Beautiful filmed and expertly edited and directed human story

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2005)

A beautifully filmed and directed story about two men and the people in their lives, who suffer the effects that social stigma inflict upon homosexuality in the rough tough and intolerant world of rural America. The suffering of these two men and the tragedy of their imposed discretion is shown in this film to something that makes all the people around them suffer likewise. It begs us to ponder the unspoken question - what if these to men were allowed to be honest and open with themselves and the people they are closest to in their lives. The happiness they are denied in their own relationship is reflected in their inability to share fully and honestly their feelings with the other people their lives touch.
And, in turn, the punishment society imposes upon them is a punishment that in turn society imposes upon itself. The hard bitter beautiful truth of the taboo of Homosexual relationships is depicted with first class storytelling.
Also, though I was uncomfortable with the thought of watching guys depicting sexual simulation. It is handled very tastefully, and complete intimacy is only depicted briefly early. Then it is extremely subtle with simply embracing and cuddling here and there. By the middle of the film it seems most tame and natural. This is about two people caring about each other, sexual interaction is nominal.
I'm curious as to who Ledger took his accent from. I kept thinking it sounded familiar. If anyone knows can you post it? I've figured it out ! He is doing an impression of Sam Elliot - as the cowboy/narrator from the Big Lebowski. What do you think, am I nuts?