I'm still glad that Crash won it, but this is still a very powerful and well-made movie

Rating: 10/10 (16 March 2006)

STAR RATING: ***** The Works **** Just Misses the Mark *** That Little Bit In Between ** Lagging Behind * The Pits
In the early 1960s, two men (Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllanhaal) desperate for work take a job herding sheep for a demanding employer. In the cold, lonely hills of Brokeback Mountain they are left to fend for themselves against the elements and eventually, with only each other for company, they begin a homo-erotic affair. This goes against both their personas as men, however, and they are forced to confront themselves before both giving in and admitting it is what they both want. As the years after this incident roll by, they become separated only to eventually be reunited. The film charts their fortunes over the years which never shatters the one thing that holds them true: their love for each other.
Quite a fuss got kicked up at this year's Academy Awards, when the independent film Crash won over this, Ang Lee's sprawling biopic of homosexuality among cowboys. While I'm glad about this in a way, having finally seen it, I honestly also wouldn't have minded if this had taken away the gong instead, for although a different film entirely, Brokeback Mountain is a hugely recommendable piece of cinema that is not to be missed.
It is a quiet and gently noted film for the most part. Ledger and Gyllanhaal are ideally cast in the leading roles, perfectly suited with Ledger as the troubled macho man and Gylannhaal as the more at ease man. Set up this perfectly, they can both turn in excellent, stirring performances.
This is presented exactly as the sort of film the Academy likes to give awards to, and at times does appear a bit pompously arty, but when the end comes you are able to wash over the boring bits and appreciate the film as a whole for what it is, especially as the emotionally devastating climax sets in.
If you're mature and rational enough to handle the heavy subject matter, you will be able to derive every ounce of enjoyment out of this excellent drama. A must see. *****