Truly Memorable Film-Making - A Tragedy for the 21st Century

Rating: 10/10 (11 April 2006)

It's a simple story, you might think, if you take a step back and play out the series of events that unfold for the two protagonists in this film. The meeting, the development of a friendship, the progression of intimacy, the parting, the reunion, and - well, I won't spoil it all for you, but I can say this film is THE classic tragedy of the 21st Century. It has been considered by critics as comparable to a Shakespearean drama in regard to the depth of sorrow evident throughout.
I viewed this film after hearing a few comments in January 2006. I had bought into our society's stereotypes of the homosexual male and believed this film would continue in the way of other popular, current gay media. When I was informed this film transcended all of that I reluctantly viewed it. For many of you who are doubting this film could mean anything to you I can only hope my comments persuade you to give 'Brokeback' a chance.
I was pleasantly surprised by the realistic, raw portrayal of two men falling in love with one another. It is a love portrayed in a way I am unaccustomed to. We have seen the oft-repeated kitschy romance films. They are films that have attempted and failed at producing dramatic and artistic greatness. It is time for something more. It is time for 'Brokeback Mountain'.
In 1963 the two protagonists meet and their boss, Joe Aguirre, assigns them to a rather drab mission - to herd 1,000 sheep to the top of a Wyoming mountain and guard them day and night. During the hard and endless work they find time to learn more about each other. Jack pulls Ennis out of his very tight shell and a strong friendship and connection is forged. The two men realize they have the very same goal - to eventually own and work a ranch of their very own. As time progresses their differences and their similarities pull them ever closer to one another. Before long they cannot deny the very real passion they have for one another and they make love.
They part with the understanding it was a 'one-shot deal' and the pain wrought by this parting is more than evident. Four years later they reunite and the passion has intensified tenfold. They have built lives with women they have married; now they face the need they have for one another, and a plan is hatched to meet up periodically in the wilderness. Jack, ever the dreamer, would rather fulfill both of their dreams and purchase a ranch together. Ennis refuses the plan based upon a real fear that either of them could be murdered if their secret was ever revealed. And so it is.
The strong love they have for one another continues for another sixteen years. The wives who have shared their lives fall to the wayside, broken and shattered from the commitments they thought were stronger than they actually were. We feel their pain as much, possibly stronger in points, than we feel between the two protagonists.
The final moments of the film are the most tragic and heartfelt in all I have ever viewed. All in all, this film brings together the passing of two lives, two families; multiple characters who have lived with pain, love, sorrow, and dreams, hopes, and indelible faults. None of the characters is perfect; they are as realistic as any person can be.
Let's not forget Annie Proulx, the writer who originally brought this unforgettable story to life in her book 'Close Range : Wyoming Stories'. She created Jack and Ennis and the stunning tapestry of this amazing tale. If it was not for screenplay writers Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry this film would have not found its medium. If not for the willingness of Ang Lee this film would not have found its depth of artistry. If not for the courageousness of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal this film would not have found its voice.
Let's also not forget there are people who want to destroy and mar the story this film represents. They have let their bigotry and hate distort their willingness to give this story a chance. The cast and crew admit they never had a political agenda when they chose to make this film. The film was made to convey a story and a beautiful one at that. No matter what these people may do they can not erase this film nor the poignant message it has conveyed to the thousands who have viewed it, and will view it many years to come.
:: Grace R. - Iowa, United States ::