Always moves me to tears, a glorious slow burning romantic film.

Rating: 10/10 (3 September 2006)

I watched Brokeback Mountain (BBM) well aware of the hype and cautious that it may not live up to it. I loved it instantly and knew it would be a film I would come back to again and again.
These are characters with a love story that crawled under my skin. BBM became for me not only an iconic film and instant classic but a subconscious reference point whenever considering epic, tragic love. Every time I watch the ending I cry. The sadness of the story is so palpable and vivid with characters that feel utterly real. That Jack's death could be depicted in such a starkly distant manner, yet the simple reveal of two shirts still pack a huge emotional wallop, demonstrates the strong impression these characters leave on the viewer.
Sometimes one gets despondent with the film industry as it feels there is nothing original or of interest left to be made. Most, even well received, films are instantly forgettable or a mindless distraction for a couple of hours. BBM like all truly great films is in such a different league as to seem to be an entirely separate medium! It is not only profoundly moving but has a life and spirit of its own that goes far beyond mere entertainment.
BBM and the few films of its standard justify the movie industry's existence. That all films could be of such quality is an impossible ideal. That any are still made in such superficial times is something to be deeply grateful for.