"You can never categorize a region or place, or stereotype them. A large group of people fall for love as a universal thing, they want to know it in every which way they can; detour or what have you. Any unusual way to find out about the mystery of love. To connect with each other."
-Ang Lee, Director

From slanderous and condescending reviews, to being pulled from theaters in Utah, to being the winner of 4 Golden Globe awards, Brokeback Mountain has taken quite a ride in such a short amount of time. Its 'against the grain' storyline has brought cinema to its next proverbial crossroads.

Set in Wyoming circa 1960s, Brokeback Mountain captures the very essence of that timeline. Ennis Del Mar (played by Heath Ledger) is the "laconic, quiet man" (as described by Ang Lee) just looking for work within the hills of Brokeback Mountain. Jack Twist (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) is the quintessential hopeless romantic you would find in any love story. Attendancy to be on the aggressive side, Jack sets his sights on something and won't stop until he gets it. Mix that with Ennis' timid demeanor and apprehensive attitude, and you have the textbook "polar opposites". But isn't that how the majority of love stories go?

"I think the biggest misconception is to categorize the movie. But I think the movie is really about the complexity of love."
-Ang Lee, Director

You may have dreamed of a place with open fields where you can watch the sunrise spread its magnificent glow across all that your eyes could see. A place where you could wade in the rushing river, feeling the waves crash against your shins. A place where you can look up at night and see every star in the sky, as though they shined solely for you. Bonfires at night over entertaining conversations. Lying down to sleep and feeling the arm of your true love find its way around you. Then waking to see their eyes gazing into yours, and rising only to live the same awesome (Biblical definition) day all over again.

This is what Ennis and Jack lived for. The very epitome of their love was incepted throughout those endless days and nights. With each day their bond grew stronger, their preconceived judgements dissipated. It was only the two of them on that mountain; in that world. They knew somewhere in their minds that what they were doing would be viewed as 'wrong' but when they were on that mountain, that voice became a distant memory. It wasn't until they descended back down to 'normal life' and the 'real world' that they even gave that voice a second thought.

"Audiences love a story that convinces them, that moves them. These [movies, Brokeback Mountain & Walk The Line] are examples of that."
-Diana Ossana, Producer

When you feel something so strong, it pulls you in directions whether you're ready for them or not. You could know in your mind that something is wrong, but your heart won't let you deny it. You find conflict within yourself, and it's up to you whether you do what you feel, or do what you feel is right.

Jack did what he felt. Ennis did what he felt was right.

Sometimes, it can take years to realize if you made the right choice. Which is why I give extra kudos to Ang Lee for spanning this movie over 20 years. From delinquent nomads, to marriage, to fatherhood. Yet through it all, Brokeback Mountain remains the one and only constant; the one and only driving force within their hearts.

Since seeing this movie, I have yet to watch the trailer or even read these very lines without becoming overwhelmed to the point of tears to my eyes. I close my eyes and relive the magic as it unfolded on screen and vicariously feel what love is really about. I smile remembering the embraces. I physically hurt remembering the prejudice. I cry remembering the requited yet taboo love. I scream inside knowing that because of the contentious aura this movie has received, that so many people are going to miss out on one of the years most incredible movies, and one of the best love stories since Romeo & Juliet.

"Whether people disagree or agree with the movie is open for discussion, and I think it's a good step forward."
-Ang Lee, Director

Boy Mr. Lee, I hope you're right. When the day comes that all of society is able to take off the proverbial blinders, they will finally be able to experience the very catharsis and maybe even existentialism that many so-called "against-the-grain" movies portray.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older