Finally a "Brokeback Mountain-movie" has arrived

Rating: 10/10 (24 October 2005)

Two words seem not to be enough to describe this masterpiece, but here they go: INCREDIBLY FANTASTIC. I was so fortunate to see one of the sessions at Sao Paulo International Film Festival this weekend, so was the rest of the astonished audience that remained sat down when the film ended listening to the song He was a friend of mine". Ang Lee's direction was so perfect and delicate, that the violence of the cowboy's love could be only a simple and natural reaction to something stronger than any other feeling, stronger than their lives. Nothing less could be expected from someone who gave Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon a poetic sense and sensibility. As the novel begins, we can understand the differences and their common characteristics; both raised in small and poor ranches in opposite American States, Jack in Lightning Flat, near Montana and Ennis near Utah. They abandoned school in a lack of perspective and grew up to the hard work in the country and poverty, both rough in manners and language, but something unlikely to happen transformed their lives in the Summer of 63 and here begins this extraordinary feeling among the most beautiful landscapes and a calm and tender music, which is the main theme of the film. So the season ends and they split but will not deny that feeling. They are to be drowned into a deep and true love throughout the next 20 years. This is far more than a love and passion story, it is a search for breaking all the rules to be true to ourselves, just let it run. Jack's needs, Ennis' fear of starting it all over with his lover. The agony and the glory of this explosion is shown in a way we become witnesses. Ennis blames his lover, for he could never move on his life and failed his marriage. Jack blames himself for never quitting this love. Superb performances, I must say. Every single look of passion, every single touch of affection, every single word of anger, the pain of a tear falling down, the happiness of being together, the anxiety of waiting for another Summer to come, the possible hope of an everlasting love are moments of a lifetime gently shared with us and we are thankful.
As the the young actresses performing Ennis and Jack's wives, Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams (I didn't really like D's Creek at all, but she was far the best part) can show the right picture of a decadent marriage. Alma (Michelle) and Ennis have one the strongest scene in the film when they both can no longer bear their world crashing down (could obviously fit in the wards night as a glimpse of a supporting actress nominee).
Lee was brave to hold on to this project; the cast was brave to perform the story; we are lucky to have such piece of art to admire two guys heading Brokeback Mountain: The secret place where we wish to return. The place never found but intensively looked for. It is the last illusion, but it is also the last reason to live a complete and honest relationship".