Completely Broken

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2006)

Like many before me have put in this box, this experience (and I use the word intentionally as opposed to 'film or 'movie') is one of the most emotionally moving events I have ever been through.
Ang Lee has painted a picture with Proulx's words and created a truly breathtaking film that surpasses any controversy the subject matter could cause; Brokeback Mountain is a love story that would be no less effective if it were a heterosexual couple kept apart by another of society's prejudicial 'rules'.
It's Heath's film. His performance is really outstanding and the best, in my opinion, by a male in a long while. You feel for him, with him and against him when he doesn't do what you really want him to as if he were a friend of yours. He conveys Ennis's complex feelings with real power and conviction.
Although Jake has not been as raved about as much as Heath, he is just as powerful a player in this film. Just as much, if not more, a victim of the events as Ennis, you ache at his longing for the life he desires with the one he loves.
Michelle and Anne in the female roles are just as breathtaking in their performances. You can't help but feel for them, even though in a way, you hate them for being the 'substitutes' for what Ennis and Jack really desire.
I won't linger on the content or how it's affected society, etc, but I will say that I am glad that the film that has brought the issues addressed in BM into everyday conversations and into the heart and face of society is an outstanding one. I've no doubt (or perhaps naive hope) that it will, hopefully, affect some people who need affecting.
Brokeback is without a doubt, the most painful and lingering film I have ever seen and I easily rate it as one of my favourites, though it affected me so much that I'm not sure I'll ever be able to watch it again. I actually found myself having to grieve over what happened, for the death of Jack, and the pain and anguish of the two protagonists and the fact they never got to have the relationship and life they truly yearned for.
Ang Lee has created a masterpiece, that deserves to linger in memory and as a landmark in history and it deserves all the praise and plaudits it gets.