A masterpiece!

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2006)

A beautifully nuanced examination of true and honest love. Ang Lee, in what I believe to be his finest work to date, delivers the tragic tale of crossed lovers in a haunting, tortured and stark Eastern narrative set to an idyllic Western, both literal and hemispherical, theme. Every moment of this intensely personal story resonates long after the final, quietly gut-wrenching scene. Lush and atmospheric both visually as well as through a wonderfully understated score by Gustavo Santaolalla, Lee takes us on a journey of, on one hand, self-discovery and, unfortunately on the other, self-denial. Amazing and powerful performances by all the principle actors render these characters someone we've known or someone we've been. Jack Twist and Ennis del Mar. You and me. This film will not be easily forgotten by anyone who believes that through experience or compassion there is true love to be found. Or even stumbled across. And sometimes it's not wrapped in any preconceived packaging but possibly even a little rough around the edges, ultimately delivering the one-two punch of pure, devastating love. By far my vote for Best. Period