Romance and tragedy in the mountains...

Rating: 9/10 (5 March 2006)

I live in a small regional town, and there was talk of banning this film in the local cinema. I'm very pleased that this obstacle was overcome and it screened. Even if for a somewhat limited time.
I had heard a lot of passing comment and read a few non-spoiler reviews on this film, and really didn't know what to expect. From what I'd read I was fully expecting a fast paced, crass gay-cowboy flick with such overdone and rough sex scenes that it would simply paint a horrid picture of the relationship these two men develop.
Happy to say, my misguided thoughts were quickly washed away. This movie is full of beautiful vistas and magic scenery. Thumbs up for cinematography. The sex whilst character-true, is quite tame and certainly doesn't monopolize the screen, there is a great balance between full-on heated romance, and relaxing and enjoying the world.
Heath and Jake do a fantastic job of believable 'get-in-and-get-it-done' honest hard working cowboys. They develop the characters bond for each other well. There are a few sneaking glances and smiles that are so cute when you realize these boys are out there in the freezing cold nights, and are trying to uphold the rugged manly image that would be expected of them.
Both characters show emotion well, and Heath does well at holding back so much throughout the film.
Towards the end you really take in the tragedy underlying the story. They never truly live their own lives, their own lives are always in secret and never shared with friends and family because of what is socially expected of them. The women in their lives suffer directly as a result of societies expectations, because they to are living a false life with no hope for true happiness.
Jack always talks about what they could have together if they could just ignore everyone else. Too often their time spent together ends in anger and you are left wishing there was just so much more time for these boys to enjoy life...
I hope people watch this movie and learn what social barriers and intolerance can inflict on others. Let people live _thier_ lives, and get on with your own.