Top 25 Movies of the Year

@ joshb, I’m glad you took the time to reply and send your thoughts. You see, I’m a University Professor in a an Arts Faculty and oftentimes in art, there is more than meets the eye, and I think that Brokeback Mountain belongs to that category of works. In many ways, Brokeback Mountain belongs more to the tradition of brilliant foreign films such as “Babette’s Feast”, “Wings of Desire” (Der Himmel über Berlin), “The Piano”, “Au revoir les enfants”, etc. Perhaps you didn’t like BBM; it is not the type of movie that everyone likes, especially in America, but does that make it “crap”? Some people don’t like the music of Beethoven or Debussy, but does that make it crap? Is it thus less valuable and important in the history of music? Regarding BBM, one can rationalize and debate various scenes, one can agree or not with the behaviour of the protagonists, but in the end, we can’t deny, as illustrated by the quotes I sent you earlier, that this film had a major impact on the lives of many film and has touched a lot a people very deeply. Some got it… and some simply didn’t get it. That’s normal. Beyond personal preferences, one has to acknowledge that Brokeback Mountain is a landmark film. Its impact has been absolutely historical in scope and undeniable. Rarely have we seen a film have such an impact on society, in the media, and with the general public, even on those who haven't seen it or did not have the courage to go see it. I regularly read articles that mention the terms “pre-Brokeback” or “post-Brokeback”. There is thus before, and there is after. Several books have since been published on the subject: “Beyond Brokeback – The Impact of a Film”, “Reading Brokeback Mounatin – Essays on the Story and the Film”, “On Brokeback Mountain – Meditations about Masculinity, Fear, and Love in the Story and the Film”, etc. Numerous papers have been written by scholars who have studied the Brokeback phenomenon on various levels. I think that what makes this film (and the brilliant short story by Annie Proulx) so special and so great, is that everything is not said, nor explained. It is a film with many layers and it carries implications on various levels. The screenwriters and the director put their trust in the viewer to put the pieces together and, ultimately, to “feel” the power of this heart wrenching story. Brokeback Mountain has irrefutably been THE “Movie Event” of 2005 and we will remain a milestone in cinematic history.
— December 13, 2008 8:08 p.m.

Top 25 Movies of the Year

Since the discussion has obviously turned toward the essential & exceptional Brokeback Mountain, I would refer readers to this comment on IMDB by "Prince" dated May 24, 2008: A DEEPLY MOVING FILM - AN EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT! Over the years, I have seen lots of films of very diverse origins. I don’t watch movies to be sermonized, lectured and preached upon. I don’t like to be pushed around and manipulated by frantic editing, by an artificially fast rhythm, or by incessant music. I have come to appreciate truthfulness & subtlety in art and in film: the beauty of a smile, the intensity of a glance, the profound meaning of silence. “Brokeback Mountain is an extraordinarily special film. One of the most touching love stories in decades, Brokeback Mountain slowly weaves its magic, moving forward at a languid pace and ever so gently working its way into your heart. There’s no rushing into the film, no need to fill every moment with dialogue. Some movies take their time laying the story out and settling over the audience. Brokeback Mountain is one of those films. […] One of the most beautiful love stories to hit the screen in years, Brokeback Mountain is as close to being a perfect film as you can get.” (from “Brokeback Mountain - A Truly Memorable Love Story”, Movie Review by Rebecca Murray, About.com). I must say that though I had read the brilliant set of Annie Proulx’s short stories (“Close Range: Wyoming Stories”) prior to the release of Ang Lee’s film, I was not prepared for what awaited me when I saw Brokeback Mountain for the first time almost 2½ years ago. I was floored, transfixed, shattered, speechless. Since I share the feelings expressed by “carr-6 from Sweden” on April 12, I’m tempted to quote her: “My whole life will be divided into before Brokeback and after Brokeback. It quite literally changed my life. I was rocked to my core. The movie took over my head and my heart and I will never be the same. No movie has ever or will ever impact on me like this.” After its glorious victory at the Venice International Film Festival, Ang Lee’s unforgettable masterpiece was highly anticipated and, it lived up to the expectations. I have seen this film more times than any other film and, each time, I have inevitably been deeply moved. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN was named BEST PICTURE of 2005 by more than 30 groups, guilds & organizations around the world, and deservedly so. This film requires a certain maturity and open-mindedness from the viewer and might therefore not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there is no denying that this film made history and is already a true classic. Brokeback Mountain does not fit the typical Hollywood mold and stands without a doubt as one of the most exceptional and best movies in the history of cinema. Very highly recommended. Posted by Prince on IMDB, 24 May 2008
— December 12, 2008 9:10 p.m.

Top 25 Movies of the Year

So you thought Brokeback Mountain was “crap”...? Oh, not enough car chases? too few machine gun shootings? not enough murders? Not even one single explosion?! … that movie really sucked! Well, like many, I thought Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain was a masterfully directed & acted work of art, a truly exceptional and genuine “Masterpiece”. Brokeback Mountain is certainly one of the very best and most touching films I have ever seen in my life, and I am 47. Since its release 3 years ago, that movie has reached the “legendary” status, and is now a cult movie for people from all walks of life. It was undeniably one of the most talked about and most important films of the last 20 years. Brokeback Mountain represents a watershed in American cinematic history, not only for its subject matter, but also and mostly for the truthfulness, the subtlety, and the overall high quality of its treatment. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN was deservedly named "BEST PICTURE” of 2005 over 30 times (!!!) around the world and stands as one of the most decorated films in the history of cinema. I would say that’s not too bad for “crap”.
— December 12, 2008 5:03 a.m.