A Tragedy of Life

Rating: 10/10 (30 April 2006)

I've read only one comment; while I agree with it, please read some of the other comments which give you details of the plot.
If you haven't loved strongly, without knowing you do only to discover it is part-and-parcel of your life, it is impossible to get the true meaning of this film.
The comment I read predicted a "take-off" for Ledger's (del Mar) career: I wonder! Although "Brokeback Mountain" is primarily about HIS aimless drifting through life and his performance breathed reality into that morass, I'd never heard of him; that he would be black-balled for his accepting this role would be a tragedy. However, Hollywood isn't nearly as liberal as most people think. Jake G. (Jack) has made several films; only "Day after Tomorrow" (so far) is nearly as good as his role in this film. "Jarhead" - while the acting is good, he certainly doesn't have any compulsions about appearing naked!, unlike the sweet character in "Day" - is a waste, except to vividly depict how the USA turns very young men into "macho" robots for killing. Society idolizes these men, then treats any homosexual tendency in them - or in a civilian life - as sinful.
Yes, the old testament of The Bible condemns it; one can only feel that Jesus felt differently. This film is a perfect example of how hot-blooded males find love for another male, when they are isolated in an idyllic setting - or any ole place, if the chemistry is right. The recent scandal of soldiers in Iraq appearing on web-sites for prostitution is a wake-up call. "Brokeback" depicts a true-to-life story of self-condemnation and fear of discovery, while living miserably in secrecy, on "del Mar's" part. "Alma" discovered where her husband's true love lay when she witnessed the two men kissing in the alley. The fact "del Mar" never brought home a "catch" after an impassioned dash to the mountain to meet "Jack", her rage during the "outing"-scene clearly depicted HER misery all through a failed marriage. "Once I had an idea" and "every six months!", as "Jack" tells "del Mar", are the revelations there is no other love for him. The scent of a shirt during "del Mar's" visit to "Jack's" parents brings it home clearly to "del Mar" he has made his own misery. Whether we recognize it or not, we ALL know men who love one another. Today, it is more openly accepted, but is still a scandal in many parts of our "enlightened" society.
This film was robbed of its deserved academy awards. It will be difficult to produce another film with its clarion announcement: we have no right to judge others, and that love will be love no matter whom it finds. It also shows that we cannot be tolerant toward those who are different than ourselves, and how difficult it is to be compassionate toward other humans we don't understand. "Brokeback Mountain" was superbly acted by every member of its cast. Mr. Ang directed a masterpiece, with the help of wonderful cinematography and a brilliant script. There are many films on this subject, but none so easily understood and openly presented as "Brokeback Mountain". Bravo!