Like Nothing You've Ever Seen Before

Rating: 10/10 (25 December 2005)

I saw it 2 weeks ago, and still can't get it out of my head. I can't add much to the other superlative reviews on this site except to say that Ang Lee is my favorite director and expect the unexpected in this deeply moving, beautifully performed, amazingly photographed, lovingly scored, perfectly scripted picture. In an early scene, Jack is in the foreground, while Ennis is have half-naked in the background and I said to my companion, he's going turn left to look at him. It didn't happen. That's the mark of a brilliant director (even other fine directors would have Jake glance over). Other untraditional sequences include Ennis' retching at summer's end, the reunion scene, Jack's truck breakdown, Ennis' emotional upheaval in a late fishing trip, and the final sequences that are beyond heart-wrenching. Hope it wins more and more awards.