Brokeback Mountain

Just like a children's picture book, this picture puzzle is filmed in an incredibly captivating way and the characters stand out beautifully. However, the film completely misses any deeper emotional impact in its picturesqueness, which is unfortunately due to the very careful handling of the provocative subject matter. This is due to the fact that if the relationship had been developed between heterosexuals, it would have been the perfect essence of kitsch, which, with the subject of homosexuality, seems more like a cheap pose than an effort to demystify not only the Wild West and cowboys as tough guys, but homosexuality itself. (05/11/2006)

Dragged-out like nothing else on earth. Among the plus points we have Lee’s directing in isolated scenes, the acting performances and the believable relations between characters... But everything gets overshadowed by dog-weariness so great, that it doesn’t allow you to immerse yourself in to the movie (or penetrate in this case?). I personally would have appreciated it if Gyllenhaal and Ledger had swapped their roles, because the latter doesn’t fit the silent type at all, even though he does a good job of it. (19/10/2007)

A beautiful film, with haunting images and a slow pace narrative that resonates with my tastes, but it’s missing something for the 5*. First of all, I didn't quite believe the depth of the relationship between the two cowboys. As portrayed by Ang Lee, their sexual bonding seemed to be only a temporary romance, the infatuation of two people in the middle of the loneliness of the mountains, but for it to be such a strong and faithful relationship that is so passionate even after four years filled with marriage and children, there would have to be something more, something that is formed over months and years of living with each other and overcoming obstacles. I missed that, which is why I didn't believe their passionate kissing scene when they meet again, but please take that as a very subjective point of view. Otherwise it will be all praise, because what Ledger and Gyllenhaal do can't be called anything else than an ode to acting, and it’s mainly because of them, the beautiful cinematography and the unobtrusive, but impressive musical score, that this film is worth seeing. But don't expect a whirlwind of emotions, they come out rather subtly throughout the film. (11/03/2006)

Ang Lee doesn't lead the viewer by the hand, and that's intentional. The director is fantastic and Brokeback Mountain is the biggest hit of the year and it absolutely deserves all those nominations. It’s a simple and unpretentious story packed with emotions. The acting is fantastic, there's no point in dissecting it in detail, both Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal deliver the best performances of their careers. Excellent, incredibly powerful dialogues. A film about a very unconventional love relationship. Without a doubt, the best film of this year. (27/02/2006)

A much more demanding film than it may seem at first glance. Ang Lee approaches a sensitive subject completely differently than I expected, without overflowing with emotions, and the viewer interprets everything solely through glances and sparingly dosed actions. But when it comes to confession, it is powerful. With complete superlatives, given the excessively wide shots, I would spare, but it captivates with atmosphere or the performances of Heath or Anne Hathaway, drawing the audience's attention to the main couple and holding their breath exactly in those moments when I feel that hearts are breaking. (13/05/2006)