There aren’t many filmmakers like Ang Lee out there, somehow this man manages to create films that will stay with you long after you’re done watching them. It doesn’t matter how good they are, or if they’re even mediocre films, there is just something alluring about the way he constructs his films that you are genuinely bewitched by them. This is the exact way I feel about Brokeback Mountain, a film that had me confused about how to feel about it for a very long time, and upon multiple rewatches, I finally know what to say about it.
How to Download Brokeback Mountain
You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you like romantic movies, check out also Titanic or The Shape of Water.
The Movie Review
The film tells the story of two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, who fall in love while working together on a sheepherding job in the 1960s. The story of Brokeback Mountain is a deeply moving and thought-provoking one that explores the complexities of forbidden love and the societal prejudices that can tear it apart. The film paints a poignant picture of how society’s prejudices can tear apart two people who deeply love each other.
To get a few things out of the way, the film is a powerful commentary on the societal norms of the time and how they affected the lives of the gay community. The story of Brokeback Mountain is a powerful and emotional one, that explores the complexities and struggles of forbidden love in a conservative and judgemental society.
The story is well-constructed and it takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery, heartbreak, and acceptance. However, I do think that some parts of the film are a bit slow-paced which can make it feel a bit tedious at times.
The writing and dialogue in Brokeback Mountain are exceptional. The script is beautifully written, with a rich and nuanced story that explores the complexities of the characters’ emotions and experiences. The dialogue is realistic and it’s delivered in a way that makes it feel like it’s coming from real people, not characters in a movie. The film also does an excellent job of showing the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings through their actions and dialogue.
The screenwriters have done a fantastic job in capturing the nuances of the characters and their emotions.
Ennis and Jack, two cowboys bound by an unyielding love, their characters etched in the rolling hills of Wyoming, where the winds of societal prejudices blew fiercely. Ennis, in a constant battle with his own emotions, and Jack, a man determined to pave his own path, their love a forbidden one. But in Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, the actors behind these characters, this love comes to life in all its raw and unfiltered glory.
Gyllenhaal’s openness is a thing of beauty, his determination to make the love work and to just exist as he pleases, his character providing the emotional anchor for the film. His portrayal, both heart-wrenching and heart-warming. But it’s Ledger, in a performance that transcends the boundaries of art, who steals the show. His portrayal of Ennis, is so vivid and real, that the actor disappears and all that remains is the character. A performance that is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece.
The Visuals
The cinematography in Brokeback Mountain is a visual symphony, capturing the rugged beauty of Wyoming’s landscapes and allowing the audience to feel as though they are right there alongside the characters. The film’s use of lighting and color creates a sense of mood and atmosphere that is truly captivating. The camera work is masterful, with a keen eye for detail that elevates the film to a truly aesthetic experience.
The Music
The music in Brokeback Mountain is a melodic tapestry, weaving together the film’s emotions and adding depth to the story. The score, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, is hauntingly beautiful and adds to the emotional impact of the film. The music sets the tone of the film perfectly, capturing the nuances of the characters’ emotions and perfectly complementing the visual feast on screen.
Verdict
Brokeback Mountain is a poignant and thought-provoking film. It is a film that is masterfully directed, acted, and shot, with a powerful script and evocative music that adds depth to the story. However, it is not without its flaws. It is a bit slow-paced and some parts of the film are a bit dragged out which can make it feel a bit tedious at times.
It is definitely worth watching for anyone who wants to experience a powerful and thought-provoking story about love, loss, and acceptance, but it may not be for everyone’s taste. Ultimately, it is a film that will make you feel, and leave a lasting impact on you, even if it wasn’t exactly your cup of tea.
