one of the best films i have ever seen

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2006)

OK now I know most of you have heard that this film is the "gay cowboy movie", but it is so much more than that. The feelings that the two characters, Jack and Ennis have for each other over their twenty year relationship is truly felt. The cannot be together not only because of their family obligations but because of the way society is in 1960s Wyoming. When they first meet it seems as though time is still because absolutely no words are spoken between the men.Their first sexual encounter is shot like a fighting scene and the morning after this, the awkwardness between the two resonates throughout the theater. They claim that their tryst was a one night thing and vow for it to never happen again. Yet it does again and again. They cannot help themselves. The love that they have for each other will never go away no matter what happens in their lives. Jack the more charismatic one of the two, would do anything to be with the man he loves, even if it means to give up the family that he has in Texas. While, Ennis the more taciturn and quiet of the two is more realistic. He knows how society will view their relationship and he cannot risk that.
You will truly feel for the characters and their pain .They love each other greatly and yet they cannot be together. This is truly a groundbreaking motion picture. It is probably the most true love story I have seen, not only because it shows what love can do to a person's heart, but also what consequences come along with it, no matter who you are.
*The performances by all the actors in the film are superb. Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack brings a light to the film. His character shines with the light that a person finds when they are in love.The most amazing performance of all in the movie definitely goes to Heath Ledger who shines as Ennis. He brings a very mysterious and confused character to life. Heath becomes the character, he embodies it fully, making you wonder if the real heath will ever return once the movie ends.When he is on the screen you can feel the pain that he has for loving a person who society will not allow you to be with and the heartache that goes along with having to keep that great love a secret. This film is truly of the best films of the 21st century and hopefully these wonderful performances, along with the film itself (from Heath Ledger,Jake Gyllenhall, Michelle Willaims and Anne Hatahaway, along with the amazing screen writing by Dianna Ossana and Larry McMurtry, the epic direction of Ang Lee and the beautiful short story by Annie Proulx from which this film was adapted)will be remembered for a lifetime.