Brokeback Mountain

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Brokeback Mountain

R

Released Dec 9, 2005

2h 14m

Romance

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

253 Reviews

82%

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250,000+ Ratings

In 1963, rodeo cowboy Jack Twist and ranch hand Ennis Del Mar are hired by rancher Joe Aguirre as sheep herders in Wyoming. One night on Brokeback Mountain, Jack makes a drunken pass at Ennis that is eventually reciprocated. Though Ennis marries his longtime sweetheart, Alma and Jack marries a fellow rodeo riders, the two men keep up their tortured and sporadic affair over the course of 20 years.

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Critics Consensus

A beautiful, epic Western, Brokeback Mountain's love story is imbued with heartbreaking universality thanks to moving performances by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

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David Stratton

The Australian

Ledger and Gyllenhaal deserve nothing but praise for their brave, sensitive portrayals of troubled souls...

Jan 3, 2024

Full Review

Namrata Joshi

Outlook

What is remarkable about the film is how it doesn't politicise the homosexuality theme, transcends it to become the story of two people in doomed love. The two lead characters are wonderfully delineated.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 10, 2019

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

Brokeback Mountain is in no rush. Its emotional impact builds slowly, its rhythms in tune with the countryside--the rugged grandeur of the mountains; the arid, bleak vistas of backwater Western towns.

Jul 6, 2010

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Joe Lipsett

The Queer Gaze (Podcast)

20 years on, Brokeback Mountain remains a milestone of queer cinema. There's an interesting discussion to be had about the casting of straight actors and the depiction of intimacy, but the film's score and tragic ending remain iconic

Rated: 4/5

Feb 6, 2025

Full Review

Scott Nye

Battleship Pretension

It remains a rarely-surpassed high-watermark for both Ledger and Gyllenhaal, who were both nominated (it remains Gyllenhaal’s only nod), and who each capture something in their characters and something in themselves as actors that seems a tad elusive.

Aug 1, 2024

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David Opie

Digital Spy

Sure, there are happier gay films out now, ones that involve more queer talent both in front of and behind the camera, but here I am still, clinging onto this masterpiece like Ennis holding onto that damn jacket.

Rated: 5/5

Jun 11, 2024

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Veer S

honestly the best movie of all time when u think about it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/01/22

Full Review

Fer S

Good movie, just a bit on the long side.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/25

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orkhon オ

The background art, the setting, and the emotions of the characters are really good. The writing is also perfect.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/10/25

Full Review

Aly L

Sadness all around. Sad for the people, sad for the animals, sad for the mountain. I realize that this film tells a story of two people who can’t be together because of societal resistance and hypocrisy, even violence against them. But some of their actions are strange. Why would you (Jack) marry a firey cowgirl if you know you are not ready to end your relationship with Ennis? Why would not you (Ennis) at least find a better place to kiss Jack when he comes to visit with you? Of course Alma will notice! I mean, cheating is not nice, but normally people will try to hide it better. Strange. I like Loreen, Alma Jr. and Jack/Ennis’s boss the most here.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/06/25

Full Review

Dragomir J

This movie brought me to tears, first one to actually do so, the way I relate to jack twist is insane, the plot is amazing and the film fits the era it's supposed to be in, I will always recommend brokeback mountain to my more close minded friends.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/01/24

Full Review

SkyRo P

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal delivered outstanding performances in the film Brokeback Mountain, which tells the poignant story of two heterosexual men who embark on a trip that unexpectedly leads to a complex romantic relationship, despite their existing lives and commitments. Unfortunately, the film doesn't resonate with everyone and doesn't receive the recognition it truly deserves. Some viewers dismiss it simply because it features a same-sex relationship, often labeling it unfairly. However, at its core, it's just a film meant to entertain, regardless of personal beliefs. And it undeniably captivates its audience. The narrative follows the emotional journey of these two men as they grapple with their feelings for one another, culminating in a love that ultimately leads to heartache. I won’t spoil the ending for those who haven’t watched it, but Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway also deliver powerful performances that enhance the story. Cinematically, the film is beautifully crafted, boasting stunning cinematography and breathtaking landscapes. The acting is superb, making it a worthwhile experience. I highly recommend this film to anyone willing to appreciate it for its artistic merit, rather than through the lens of personal or religious beliefs.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/21/24

Full Review

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Ang Lee

Director

Heath Ledger

Ennis Del Mar

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jack Twist

Linda Cardellini

Cassie

Anna Faris

Lashawn Malone

Anne Hathaway

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Synopsis

In 1963, rodeo cowboy Jack Twist and ranch hand Ennis Del Mar are hired by rancher Joe Aguirre as sheep herders in Wyoming. One night on Brokeback Mountain, Jack makes a drunken pass at Ennis that is eventually reciprocated. Though Ennis marries his longtime sweetheart, Alma and Jack marries a fellow rodeo riders, the two men keep up their tortured and sporadic affair over the course of 20 years.

Director: Ang Lee
Producer: Diana Ossana, James Schamus
Screenwriter: Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Alberta Film Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Good Machine, Focus Features, River Road Entertainment
Rating: R (Nudity|Language|Sexuality|Some Violence)
Genre: Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 9, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 11, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $83.0M
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Surround, DTS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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