Excellently portrayed

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2005)

I thought the movie was well characterized by the two main characters. I felt the story could have progressed a little quicker and there could have been more dramatic incidents while out on their sheep drive through the mountain. I actually have a question. Toward the end of the movie, Jack's wife informs Ennis of Jack's fate after attempting to fix a tire. The tire exploded and Jack was struck in the head with a piece of metal and subsequently died. Ennis has a flashback to an incident where his father told him the story, as a boy, where three men had beaten a gay man to death. Did Jack's death occur the way his wife related it or was it a case of his being set upon and beaten to death by thugs? Would appreciate some opinion on this point. Thank you - Walter.