Understated and Stirring

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2005)

A brilliant film by a brilliant director-- brilliantly acted. ;-) The film moves along rather slowly, like a leisurely donkey stroll through the Grand Canyon, but the deep emotion churning just below the surface of the main characters holds your attention. This is not a "gay" movie at all, even though the two main characters are closeted, gay men. This film speaks to everyone about what is allowed and denied in society... about man's continued struggle with his inhumanity toward his fellow man... about yearning and fear and regret - all very human (not gay) emotions. Heath Ledger is just short of genius and the supporting cast all live up. This film should be seen by anyone who enjoys a love story, or an emotional journey story, a tragedy, or a story that examines the real life complexities of the human condition.