unconventional heartbreaking story, overall magnificent

Rating: 8/10 (26 January 2006)

Heath Ledger's and Jake Gyllenhaal's performances are simply devastating, not only moving. Setting is in my opinion the best in film history and the natural beauties emphasize the strong feeling of separation and closing off. The movie is beautifully shot and these wonderful Canadian locations (the spectacular mountains are not in Wyoming..) make situations and characters more effective. Every feeling is rendered perfectly and the first sexual encounter, so explicit, is only a strong impact for exploring the anguish and fragility of this unfulfilled love. The lacerating ending leaves the audience with a strong sadness but with the sensation of having watched a great drama.