![Brokeback Mountain [DVD] [2005]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nbdog1dKL.jpg)
Product Description Drama from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ang Lee starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, the film tells the story of two young men - a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy - who meet in the summer of 1963, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys, and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. Both young men seem certain of their set places in the heartland, obtaining steady work, marrying, and raising a family. Yet, they both hunger for something beyond what they can articulate. When Aguirre (Randy Quaid) dispatches them to work as sheepherders up on the majestic Brokeback Mountain, they gravitate towards camaraderie and then a deeper intimacy. Lee won a Best Director Academy Award. .co.uk Review A sad, melancholy ache pervades Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee's haunting, moving film that, like his other movies, explores societal constraints and the passions that lurk underneath. This time, however, instead of taking on ancient China, 19th-century England, or '70s suburbia, Lee uses the tableau of the American West in the early '60s to show how two lovers are bound by their expected roles, how they rebel against them, and the repercussions for each of doing so--but the romance here is between two men. Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) are two itinerant ranchers looking for work in Wyoming when they meet and embark on a summer sheepherding job in the shadow of titular Brokeback Mountain. The taciturn Ennis, uncommunicative in the extreme, finds himself opening up around the gregarious Jack, and the two form a bond that surprisingly catches fire one cold night out in the wilderness. Separating at the end of the summer, each goes on to marry and have children, but a reunion years later proves that, if anything, their passion for each other has grown significantly. And while Jack harbours dreams of a life together, the tight-lipped Ennis is unable to bring himself to even consider something so revolutionary. Its open, unforced depiction of love between two men made Brokeback an instant cultural touchstone, for both good and bad, as it was tagged derisively as the "gay cowboy movie," but also heralded as a breakthrough for mainstream cinema. Amidst all the hoopla of various agendas, though, was a quiet, heartbreaking love story that was both of its time and universal--it was the quintessential tale of star-crossed lovers, but grounded in an ever-changing America that promised both hope and despair. Adapted by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana from Annie Proulx's short story, the movie echoes the sparse bleakness of McMurtry's The Last Picture Show with its fading of the once-glorious West; but with Lee at the helm, it also resembles The Ice Storm, as it showed the ripple effects of a singular event over a number of people. As always, Lee's work with actors is unparalleled, as he elicits graceful, nuanced performances from Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway as the wives affected overtly and subliminally by their husbands' affair, and Gyllenhaal brings surprising dimensions to a character that could have easily just been a puppy dog of a boy. It's Ledger, however, who's the breakthrough in the film, and his portrait of an emotionally repressed man both undone and liberated by his feelings is mesmerizing and devastating. Spare in style but rich with emotion, Brokeback Mountain earns its place as a classic modern love story. --Mark Englehart
P**S
"Caveat Emptor"
The first time I watched this DVD I felt disappointed and disaffected when I returned the disc to its box. Some 18 months on while thumbing through a stack of media, I thought I'd give it a second viewing; but this time I wasn't prejudiced. This time, 135 minutes later, I found myself emotionally "torn-open". An unprecedented reaction and somewhat debilitating. How was this, I wondered. I think now perhaps I know:Have the DVD subtitles set "ON", as it is sometimes hard to perceive the dialogue. Every word is precious in this brilliant screenplay and none must be missed. Warning: do not expect to be "entertained". That's not what this movie is about. Make sure you are undisturbed, then just recline, relax and watch. (ideally on a large wide-screen)The cinematic crafting is magnificent and in many ways flawless, with camera shots and colour you'd find in National Geographic. The musical score is haunting and blends perfectly with the sublime scenery. Heath Ledger's portrayal of an introvert ranch-hand, anguished and perplexed by his feelings is an astonishing performance and harrowing to watch. In fact, all the actors under the guidance of Director Ang Lee were just memorising. Sometimes their silent repressed expressions were visually "deafening" with emotion. I became totally drawn in and immersed in the lives of these perceivable characters. It was an effusive encounter.Few people will actually 'enjoy' "Brokeback Mountain". I say this because some folk, by nature of their disposition, will inevitably be uneasy, bored and restless for the film to finish. Unreceptive to its human story, as I first was. The remaining majority however will feel intense empathy and agitation from the impact of this stunning masterpiece. A wonderful ability of this film.If, like me, this movie didn't 'engage' the first time you saw it, please give it a 2nd chance and follow my instructions. And if you've never experienced "Brokeback Mountain", I suggest you do.This is an extraordinarily beautiful film capable of piercing emotion.
C**.
A modern classic.
Even though the film Brokeback Mountain is only 4 years old, I feel that it would not be premature to call this movie a modern classic. This movie is going to continue to affect people for many years ahead,such is the power of Brokeback Mountain. This film was called the "gay cowboy movie" on its release,but that label does not do it justice,or prepare the viewer for what lies ahead.This is a love story,except the two lovers just happen to be men.Ang Lee directs a wonderful cast here. Heath Ledger as Ennis Del Mar, was the perfect choice to play a man who finds it so difficult to share his feelings with anyone,yet also has a need for companionship and love. He deserved the oscar. Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack Twist,is equally affecting. The look of longing and heartbreak on his beautiful face is devastating. Michelle Williams as Alma also puts in an amazing performance as the cheated wife of Ennis. There are other appearances which are so powerful,such as Roberta Maxwell as the mother of Jack Twist. She is probably on screen for less than five minutes,but her performance had me thinking about her for days after seeing the movie.Beautifully shot,with breathtaking scenery,great performances,and stunning attention to detail, I cannot recommend this film highly enough.The haunting and subtle music of Gustavo Santaollala adds another layer to the already powerful emotions dealt with. It is refreshing to see a film dealing with gay men that does not have a Gloria Gaynor song, or a cross-dressing,mincing hairdresser in sight.For too long that simplistic stereotyped view of how gay men act or look has been how the cinema has shown gays. And finally this film shows the reality. Gay men are real men,not the androgynous joke that ignorant people like to imagine.This DVD set has informative extras such as: The making of Brokeback Mountain, An interview with Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossanna, On being A Cowboy, The music behind the movie, An instrumental slide show of scenes from the film, and an interesting review of the impact of the movie. There are 8 colour postcards included with the two discs.Brokeback Mountain deserved the best picture oscar,no question about it.In summary: A deeply affecting,gorgeously made movie. Buy it.
M**E
Worth a watch
Great film, very sad
G**M
A good film
Good to have in the collection
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