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The two begin to share a secret relationship that neither is fully able to deal with. At the summers end, they have to leave Brokeback Mountain and both go their separate ways. Four years later both have married and started families, but their bond was far from broken. Jack sends Ennis a note and the two begin a twenty year affair of secret meetings disguised as fishing trips. The affair has serious consequences for both of the men and their families, but it is the power of their unspoken love that keeps bringing them together.

The story was published and became a rather big success, at least as far as short stories go. In time it caught the interest of screen writers Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana who teamed up with director Ang Lee to make it a movie.

Eventually they found willing backers and actors and now the stage is set for Oscar glory. So, the only question remaining is: is it all worth the effort and attention?

To that I would answer a resounding yes. The film is nearly flawless with beautiful cinematography, pitch perfect music and brilliant performances. Heath Ledger stars as Ennis and has, with one performance, redefined his career from forgotten teen star to award-winning actor. The rest of the cast is worthy of all the praise they have been given, especially Michelle Williams who has little screen time but uses it to create one of the most heart-wrenching and powerful performances in recent memory. To her credit she earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress the same day that her “Dawson’s Creek” co-star and “rival” Katie Holmes earned a nomination for worst supporting actress for Batman Begins (though Ms. Holmes nomination is only backlash against her being an unabashed attention whore).

Most important in dealing with this difficult and moving film is the way it has been received by audiences. It has spurned the usual protests, criticisms, and outrage of every major motion picture with gay characters in leading roles. The difference here is that even the staunchest GLBTI advocates cannot fully defend the actions of the main characters that both lie to and cheat on their wives for twenty years.

However, any rational person who has actually seen the movie can easily ascertain that the film doesn’t attempt to justify their actions, but simply shows the enduring power of love against impossible odds. This has lead to tales of viewers going back six, seven even eight times to see the movie. Audiences describe it as haunting because this film takes time to fully sink in. The story itself is very much a gay romance, but the deepest themes of the movie are more universal and affect gay and straight viewers alike. I would suggest to anybody who thinks they might be interested in the film, go see it despite any stigma of watching a “gay cowboy love story.” Just remember to bring some Kleenex.