Brokeback Mountain

Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Randy Quaid
Directed by: Ang Lee
Rating: R
Genre: Western, Drama, Romance
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two cowboys (Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal) meet in Wyoming, and over the course of their lives, develop a forbidden love for each other that threatens both their lives.

Review:

Tim: Well, here it is. Sooner or later, I had to see the most talked about movie of 2005. This film garnered controversy for so many reasons. First, its homosexual subject matter (which is not nearly as provocative as some would have you believe), and second, for losing the Academy Award for Best Picture to Crash (and to be honest, it is a toss up between these two films. If I had to pick, however, I might have to side with this one). The film is solidly made.

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal both give outstanding performances. Both men should be given much praise for the warmth and humanity they bring to their roles. Everyone singled Ledger out for his remarkable performance, but I encourage all not to overlook Gyllenhaal. He has perhaps the movie's best scene (his "I wish I knew how to quit you" speech near the end). Regardless, both men are outstanding. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway each add in good supporting roles, although I'm a bit surprised Williams was nominated for an Academy Award.

Brokeback Mountain is not the safest film out there. It discusses a controversial subject matter, and there will always be those who react to different things with hatred and anger. However, this is a film that means no one any harm, and simply has a touching love story to tell. Sure, it is unconventional and may make you a little uncomfortable, but that is one of the greatest powers movies have. I may not have loved every second, but I respect this movie greatly.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Donnie Darko, The Good Girl, Lonesome Dove, The Four Feathers, Ned Kelly