Brokeback Mountain

Gay romance between cowboys out on the prairie?  Small wonder Ang Lee‘s beautifully composed and achingly sad picture caused a buzz of controversy at the time of release.  It might confront some of society’s taboos, particularly those in mid-West America, but it should be watched for being an emotionally credible love story, acted with passion, intensity and sensitivity by the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal – and indeed by Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams as the spurned spouses.  This is ultimately a tragic story, since by its very nature theirs is a love that, in that macho environment, dare not speak its name.  Their dreams of being together turn out to be the stuff of fantasy, but is that not how life often turns out?  Remember the beautiful moments.  Lee certainly deserved his Best Director Oscar.  8.5/10