Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Brokeback Mountain

• I’ll say it right now, if you voted for 'Crash' instead of his masterpiece, then screw you. Not that anybody who reads this is an Oscar voter, but still. It's one of the best written films ever, with interesting character development that leaves you emotional and downright depressed. It’s a heartbreaking story. It’s a forbidden and tortured romance across several years, and while sometimes forbidden love is the best kind of love, that's not the case in this. It is and it isn't. The way the story is told from different points that makes it work. While it focuses more on Ennis than Jack, you still see both sides of things, not just from one point of view. It's realistic, relatable, and one of the most authentic feeling romances you'll ever see on screen. Especially because of the time period. There were great performances all around, not just from Heath or Jake. Every character is impactful in some way, whether you realize it or not. But obviously, the spotlight is on Heath and Jake. I love their chemistry, whether it be the more touching scenes, or the ones where they clash. It just works. The jumps between time and setting also works extremely well. Going back and forth between Wyoming and Texas in the 60’s was nice. It’s different from what I’m used to with these kinds of romance movies. Ang Lee's direction is just fantastic, and he makes it down to earth while still giving you a little bit of chance to imagine (whether it be about positive things or negative things). Overall, the film is heartwrenchingly perfect, and deserved the Oscars it was nominated for. It should've won all of them, but even though it didn't, I'm glad it got what it did. I would recommend it to all drama fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go check it out now!