Sad, haunting and beautiful.

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2005)

I had the privileged opportunity of viewing this movie at a packed cinema in New York last night. Every show had been sold. There was a buzz and anticipation like I have never experienced in my movie going history. We all sat with baited breath ready for the start of Brokeback Mountain. The advertisements for up coming movies couldn't go quick enough.
The movie is over two hours long but didn't seem so to me. I was riveted to the screen. The story unfolds at a nice easy pace and just draws you in and keeps you there. It is simply one of the saddest and most haunting movies I have ever seen in my life. This is the type of movie that you don't realize its impact until several hours later as you toss and turn trying to sleep, but the movie just won't leave you alone. It's difficult for me to even put into words how this movie has affected me, except to say that my eyes keep welling with tears when I think about Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar, two poor, uneducated men who simply just wanted to love each other, but live in a world that refused to allow them this honor.
I went in with high expectations and was not disappointed. The acting is amazing, especially by our two main leads Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. I know there has been much credit given to Mr Ledger on his performance, but Mr Gyllenhaal is equally as amazing in his roll. He plays a perfect Jack Twist. The chemistry and body language between both these actors is excellent. The intimate scenes between the two men is believable and beautifully shot. The second love scene is so very touching. It brought a lump in my throat. But the most heartbreaking scene comes during the end of the movie, which I won't give away, but it involves the line "I wish I knew how to quit you" Watch the performances by both Heath and Jake at this part of the movie and tell me it doesn't rip your heart out.
There is such a feeling of sadness and loss which grows and grows as the movie progresses. So much longing as you watch these two beautiful young men grow older, only to meet up a couple of times a year. They share a love that is so profound and strong that many of use only wish we could find this type of a bond in our lifetime.
Ang Lee has done a masterful job. Every aspect of the movie from directing, to editing to score is astounding. Much love and care was given in the making of this movie.
This truly is one of the greatest love stories ever brought to film. I plan on seeing it again next week, and maybe then I will be able to shake it out of my system. Although I doubt I will.