romeo and Juliet doesn't compare

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2006)

In an age where the average love story is beginning to become extremely tedious in films, Ang Lee's 'Brokeback Mountain' displays the true diversity of love. Despite critical acclaim, i went to see this film with an open mind. I wasn't expecting much, because often films that are hyped like this one are rather disappointing. We have seen Romeo and Juliet done to death by Hollywood. We have seen lovers that are 'destined to be together' despite obvious reasons embedded in society as to why they should not be together. Up until now, however, we have not been presented with a piece of art that so dramatically and empathetically captures the love between human beings of the same sex. Heath Ledger is haunted by the emotions that he has been told are so wrong his whole life. Every time he becomes overwhelmed by his desire, his love, for Jake Gyllenhaals character, he physically and emotionally portrays the inner turmoil that the cowboy feels. So often homosexual men are portrayed to not experience true love. They have their relationships portrayed as nothing but lustrous flings - dirty impulses. Gyllenhaals performance evokes heartfelt desire and reveals a deeper connection in a homosexual relationship than has ever been represented in a film to date.
The film is a depiction of the power of love and its shear force on man kind. Be it in a heterosexual relationship, or in a homosexual nature, Ang Lee has captured the true essence of connection between individuals, and the warmth and meaning it can bring to lonely hearts.
Don't miss this film