Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee’s adaptation of Annie Proulx’s short story essentially depicts a secretive love story between two cowboys, played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall. In a reflection of the times, they are unable to spread the word about their natural feelings with each other without suffering from an incredible backlash. The situation in which they find themselves in leads to them being alone, away from prying eyes. This gives them both the opportunity to express themselves to their fullest.

Both Gyllenhall and Ledger put in powerful performances of different kinds. Ennis (played by Heath Ledger) is the typical alpha male character. He doesn’t wish to express himself or reveal what he’s feeling on the inside. As a result, he generally stays quite silent and keeps himself to himself in the beginning. Meanwhile, Jack (played by Jake Gyllenhall) is clearly more heartfelt and emotional. He attempts to break the wall down in which Ennis surrounds himself with; trying desperately to get Ennis to reveal more of his inner-human self. Slowly but surely, we see the barrier that Ennis has built for himself begin to break down. This makes for a more emotional-driven narrative in various aspects.

As you begin to form a bond with the characters, Ennis and Jack in particular, you then begin to experience the trials and tribulations that come with being homosexual in that time period. As a result, the director ensures that you have formed that relationship with those characters first, so that when you come to the point of the disruptions, you feel those moments affect you in the same way that the characters do. This leads right the way through until the end; in which if you have formed those bonds with the characters, it will have your heart pouring out in many emotional ways.

All in all, Brokeback Mountain is a thorough emotional experience that will provide a rollercoaster full of up and downs.