Heartwrenching, Powerful Experience

Rating: 10/10 (30 December 2005)

I have seen Brokeback Mountain twice and now feel the need to post my feelings on it. There have been many films that have affected me greatly: Titanic, Lord of The Rings trilogy, Million Dollar Baby, so on and so forth. Never has a movie left me with such deep pain, emotional longing and inspiration. Brokeback Mountain has not left my mind since I saw it for the first time earlier this week. I have never seen a movie that spoke to me as much as this one.
The performances in this film were astounding. Jake Gyllenhal and Heath Ledger give the performances of the year. They portray such raw emotion and desperation with such ease. I forgot about the fact I was watching a film and became a part of their experience. Jack and Ennis' relationship is that of an epic love story. Over the 20 years we see it getting stronger and deeper, more heartbreaking. Heath Ledger's performance is Oscar gold. When he finds out that his Jack has died we see a quiet sadness that tears at his being and sends a blow to his soul. In the last half an hour Ennis' emotional vulnerability breaks my heart. Jake Gyllenhal's performance is achingly beautiful. For one person to be willing to risk everything is the ultimate love. Jack has come to terms with who he is only to realize that Ennis most likely never will. Here are two people that could have lived a life full of companionship and true love but due to the way this world works were left in hiding with their secret. No one should ever have to live the way these two did. The supporting roles are just as poetic. Michelle Williams made me forget about Dawson's Creek and Halloween: H20. She is a gifted actress who has finally earned the respect she has been fighting for. Anne Hathaway, while in less of the movie, did an incredible job. The scene in the end on the phone with Ennis was one of her best scenes. Fantastic cast.
My hat is off to Ang Lee, who created a masterpiece that will endure forever. Beautifully shot, thoughtfully told, Brokeback Mountain is his crowning achievement. To take a script that didn't yet have a place with mainstream audiences, to believe in the material and to create one of the greatest love stories of all time is something to be proud of. The "gay cowboy" movie became so much more that what was expected. It has touched the hearts and souls of so many people. It has given people the idea that the love between two men can be just as powerful. Love is love, period.
I am hoping Brokeback Mountain will sweep the Academy Awards in March. Best Picture, Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director. This movie has a special place in my heart now. Thank you everyone involved for give me this momentous experience. I owe you everything.