"Brokeback Mountain"

I just got home from seeing the film "Brokeback Mountain," starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. It's probably the best film I've seen this year. I can see it now, "And the Oscar for best picture goes to...'Brokeback Mountain.'" I called it for "Million Dollar Baby" a year ago. That was a fine film, with great acting, directing, dialogue, and plot. It was a very emotional film, especially in the second half of the flick. Well, if you want to compare the two films on an emotional level, "Brokeback Mountain" has "Million Dollar Baby" beat hands down. I usually don't get emotional with films, but this one got to me.

Now, okay, this film is not for everyone. But, honestly, unless you are 100% homophobic, I would recommend this film. There aren't too many "scenes." It's not some porno film. There are a couple brief kissing scenes and one very brief scene that is more physical, but most of the physical scenes are just of the two cowboys cuddling and being close to one another. There isn't a great deal of nudity. There's one scene where a woman's top half can be seen for a second and then another scene where Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal jump into a lake naked.

If that doesn't bother you a great deal, then I definitely recommend this film. It's very well acted. It's got to be Heath Ledger's break-out performance. He stole the show, acting wise. Jake Gyllenhaal gave a solid performance, as usual, but Ledger was outstanding.

I must warn everyone, that if you do decide to see this film, please bring some tissues. I'm not going to lie and say that it's a happy and cheerful film throughout. Once the final credits started rolling, I was emotionally drained. I still am and it's been a couple hours since the movie ended. There are more funny parts than I had expected, though. It's no comedy, but there are a few humorous scenes in the film.

My advice is to, if you're not homophobic, go out and see "Brokeback Mountain." I can't imagine there being a better film this year. The scenery is gorgeous. The acting is superb and the direction is brilliant. I went in to this film not truly knowing what to expect, but I exited the theater very happy that I saw the film. It was well worth my $6.50.