Heartbreakingly perfect

Rating: 10/10 (26 December 2005)

I knew this movie couldn't be a disappointment, first because Ang Lee directed it, second because it had so many excellent reviews from great critics; but I didn't expect it to break my heart. Ang Lee's movies always seem to have this emotional restraint that prevents the story, however tragic, from getting melodramatic and sappy, and yet he can move you deeply. He definitely knows a lot about the devise "less is more". He makes movies that can leave a strong impression, but this one might haunt you for a while. It haunted me, and left me with the feeling we have when a loved one departs. It is beautiful, delicate, perfectly crafted, sensual and honest. Jake Gyllenhaal's Jack Twist is so expressive, he speaks to you even when he doesn't say a word. Heath Ledger is unforgettable; his character is someone trying to contain an emotional storm inside and slowly imploding from the strain. Michelle Williams is great in the role of the nesting wife; Anne Hathaway as the business-oriented, small-town-minded southern wife manages a pretty good texan twang. The cinematography is beautiful, the music is scarce (thank goodness) and complements the movie perfectly. The story is powerful and the love scenes are too, although without being ostensibly explicit or uncomfortable. Here's my two-cent psychology: This is a movie that has the capacity to touch anyone, although some might not want to admit it. Personally, I think one must have hefty empathy issues to not be moved at all by it, regardless of their sexual orientation or mentality.