a fan of movies set out in the Midwest. Maybe that's just me. But this movie is the first I've seen that's brought that barren landscape across in a way that's not only harsh, but almost artistic.
Heath Ledger undoubtedly steals the film in a way that's hard to put your finger on. His subtle, quiet, and intense performance as Ennis may never exactly bring tears to your eyes but it breaks your heart into a thousand pieces throughout the course of the movie. Jake Gyllenhal is no less moving in his role as Jack Twist, and yet somehow harder to sympathize with. As Ennis' wife, Michelle Williams makes it increasingly difficult to root for the love between Jack and Ennis. You feel her pain and it's her side of the story as much as the men's that makes it so hard. I would be surprised if all three of these actors didn't gain Oscar nominations.
I'm not sure if it's a movie I would watch again. It was hard enough the first time, and I mean that in the best way possible. But if you haven't seen it yet, I would highly suggest it. I wouldn't let the fact that it's between two men be the reason to draw you in or away.