Love conquers all, but Ang Lee conquers Love!

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2006)

Like millions of people before me who have come to appreciate the beauty of Latin maxims, simple yet elegant at the same time, I, too, have added a few such famous sayings to my cherished memories over the years. One of such is: "magna est veritas, et praevalebit", and the other more popular one being: "omnia vincit amor". The profound truths in these pithy expressions are so inviting and eternally fresh that any attempt for explanation not only seem superfluous, but dilutes and degrades as well, regardless the age, gender, ethnic or cultural background of the recipient.
Never did I have any doubts about these categorical truths or their universal applicability until I had the opportunity to watch Brokeback Mountain on the big screen. While the surface story of the romance between the uniquely star-crossed same-sex lovers is as plain as the broad day light, (indeed, a few movie-goers and critics did seem heinously satisfied at arriving such cruelly over-simplified conclusion to pack home with), it is the undercurrent that adds texture and charm to its wide appeal. Thought-provoking and growing concern for humanity and the human condition are not among the first and definitely not the easiest that millions of movie-goers can shake off as they drive home. For many, the nostalgia for Brokeback Mountain will come back to haunt them much too soon and lingers on much longer than they ever thought possible.
So, what is Brokeback Mountain after all? Simply put, it's a movie that love is conquered and lovers are consumed and all these is made possible only under the careful direction and watchful eyes of Ang Lee, an amazing individual whose appreciation for humanity and ability to transform that appreciation faithfully into the silver screen will unequivocally peg himself among that rare species of gifted few who had ever bestowed a modern Olympia into the hearts of the viewing public.
Many have expressed a view that it is no other than the harsh physical and social environment in the unforgiving heartland of Wyoming, the ultimate home to rural homophobia, that is, directly or indirectly, responsible for this tragic results of Ennis and Jack's romance, yet the story and movie have transcended far above and beamed through all boundaries for an individual's loss of love. This gripping story, therefore, testifies vulnerability of mankind in general. And what a vulnerability it has depicted! These two poor cowpokes, with limited education, limited vision for life, are doomed from the very beginning to have a life of limited success in such an environment at the very best, yet now it is their unique love story that will resonate with the majority of public, forever. Both men and especially Ennis, appeared muscular, yet such a shell is no match for their predestined hardscrabble lifestyle as ranch hand or rodeo guy. Does that mean both should just recognize their fate, admit that they are socially and economically disadvantaged and live out their lives the best they can while sticking to the juggernaut of social norms? Many in similar situations probably would have, yet they choose the hard way, always retreating to the Brokeback Mountain, the only refuge on earth they know. And the price they paid? A life under shadows with much added uneasiness. There is simply no royal road or easy way out this extremely unsatisfied situation, for either of them.
Ang Lee, or for that matter, E. Annie Proulx as well, doesn't even pretend to have a ready answer for us mortals. All he did was to present this believable story as realistic as possible, leaving no stones unturned, nothing more and nothing less, no special effect, no dizzy plot line, just the uncluttered story itself, simple yet elegant in its own right. In the end, he has achieved few have ever aspired or begun. An unbiased, unique story that most people can relate and resonate, on many different levels. While ultimately entertaining, it is no less educational. Never claimed to be uplifting, Brokeback Mountain does help to shackle off ingrained biases in more than a handful few. As far as the art form of motion picture goes, by now, Lee is definitely a true master, versatile, considerate, with piercingly keen observations and a big warm heart.
In just one scoop, my once unwavering faith in "omnia vincit amor" is now completely smashed by Brokeback Mountain, and I have no qualms about it, for, it's always the second half of this maxim, "nos et cedamus amori" that really counts!