I recently went out with a few of my friends to see the critically acclaimed film, Brokeback Mountain. I was somewhat apprehensive at first because of the mixed reactions I received from family and friends who knew I wanted to see the film. Still, I decided to see for myself exactly what all the hype was about. 

 
Once the film began to roll, my eyes were riveted to the screen.  I was amazed by the cinematography, as it captured the vast and intricate details of the Canadian wilderness.  From the first scene, I was hooked. By the end of the film I was moved beyond words at the tale of forbidden, endearing and tragic love that unfolded in front of me. 

What Happens

Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger), the tougher and harder of the two, was such a dynamic character in my opinion. Unable to sort out and fully accept the emotions he felt for Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), the soft-eyed dreamer, Ennis cut himself off from his family, and only ever truly came alive when he was with Jack.

As the movie progressed, it was apparent that Jack desired more than their monthly excursions. He wanted it all, including a ranch that the two men could call their own. Ennis, still fearful of the reactions of others and still unable to completely accept his feelings for Jack, tells him "no" repeatedly. Ennis worries about what could happen to them if someone found out.  

Despite this tough-guy depiction of Ennis, as his character developed further, I realized he was the true romantic. Never truly able to verbally express his feelings for Jack, Ennis said little, but expected so much. He expected the same fidelity from Jack that he gave. He expected to be Jack's only, as Jack was his. 

 
Brokeback Mountain sent me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. As Gustavo Santaolalla's "The Wings" played softly in the background and Ennis grasped for a scent of Jack on his shirt, oceans welled under my eyes. This film made me view love as something untamable—something so immensely powerful, it can ruin your health. Love is free from labels—gender, race, creed, etc. It is a connection between two beings, pulling them together in their darkest hours.

This Movie Is About Love 

I believe this movie received so-o-o much hype because it told a story that was more about love than sexual orientation. It made you forget that the lovers were two males. I fell in love with their characters and with the love they shared for each other.  

 
This isn't the first gay love story; it's just the first story, in my opinion, that has been told about real men with real conflicting emotions. The two men are almost as ashamed and disgusted with themselves as the people on the outside looking in. Ennis hated what Jack did to him. He blamed Jack for making him feel that way, for causing him to fall in love.  

 
But, we all desire love. We all want to be with that one person who gets to us, that one person who we think about every night before we drift off to sleep, that person who gets under our skin and lights our hearts on fire. And that desire is the same for people who are gay. 

Changing Societal Prejudices 

Much of today's society still teaches that homosexuality is sinful and condemnable. So, many who are gay fight the emotions they develop for the same sex. But love is something we are born to experience; it is our right as human beings. To detach yourself from it or to run from it is to detach yourself from your humanity. 

 
This is why the rate of gay suicides is so high. As society makes gay lovers think that what they feel is unnatural and even inhuman, many end up living desperate lives and dying unfulfilled. This movie proves that love is one of the purest emotions and that it can lead us to perform great feats and even become better people.  

 
As awards season has begun, Brokeback Mountain has had an impact on many. It won Best Picture at the Golden Globe Awards in January and picked up eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor and Supporting Actor for both Heath and Jake, as well as, Best Director and Best Picture. So, if you do see this film, remember that its message is about love and that it does a great job of normalizing love for all people.