A True Classic from the Word Go

Rating: 10/10 (7 November 2014)

I saw this film on its release and have seen it sporadically since. It is absolutely spellbinding. Both leads are magnificent. I, however, see the film less as an indictment of society against allowing homosexuals to "be themselves" as it is about confronting one's demons and coming to terms with them. It is no secret that men can and do love one another; best friends, etc. without engaging in sex. So what makes this film so tragic? I think in many ways it points to the fact that many times homosexuality is the easy way out. In other words, for men, the opposite sex can be a real drain: they have to be courted, wined and dined (if you will), and "understood" which is almost,if not totally impossible. However, two men (or two women for that matter,) can connect in a way that eliminates all of that protocol. Some men manage to have sex buddies of the same sex and can leave it at that. The problem, however, is that more often than not, one of them falls in love. It is a common phenomenon for "the other woman" as well in adulterous affairs. Some reviewers have tried to minimize the effect these characters' fathers (and mothers) had on their development but I don't think it can be minimized; I truly believe as with many homosexuals, the need for a strong male bond is so strong that they fall into homosexuality underscoring the need for fathers in todays' society to step up and BE role models. Mothers too. It is becoming more and more fashionable today to say that homosexuality is just fine, nothing to be ashamed of. I think though that as with Ennis in particular, it is something deep on the inside that tells you it is wrong, not society, in much the same way one would confront incestuous feelings toward say, one's sister. I really don't think intercourse was the foundation of their relationship. I don't think, for example that oral sex was something either of them engaged in with each other although they might let some OTHER guy do it to them (Jack in Mexico for example). When they both declare that they are not queer, I believe them. Jack is the one who seems to need sex more to validate the relationship which is kind of unfortunate for Ennis whom I think could take it or leave it and still love Jack with all of his heart. The film is a true work of art. A masterpiece even. Heath Ledger is astonishing, as is his vis-à-vis Jake G.