Review of Brokeback Mountain (2005) by Elliott F — 22 Jun 2012
Ang Lee's master work is too often shrugged off as "the gay cowboy movie" and that criminally devalues the film. Something of a modern romantic masterpiece, Brokeback Mountain follows the life-long relationship between Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) as the two cowboys get intimate atop Brokeback Mountain one summer while herding sheep.
The rest of the film sees them each getting married and having families, but the two continue to cross paths occasionally. It would be too easy to dismiss their relationship as a forbidden love affair, as the men's relationship is very, very profound, and is expertly portrayed by Ledger and Gyllenhaal.
Additionally Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, and Linda Cardellini in a very brief role, are all terrific. The film really could have been bad, but bolstered by brilliant performances (Ledger is at his very best here) and superb direction from Ang Lee, this is one of the best films of the decade.
This review of Brokeback Mountain (2005) was written by Elliott F on 22 Jun 2012.
Brokeback Mountain has generally received very positive reviews.
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