Brokeback Mountain Is the Pick of the Week

Even with only one viewing, Ang Lee’s heartbreaking and still impactful 2005 modern classic Brokeback Mountain, will turn the most hardened detractor into a blubbering idiot once the final frame passes by. It’s more than just a portrait of secret gay cowboys; it’s simply about love, something that affects us all, regardless of race, gender, politics, or class status.

The (unfortunately) late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal beautifully portray Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, two cowboys in 1963, searching for work. While tending to a local farmer’s herd during the harsh winter season, they eventually become friends, and even more. Afterwards, they both go their separate ways, marry, and have children with their respective wives (wonderful turns by Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway), but even after many decades, they both realize that the only comfort they’ve ever had is with each other on Brokeback. They also know that their love can and will never really survive, especially because of society’s often egregious expectations and prejudices, and that they must carry their passions for each other to their graves.

Brokeback, brilliantly adapted by Lee from Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story, is a film that is universal about every kind of love, not just the one between cowboys. It expresses that there is always going to be scorn and misunderstandings against any love. And in today’s hellish and uncertain climate, it’s also going to be age so well (and so importantly). It’s one for all-time.

Kino Lorber is releasing Brokeback Mountain on 4K UHD and Blu-ray. I’m sure the new HD master will further enhance the film’s now iconic visual and period landscapes. The special features (most of them vintage) should still be informative and give you a new appreciation of the film, perhaps more than back then. They include a new commentary by film historian Julie Kirgo; Sharing the Story: The Making of Brokeback Mountain; interviews with Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana; Music from the Mountain: Featurette with Gustavo Santaolalla; theatrical trailer/TV spots; and more.

So, if you love this modern landmark film and its story of real love, as well the amazing filmmaking behind it, then this new release is an obvious must have.

Other great releases:

Perfect Days (Criterion): Wim Wenders’ latest film triumph about a janitor in Japan who drives between jobs listening to rock music, as he tries to find beauty in the world. Read Steve Geise’s review of the movie.

Black God, White Devil (Criterion): A stark account of hired gunman Antonio das Mortes, who witnesses the descent of common rural worker Manuel into a life of crime, joining the gang of Antonio’s sworn enemy, Corisco the Blond Devil, and the Pedra Bonita Massacre.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Kino): The chilling 1956 original classic starring Kevin McCarthy as a man who arrives in San Francisco to inform the world that strange, emotionless aliens have arrived on earth to overtake humanity.

Monk: Season Eight (Kino): The eighth and final season of the great comedy/mystery series starring the iconic Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, everyone’s favorite agoraphobic detective, continuing solving crimes cases, including the biggest one involving his late, beloved wife Trudy. Read my review.