Rapturous elation, camaraderie; inconsolable grief & loneliness; a remarkable achievement

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2006)

This is the second time I had seen the movie in three days. I see few movies and quickly forget nearly all of them. Perhaps a detail or two, a character or perhaps a theme of a plot that pleased me will remain for weeks, months, or even years. However, this western love story was so supremely acted, the beautiful cinematography of Alberta's wild country and its rustic towns so appropriate, Ang Lee's superb direction, and the wizardry of the casting of the two principals, as well as all minor roles, that it was a revelation to me. The screenplay sounds natural, its rhythm correct for the period of time portrayed. The musical score was quite spare and restrained and appropriate to the film's 'feel.' Another plus, although I had not read this 30-page short story masterpiece, was its faithful adaptation to the big screen. All these elements combined to make this sensitive and marvelous and tragic love story a remarkable cinematic event, in my opinion. Fast forward to the Golden Globe awards: I am delighted that it has thus far garnered four Golden Globes for direction, screenplay, individual song, and best picture.
The last 12-15 minutes, beginning with the receipt of the final postcard just overwhelmed. The poignancy of what followed built to a to shattering climax as Ennis caresses the articles of clothing of Jack Twist. The complete sense of emotional desolation and isolation, of inconsolable grief and loneliness, of possessing no Kodaks to keep sharp the memory of his Jack Twist is tragic. And as the closet door is closed and the scene fades, the depth of Ennis' loss and a life of loneliness which awaits is further intensified beyond the breaking point. I shall welcome the passage of time when the tsunami of emotions created by author Annie Proulx, captured by director Ang Lee and the superb duo of screenwriters, and the inspired acting of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal recedes to 98.6.
For me, yearning for an alternate ending in which artistic integrity and emotional calmness fuses convincingly is inescapable, however futile. See this movie, it is tremendously moving. As others have predicted, I, too, think it destined to become a cinematic milestone.