The first time I heard about the movie, Brokeback Mountain, and learned that it stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, I immediately got interested. I will definitely wait for that DVD, I told myself. I didn’t know yet what the story was about. But if it stars these two fine actors, it’s a must-see for me. I’ve seen the works of Heath in A Knight’s Tale and Monster’s Ball and Jake in October Sky and A Good Girl.
Then a month later, I learned that Brokeback Mountain was about gay cowboy lovers and there was controversy all over the place. It striked my curiousity more. Now, I couldn’t wait to watch it in the theatres.
Some people may find a movie about gay lovers scandalous or just the idea may be icky for men, but I am very broad-minded with regards to this. I have a relative who’s a lesbian. I’ve also been around a few classmates in High School who were gays and lesbians. They were good and kind-hearted people.
Set in 1963 Wyoming, Brokeback Mountain is not just about gay lovers. It’s more than that. Actually, at the start of the movie, they were not gay, or perhaps one of them was already. This is about a beautiful relationship that developed into love that stood against distance, time and social norms. Some parts of the story reminded me of the Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep starrer The Bridges of Madison County.
I think Heath deserves the Oscar nomination and although Jake didn’t get one, he did an awesome performance. Jake did receive a Screen Guild Actor (SAG) nomination. I am so proud of Michelle Williams who has matured from her cute role in Dawson’s Creek.
Inside the theatre, I was looking around to see what kind of people would be interested in watching this movie. I was surprised to see quite a few elderly ladies. Not a lot of young ones. Could this mean that older people are more open-minded than young people? I thought it was the other way around. But then again, I went on the Sunday matinee, not a popular time slot.
I give Brokeback Mountain two thumbs up.
7 comments:
Hi! we never planned on watching it. but after reading your entry we just MIGHT- IF it doesn't have any Rated R scenes. does it? btw, thanks for dropping by.
TK, it is Rated R in the U.S. and PG14 here in Canada. There are nude scenes. Don't bring the kids.
Haven't been checking out the movies over here lately so, not sure whether this is being shown here or not. However, I've been reading a lot of good reviews about it. There was one negative review by NBC's Gene Shalit that has been getting a lot of presss because it offended the gay community. Considering Shalit's son is gay, the gay community couldn't comprehend why he would trash the film when it speaks of "love."
There was a local gay-themed film recently shown here on a limited run, "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo'" which also received rave reviews. I'll probably wait for the DVD versions for both.
Nonetheless, I salute you for your open-mindedness!
Incidentally, my nephew took me to the section of Quiapo where they sell Malaysian-copied DVD's for one dollar each (55-60 pesos). I don't encourage piracy but when I viewed a copy, I was astounded at its quality. Almost all top Hollywood film titles are available, too. Ok, I admit, I bought one, Help, by the Beatles. Superb quality, I must add.
I've seen the movie two nights in a row. After seeing it the first time I felt disturbed and lots of inner turmoil. It seemed to me that their "struggle" was a heavy burden which brought about a very sad demise. It saddened me. But after seeing it last night, I felt uplifted seeing that in the end, Ennis DelMar (Ledger) has an "awakening" and comes out on the other end a new and better man.
How sad that people think of this as a "gay" movie. It's a people movie - it's about finding companionship, friendship and love that dared to find itself "outside-the-box!"
Don't miss it!
Brokeback Mountain bagged 4 golden globe awards, unfortunately Heather didn’t get the best actor award... I didn’t watch the movie yet because it’s still not open here in Singapore. I can’t wait to watch that really. Naalala ko tuloy yung movie ni albert Martines at Eric quizon before sa pinas.
I just saw Pride & Prejudice, and immediately thought of you. I have a distinct feeling you'll love this film as well.
Great film, indeed!
Eric, I saw the a version of Pride and Prejudice, the one that starred Colin Firth. I might check out the new one. I also love Keira Knightley. Saw her in Bend it like Beckham and King Arthur.
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