Brokeback Mountain - A Movie Review

This is a one-shot thing. It’s nobody’s business but ours. I ain’t quittin’.

Brokeback Mountain arrived in theaters in 2005. While working a seasonal job in the solitude of Brokeback Mountain one summer, two men develop a sexual relationship. Having to go their separate routes, even marrying women, Jack and Ennis keep their complicated relationship a secret.

I am not sure how it has taken me this long to see Brokeback Mountain. It was an incredibly moving experience. The film’s main subject about one’s sexuality is important. It reflects how society has evolved over the years. Never be afraid to be who you are.

Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger were remarkable in their performances. Their chemistry was electrifying. Jack and Ennis find a connection in one another. Due to life circumstances, it is difficult for them to be together. Both actors embraced their characters, bringing to light solid and commemorable performances.

Brokeback Mountain stars several actors who have contrasting ranges of acting backgrounds. At the time of filming, the late Ledger and Michelle Williams were dating. Williams achieved selling broken emotion through her eyes.

I had no idea that Anne Hathaway was in this film until the moment she appeared. Compared to most of Hathaway's roles at the time this was a completely distinct role from what I have seen. Fantastic as always, I felt like Hathaway’s character wasn’t developed enough like Williams. She deserved better direction and involvement in the story.

Randy Quaid completely blew me away. The only role that I have seen Quaid in is the dimwitted, yet good-hearted Uncle Eddie from the National Lampoon series. He was completely unrecognizable here as a serious and hot-headed man. Acting puts everyone’s abilities to the ultimate test.

Other credits include Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, Peter McRobbie, Kate Mara, Scott Michael Campbell, and an appearance by David Harbour who Stranger Things fans know well.

Romance has evolved. The world has become more open about same-sex relationships. Brokeback Mountain is a very romantic film. It is taken seriously by everyone involved, including Ang Lee who directed a stellar film. The film is poignant. I cannot get the resonating guitar theme music out of my head.

There is not much dialogue at times, capturing beautiful cinematography of landscapes. They shot this film in the best locations, finding glorious country, mountains, and rivers. Admire the world for what it is.

Lee did a great job with the pacing of the story, preferably in the beginning. I also like what Lee did with clever symbolic references. By the middle half, the film started to drag with too many segments of viewing Jack and Ennis’s separate lives.

A negative element that viewers don’t like about this film is how the main pair cheat behind the backs of their wives for years. While I did find that distasteful, honestly, it’s what the film is about. In a time where gay relationships still weren’t accepted, the message corresponds to being open about our feelings. Everyone should be allowed to be open.

Brokeback Mountain is a test. Of course, they should not be going behind their wives' backs, but it’s okay to have romantic feelings for whomever you please. Be true to yourself. Don’t let societal norms overtake you from living the life that you want to live. What matters is that you are happy being your true self.

For anyone who is in search of a new romantic film, Brokeback Mountain is the one for you. Give it a chance. It will make you feel all the emotions.