Filmmaker reacts to Brokeback Mountain (2005) for the FIRST TIME!

[@headwound]

Thank you for reacting to this beautiful film. It deserved better than to be remembered as the gay cowboy film. My favourite fact about it is when Heath Ledger was asked to make a Brokeback Mountain joke during the 2007 Oscars, he refused to attend, saying "It's not a joke to me - I don't want to make any jokes about it." And I think that it's good reactors such as yourself are giving it a real chance and thus showing it to an audience in a new light. :)

[@JamesVSCinema]

Anytime

[@andrewmize823]

A lot of my friends couldn't get past the fact that Brokeback Mountain depicts a love affair between two men. I viewed it more in general human terms; the injustice of two people who love each other caught in hostile circumstances that prevent them from being truly happy together. It's beautiful that those two people found a deep and abiding connection, but it's horribly sad and unfair that they have to go to such extreme measures to hide it, just for the sake of living "normal" lives in their society. The end is absolutely heartbreaking, and it would be heartbreaking no matter who it happened to--two men, two women, a man and a woman, whatever. In the broad terms of love and loss, it's a story that anyone should be able to relate to on some level.

[@LBrobie]

exactly!👍

[@jackcarl2772]

There are a lot of people who refused to see this film - my brother was one - and I always figured it's their loss. Whatever goes on people's heads ultimately effects them more than anyone else, and they miss out on so much.

[@Peng-444]

I had the same from some of my friends. We were quite young when it came out and I hope they got around to watching it. Its a beautiful heartbreaking film whatever your sexuality. Ang Lee is such a great director.

[@PierIsABaraReader]

The iconic line "I wish I knew how to quit you, and moreso's Ennis' reaction to it is even that deep. He eventually cried because his only remaining coping mechanism, from his series of catastrophies he calls life, is even planning on quitting him. He's left with nothing if he leaves (I mean his daughter would count maybe? 🤣)

[@brunoactis1104]

Yeah but that ending wouldn't have happened if it was a man and a woman, that's the point. It's not a great thing to minimize something as "It's about humans in general".

[@frankaragon1228]

Conversation with Anne Hathaway was AMAZING. “We was good friends”. You can see her controlling her emotions. She knows. Beautiful

[@AnnekeOosterink]

Yeah, I always interpret that scene as what we see is what happened, and she knows what happened and why, or at least strongly suspects, and when Ennis tells her who he is she almost has confirmation. And then she keeps the real events under wraps to keep Jack's orientation secret, afraid of reputation damage. Like, gay sex was still a crime in many states until 2003. Definitely in Texas, and this is the 70s. Though you can also interpret it as, Ennis suspects murder because of his trauma but it really was an accident. Either way, his phone call confirms her suspicions I think.

[@claudiaiwv7815]

Right there with you. I CANNOT understand people who won't let others be happy, especially when it doesn't affect them. There just isn't ANY justification. Happier people make a happier place. YES!

[@jackcarl2772]

Envy.

[@claudiaiwv7815]

@@jackcarl2772 Yes, one of my favourite quotes is "Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo" by H.G. Wells. We're right there, aren't we...😒

[@Chelts]

This film was too good to be reduced to the butt of lazy jokes. We've come a long way even since this was made.

[@iamwesleyfrazier]

We really have come a long way….

[@casesoutherland4175]

I'm a huge fan of the movie and some of those jokes are still funny. Sorry not sorry.

[@HooLeeYo]

To this day, this movie still moves me to tears. The sexual preference doesn't bother me at all, it's real, it's about love, betrayal, difficult circumstances, and love lost, something that many, gay or straight, can relate to. Great review and reaction brother!

[@WUStLBear82]

There's a very subtle bit of symbolism at the end that I certainly missed the first time I saw the film: when Ennis finds the shirts that Jack kept, Jack's shirt is on the outside, "embracing" Ennis'. But when Ennis hangs the shirts up in his trailer, he has placed his shirt on the outside of Jack's.

[@carolinehaf21]

Yeah I didn't notice this until I watched it the second time... not sure if it's in the book but it's a subtle way to bookend the memory Jack has during their fight and last embrace, they cut to him remembering Ennis coming up to hug him while he's staring at the fire for a few minutes in Brokeback (that we hadn't seen previously) and Ennis holds him for a bit. That memory is supposed to endure for us I think as the camera pans up to the mountain when Ennis buttons up his shirt on the outside of Jack's.

[@matchamagain]

That switch was made by Heath. Before they filmed the scene he came up to Diana Ossana, scriptwriter and all-round godmother of the film, and said to her that he'd changed something. When she saw that he'd switched the shirts she cried. As they filmed that last scene many hardened verterans in the crew were crying.

[@carolinehaf21]

@@matchamagain is that in the behind the scenes or commentary on blu ray or something? I'd love to see/hear more about it!

[@nickie083100]

​@@carolinehaf21she's mentioned it in a number of interviews, but I first heard about that on the Script Apart podcast episode where they had her on the show to talk about Brokeback Mountain. You can tell it's a really touching memory that's stuck with her through the years c':

[@RamiahArunachalam]

@@matchamagain that's very thoughtful of Heath. Thanks for sharing this beautiful little story. Now I'm crying too.

[@kaitlinsullivan3134]

It’s so interesting to see where these actors went (RIP Heath). All four leads were known as teen idols, so this was the first leap for all of them to do more mature work. Anne Hathaway wanted to be known for more than The Princess Diaries, Michelle Williams had been on Dawson’s Creek and now she’s got her another Oscar nomination for working with Spielberg, Jake Gyllenhaal was in stuff like Donnie Darko, and Heath Ledger had done movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and A Knight’s Tale. He hadn’t even done The Dark Knight yet. But yeah this movie was a big leap forward for gay content in mainstream cinema. Ang Lee made a beautiful movie.

[@minigiant8998]

this was the best gay movie up to that time period. it's debatale if moonlight or call me by ur name are superior.

[@gdorahh]

@@minigiant8998moonlight is really good but idk it never did anything for me like this movie (i am a straight man to be fair)

[@sueshoemaker2924]

Ang Lee is one of my favorite directors because he is masterful at letting a story breathe. I was also so glad that the film ended as it did. Hollywood wants to give us happy endings, but not every story has one. I think it is far more important to have the right ending so the story can feel truly complete. I am always grateful for films brave enough to deliver the right ending.

[@solaris263]

I’m so happy you did this one James, it’s such a beautiful film. I really loved how the cinematography of the mountains was so natural, you feel at ease in the environment and can’t wait to get back there, just like our main characters! It’s such a gorgeous way to make us relate to their love for the place. Also hell yeah!! You totally rock that cowboy hat♥️I hope you’re doing good too, catch you in the next one!

[@JamesVSCinema]

At ease is a great way of describing it! The nature was beautiful throughout

[@carolinehaf21]

@@JamesVSCinema what kind of necklace is the one you wear? Sorry if you've mentioned it before!

[@dancewalkertarot]

@@carolinehaf21 I got my Mom hooked on this channel and she wants to know about the necklace as well. 😂

[@sadiesimp2215]

23:00 what i love about this scene is that it's not just Ennis being too aggressive with his ex-wife and whatnot- it's both of them are afraid and upset at their own situations. alma was angry, scared and heartbroken to see her life fall apart and become so messy when she finds the love of her life with a man, acting more passionate than she's seen him act towards her, ruining the idea of an easy, hopeful happy family she had in mind. She was angry at Ennis and when he started to get rough, she got scared she was going to get hurt. But I can only assume what drove Ennis to get rough was fear alone. He's always been petrified of getting caught, tortured, shamed, etc- so having someone know and accuse him of it would have petrified him to his core, so not that I am justifying what he was doing or what he could've done- but I understand his reasoning, and his brain would have registered it as self-defense.

[@Noxofspades-lh7bj]

Definitely. I don't like what he did, and i feel bad for alma. That was terrifying. However i do understand Ennis 100%. If she told even one person, she risks both his+Jack's lives. Of course, when your life is on the line, you'll go into fight or flight mode. Such a heartbreaking scene.😢

[@johnvaccaro7022]

It tore at my soul unlike any other love story I've ever seen. As tragic as the ending was for Jack ,the pain and inner torment that Ennis felt touched me just just as deeply. So happy to see we've come so far in 50 yrs towards understanding love is love and for allowing people to live their own truths. I'm so happy to see how far this film has come over the past 20 yrs, becoming more meaningful and relevant with the passage of time... Thank you for your deeply touching and understanding review of this brilliant, ground-breaking and haunting cinematic masterpiece.The world is gradually inching towards a more loving and better place because of it!

[@sadiesimp2215]

@@johnvaccaro7022 Thank you so much for this reply! I'm glad this movie resonates with people as much as it did with me, since I really hold it close to my heart.

[@johnvaccaro7022]

A true masterpiece! It still hurts to think that Crash beat it out for the Oscar.....worst call in the history of the film! So great to see that almost 20 yrs later, it's still reaching out touching hearts and enlightening minds.

[@carolinehaf21]

James THANK YOU for doing this film! It is beyond beautiful (and heartbreaking), and so many people don't watch it because of what they think they might see, which means they miss a movie that puts you IN Brokeback Mountain and really feel and hear all of the nature... as well as the gentle and touching (and real) moments Jake and Heath portray. Heath was very protective of the movie whenever any journalist tried to cheapen it as "just a gay movie", he would say it's a story about love/heartbreak that everyone can relate to and everyone should see.

[@quoting101]

Thank you for reacting to this film, James. Heath and Jake's performances are phenomenal, and the use of cinematography to not only give incredible picturesque landscapes, but also to portray internal processes, thoughts, and emotional states is a masterclass. I'm really glad you were able to set aside whatever you might have heard about the film in the past and react to what was onscreen - that's a tall order, considering how this film has been the subject of crude jokes and ridicule since its release (which, given how incredibly tragic it is, is not only cruel, but crass). I'm glad you allowed the story to unfold for you in an organic way, and that it resonated with you emotionally. Thank you again. Can't wait to see what's coming up next.

[@mikeyben7]

As a queer person, I think this movie is a great representation of the struggles we go through and the expectations people place on us just based on our genitals and sexual preferences. Thank you for this🖤

[@davidfox5383]

This is a beautiful film in every respect, but I have not rewatched it since my initial viewing in the theater. It is just too painful for me personally. Even watching your edited reaction had me in tears. I'm really glad you liked it, though and thank you for your comments.

[@carolinehaf21]

I rewatched it to remember Heath (Australia mourns him terribly) about 10 years after I first watched it and cried just as much the second time. I think it is worth going back to Brokeback though... the cinematography and acting is just beyond what we get today. It takes its time. It's one to get lost in and remember.

[@pyrofly942]

Same and same!

[@Flareontoast]

I watched it for the first time a couple years ago, and ever since I haven't even wanted to rewatch it. It's such an intense experience, and I'm still not ready for the emotional effect this movie has. Just thinking about that shirt? Tearing up.

[@matthewjaco847]

I watched this movie a few years after it came out, and I had read the short story first as part of a creative writing class. While watching the film, I sat in amazement not only at the acting but also the STUNNING screenwriting. It’s one of the best book to screen adaptations I’ve ever experienced. I’m so happy to see you watching this one!

[@Stiffdistantandweird]

The one thing that saddens me about watching reactions to this movie, is that everyone says Jack’s death was just imagined by Ennis. It would have transpired exactly as depicted, but worse. In the 80’s murdering gay people was something of a sport.

[@constantine7953]

I just watched this movie for the first time ever this past weekend. I bawled my eyes out like a baby during the last like 30 minutes or more. It was really rough to watch. But also very good. I'm glad I got to watch it.

[@amyehlers3825]

A movie that was so unbelievably beautiful and sad at the same time. Heath's role was so heartbreaking and to watch him as the Joker, he was one of the greatest. RIP😞💔

[@euchongo4240]

When this came out, I wasn't mature enough to give it a chance. Years later I finally watched it. So damn good. It's a beautifully tragic story.

[@pinsandneedles3]

Gotta love the ✨growth✨

[@alistairt7544]

❤❤❤

[@pyrofly942]

I watched this in theaters with my girlfriend, just two queer teens excited for some representation. It was so scandalous and the theater was nearly empty. It really added to the theme of isolation and we both left a little shaken and in our heads. A beautiful film but honestly not a psychologically great one for two queer kids to watch. I'm glad that devastating and tragic queer romance isn't all that's available any more.

[@Flareontoast]

I watched it with my partner when we were in our late teens I believe? We both cried a lot and since then I haven't been able to watch the whole film again. It's so intense and emotional. But it felt almost. Formative. Like. Thinking about our religious trauma and homophobia - I struggled so much with that when I first realised I was queer. Almost cathartic, I guess?

[@Wuffskers]

as devastating as it is it actually made me quite grateful. I'm a queer guy from the south and even though things weren't great growing up, I know I grew up in a better safer time than when this movie takes place and I simultaneously feel sorry for all the queer people from that time and earlier but also thankful to all the activists who fought so hard to make sure queer people of my generation and younger wouldn't have to go through that sort of thing.

[@Justitia_Nomen]

Thank you for being respectful of this, from one black man to another.

[@bobcarn]

The story was a short story, so unlike most adaptations to film, they had to pad it out rather than trim it down. Single sentences in the story got whole scenes. What was amazing was how Ang Lee captured the prose. A line about Ennis looking up to the mountain and seeing Jack as a small dot moving across its face is represented. The opening sentences talk about the ever-present wind passing over the land, and it's the first thing you hear as the movie starts. It's a beautifully crafted film that touches on universal emotions, and it'll remain a classic.

[@computeredfemale]

beautiful comment!

[@moi1151]

27:29 When Jack’s mother clutches at her throat when his father is talking just destroys me.

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

I remember the sound of sniffling and nose blowing all through those end credits.

[@NyappyMelloZChan]

As a queer person I can't watch this movie without crying. It makes me so f-cking angry. It's 2023 and my girlfriend and I stopped holding hands in public because people would still spit after us, say obscene things to us and threaten us. It's so tiring.

[@iamwesleyfrazier]

Funny story… As a teenager I worked at an independent movie theater when this came out. And I will never forget how clean the theaters were after every showing. No floods of popcorn everywhere, hardly cups in the cup holders….it was beautiful to see as an employee. But….that Oscar’s wave hit hard with independent films and it was rereleased…..and not to sound prejudice, but the respect didn’t come full circle. If you catch my drift.

[@clarbri]

I'm always bummed out when I remember how the beauty (visual and otherwise) of this film got, and gets, drowned out by the seemingly endless tidal wave of "haha, gay cowboys." I even tried to get on the schadenfreude train of those people missing out on all the little cool, beautiful tidbits of life, but honestly that just bummed me out further, so I stopped. I guess I'm trying to say that I like this movie, and I like you, and I wish more people liked both :P

[@deadsetondreams1988]

Too many people made fun of this film or refused to watch it which was ridiculous. Hearing Heath Ledger defend this film just melts my heart every time! He still is my #1 favorite actor of all time and I'm going to be getting a tattoo inspired by him. What I wouldn't give to have met him back then

[@EmilyOnTheMoon]

I’m a trans girl and have loved this film for a few years, I had first watched it before I had even realized I was trans and the film had really resonated with me its so beautiful. It’s been awhile since I last rewatched it but I think it’ll resonate more with more life experience with love and injustice. I want to thank you for watching the movie and I really want to thank you for the check in at the beginning. Stuff has been crazy for trans people and in my personal life and it was just nice. Thank you so much for your amazing content, it really inspires me especially with filmmaking. I hope you have an amazing day and life

[@JamesVSCinema]

♥️♥️♥️

[@Maddie-tu6ls]

“At least there’s no peaches” LMAOO

[@pinkiepiereincarnate2291]

Health Ledger in here lives in my head rent free😩💓

[@JamesVSCinema]

signed by everyone

[@iamwesleyfrazier]

Yooo this is my shit!!!! It cuts sooooo deep. Honestly it blows The Notebook away. Idc I’m a man and I’m proud to say Brokeback Mountain is my Shit ❤ Especially if you actually been IN love and that adventure of confusion….not understanding ur emotions but submitting to the adventures life unfolds for them in this epic journey.

[@elderflower2133]

"I hope this doesn't divulge into cheating or anything." so funny hearing you say that while knowing they're going to make out like three seconds later.

[@andtheneverythingchangedwh5234]

I hadn't ever seen Heath Ledger in anything serious until I had seen this film. His performance blew me away. This is a beautiful film.

[@Wolf21973]

I still remember when I first watched this. I was in high school at the time. My dad needed heart surgery and we had to travel to a specific hospital. My mom and I stayed at a hotel nearby for a couple of nights. So we ordered on demand. The first night we watched King Kong which came out around the same time as this. The second was this movie because my mom wanted to watch it. What my parents didn't know was that I was gay and I knew I was since elementary school. Only one person knew and that was my best friend who is like a brother to me. Anyways, she watched it and I wanted to but I didn't want her to know. So, I would watch bits while also playing with my PSP. I remember having to hold back tears at the end of it but also just feeling uncomfortable during certain scenes. The next day after my dad's surgery went well I remember him asking if I watched Brokeback with mom laughing and just making jokes at the fact it was a gay love story. That's when I realized I'd have to keep hiding it from them for a long time. I never told my mom outright. I think she learned of it through other people, I dunno. I told my dad a couple of years after high school and when I was deep in drug addiction. I'm told him in a text during one of the many fights we use to have. I'm 32, drug free since 22, and we don't fight anymore but I pretty much don't talk to them about my personal life nor do they ever ask about it. It does suck but it is what it is.

[@pinsandneedles3]

Congratulations on your sobriety, that's amazing!! I can relate to your experience. I came out to my mom via text a few months after I moved out. Her only response (and the only thing she said about my gayness for years) was to reply "I guess" when I asked if we were okay. We aren't close and it sucks. I hope you have chosen family you can share your life and feelings with 💛

[@theawakened94]

Gustavo Santaolallas soundtrack to this day is still hauntingly beautiful

[@victorias1227]

Had to pause at 11:24 to cheer "at least there's no peaches," God I love a filmmaker loving The Handmaiden & calling out CMBYN.

[@sad_doggo2504]

The juxtaposition of nature and civilization, wild and constrained, it kind of flip-flops through the whole movie, these frequent trips... but Brokeback Mountain is the only place these two can go to truly be themselves and it's seen as this beautiful pristine place, away from prying eyes (mostly). I didn't even realize that before now.

[@liamgallagher3833]

Hell yeah with the cowboy hat!! Any Heath Ledger performance has me floored. Cheers!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ayyyy cheers!! Got a whole fit lmfaooo

[@katwebbxo]

Always loved this movie. Heath was already one of my favorite actors when this came out and this was another role he played beautifully. RIP 💕

[@theblobconsumes4859]

This film hits hard for me, harder than for most I'd imagine due to my personal experiences. The fact it wasn't taken seriously despite its serious subject matter just puts salt on the wounds. Highly recommend Monster's Ball.

[@clintjames5671]

I love that you do ALL different kinds of film and take in their artistry. That’s one of the big reasons I love your channel. Only film reaction channel l’m subscribed to. From one film geek to another, James, your channel is the shit man lol it’s dope to dissect each one with you.

[@lesgrice4419]

It's a love story, plain and simple - some of the shots are extraordinary, the score is divine, the intimacy is breath-taking, the actors, plus Williams at their best, it goes beyond acting and its a down ending too but yet leaves you with the fact that there are broken hearts along the way but they had their moments in the sun. Anne Proulx wrote the original short story and the 2 screenwriters read it and one said he'd been waiting 50 years for this story to come along. A classic movie.

[@coasterguy]

That was filmed near where I live in Canada. It really is that beautiful.

[@brianscli9567]

One of my favorites. If Heath Ledger were still alive, he'd be considered the greatest actor of his generation

[@zac1672]

He was also an aspiring director. It’s so sad he never directed a feature film

[@deadsetondreams1988]

@@zac1672 True, the most we saw were the shorts he directed for The Dark Knight. The ransom videos the Joker did were directed and created by Heath. The director basically gave him a camera and let him do his thing. That was what was put in the film as well. It's been a bit since I've seen it, but I remember at least two.

[@augustarpg8035]

He was also behind the music video for 'King Rat' by Modest Mouse.

[@deadsetondreams1988]

@@augustarpg8035 That is amazing! I love Modest Mouse, I need to watch that music video now

[@matchamagain]

@@deadsetondreams1988 He also directed a few music videos for N'Fa Jones and Grace Woodroofe, plus laid out the concept for one by Modest Mouse (although the latter was finished by Terry Gilliam).

[@ThanxNo]

i love the subtle suggestion that Jack’s mother knows, and is at peace with it

[@esther589]

This is one of my favorite movies along with Blue is the warmest color an amazing french movie following a young woman’s life. I mean honestly the scene where hes clutching his jacket and when they reunite just breaks me everytime. Such a beautiful and moving film. Its a shame people dont give it a chance.

[@danielchavez4403]

This movie is one of the heavy hitters. It's one of those movies for me that I can only watch once. It's Beautiful. 💯😢😢😢

[@maximillianosaben]

When I first saw this and the music started up at the very end, I cried my darn eyes. Held it in fine, wasn't emotional during the movie, but the end just got me.

[@JamesVSCinema]

What are your thoughts on the cinematography within this film? Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day!

[@Specket2234]

Good tie-in move with this would be Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

[@TheKayaklover]

James, you should do Lee's --- Life of PI --- It is spellbinding !!!

[@jenniferdarling6]

The cinematography showed us how much two people can love each other and sometimes how little they can express it in words

[@carolinehaf21]

Off topic James... apologies if it's obviously someone's culture as I'm from Australia and have searched everywhere - what kind of necklace do you wear (white porcelain beads with painted roses/brass gold spacers)?

[@TaiNguyen-um2ji]

So glad you do this

[@Bawookles]

One of the best tragic love stories of all time. Ang Lee is the bomb.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thank you, James! 💞 I really loved this one. My ex-husband (still friends) and I were living in an Alabama swamp in 2005. We had to drive hundreds of miles to get to Atlanta to see it at a cinema. Worth it. So beautiful on multiple levels. #JamesVsCinema #AngLee #BrokebackMountain #BrokebackMountain2005

[@vdub2014]

i stumbled across a review of this movie a couple days ago. i was only about 12 when the movie came out so i can remember me and my friends making the classic Brokeback jokes in middle school, after growing up and watching a few reviews I've decided to watch it and see for myself. also i work from home (so I'm always looking for new KZbin content) and absolutely love movies, so i subbed . thanks for taking the time to make this and I'm excited to see what else you have!!

[@silentandcliche]

The Arthur Morgan impressions had me dying, man! 🤣

[@JamesVSCinema]

LMFAO, happy people are peeping that 😭

[@jgarcia4721]

IMPOSSIBLE not to tear up at the end. The perfect show don't tell.

[@sergiolages1911]

The music was made by Gustavo Santaolalla a argetinian musician, he won the Oscar for the music and win another Oscar for the music in the movie Babel, and he made the music for the videogame The last of us 1 and 2, saludos amigo

[@yannhollister9091]

You're one of my favorite reactor, you clearly know what you're talking about. I also love how you can see every little details, very impressive on a first watch.

[@joelnoo]

So happy that you watched this king!! I’ve been binging ur videos the past couple of days (again). I love watching people that also intrested in the art of filmmaking, hope that didn’t sound too pretentious lol.

[@jackcarl2772]

Perfect storm of extreme beauty colliding with despair, loneliness, and a dream that could not be. Easily in the top 10 of all films ever made and Heath Ledger's Ennis Del Mar is one of the most iconic, laconic loners ever on screen.

[@binkytube]

I'm bingeing your channel! Love it!

[@jeffbartholomew1152]

Beautiful movie, well written and acted. Love isn’t always easy no matter your gender, sexuality or age.

[@snarkysquirrel]

this movie is so well done. its so beautifully shot. the timing is so good. and the acting is excellent. heath was a great actor, what a loss. this movie deserves all its hype.

[@kevincragun5853]

I got to hand it to these actors that challenge themselves in their profession. I’m sure it bothered some people because of their own ignorance and insecurities, but it was touching and sad movie.

[@heather9857]

26:40 the novella makes it clear that is what happened.

[@jamescarson6823]

One thing I love about this film is how true it is to Annie Proulx's short story It doesn't deviate at all.

[@TTM9691]

Great movie, amazing acting and some beautiful cinematography also. Really love how he just holds the camera on their faces during those early parts of the film, and you read exactly what's going on between the two characters and all the tension. This was like "The Deer Hunter" for me; for days afterwards I was still depressed about it, couldn't get it out of my mind. Even now, I can't take hearing the music, I'm almost afraid of it! Very well done. All the stuff with the wives is incredible. I know most people think of the Joker when they think of Heath Ledger, but this is the one for me. What a performance. Jake Gyllenhall too. With a movie like this, you have to go all or nothing, there's no half-assing it. They went all the way. This movie could have been so flat with the wrong director, or the wrong actors.

[@RebelPrince122810]

What's up, James. I've discovered your channel today and, after watching a multitude of your videos, I wholeheartedly appreciate not just your expertise in cinematography, but your contribution as the individual existence that you are. It's incredible to witness and be a part of. Please continue in your greatness, man 🖤 Also, as a request since watching this particular reaction, if KZbin will allow, could you PLEASE add Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight" to your queue of reactions? It portrays a similar story told beautifully from a different perspective of characters in their lives that very much is a portrayal of real life experience such as this film....and I'm certain there are dope elements within its cinema you'll take note of! Thank you. All the love from Charlotte, NC. You've got yourself a new subscriber for sure 👑👍🏾

[@JamesVSCinema]

Awesome comment thank you!! I’ll be more than happy to check it out! 🤘🏽🖤

[@jessieorozco6490]

I fell in love with your reaction to this movie and just had to subscribe. You seemed so genuine and open-minded, I just had to.

[@lara314]

Love this film. Such a gut punch, especially that ending. My fave Heath performance. His work in Candy is also great.

[@jennifer5512]

Thanks for watching this brilliant film! Your reaction was lovely!

[@jermainehaslam5634]

Heath Ledger was really a versatile actor, being able to play a gay character like this and then play a twisted villain like the Joker.

[@chefskiss6179]

Ang Lee. That's all I need to know. And on a side note, wonderful commentary during this viewing, James.

[@reecye]

11 days ago?! Just so happens I look for Brokeback mountain reactions and a reactor I know reacts to Brokeback mountain 11 days ago! How lucky

[@umbrella0326]

Painfully wonderful film. And you said "cinematography" so many times that I couldn't keep up! But you were right.

[@Nachotina]

one of the saddest films i've ever watched, love hurts.

[@corvus1374]

When Heath grabbed Jake in the alley and kissed him hard, he literally broke Jake's nose.

[@magicknight13]

Damn I'm crying just watching your reaction!!! I haven't watched this movie in years but it puts me in a sad mood for a long time after watching... such phenomenal acting. The story is heartbreaking

[@TheLegendOfOblivion]

Your hair looks pretty cool with a cowboy hat.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ayyy thanks!

[@chenoda]

✨This movie broke my heart when I first watched it! 💔✨

[@thelolbuster]

IVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR A REACTION TO THIS BEAAAUUUTIFUL MOVIE. HEATH IS FOREVER MY FAV ACTOR. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@H3ahhhp]

The emotions in this movie are so intense

[@SidPhoenix2211]

That Arthur Morgan impression is not too shabby! haha Also, the composer of this movie, Gustavo Santaolalla, also composed music for The Last of Us games (and the show)! He won an Oscar for his work on this movie and Babel.

[@pjb3583]

And Lee is a master, and this was a devastating story. Enjoyed your reaction and insights. Peace from Ohio …

[@NotinMyBudget]

Colorado, Wyoming and Montana are my favorite places to visit. Lived in Colorado for 10 years. Something about being out West still feels like anything is possible. Miss being out there.

[@evaserration6223]

I like that you mentioned being 'blipped out of existence' during a shot of Linda Cardelini (who played Clint Barton/Hawkeye's wife who blipped away in Avengers)

[@garypaterson1477]

Thank you for this, great insightful stuff, as always, stay awesome and stay genuine.. much love

[@elwyndude]

Michelle Williams is just next level in everything she does.

[@magicknight13]

Love what you said, "don't live your life with regrets"

[@jeffbassin630]

Excellent comments of a groundbreaking and classic movie.

[@glambertini4709]

I cried a river 2 times in theater : 1rs was Madison Bridge, 2nd was this one. All I ever saw was a heartbreaking love story.

[@blackbeardbarkbark]

The world is crazy, but I've been eating some good home cooked food, relaxing, and exercising. Trying to stay chill in this crazy, crazy world.

[@hondulanda]

"Wow, titties" Best quote this year so far

[@lefdee]

Forbidden love/desire is applicable to any situation regardless of the specific context. “That gay cowboy movie” does this movie a disservice

[@ItsLexy]

I couldn't see this movie when it first came out and got all the hype (and controversy) because I was pretty young and it just wasn't "safe" for me to be seen to be interested in LGBTQ things. I was bullied ferociously at school for being gay/into girls (something I denied for years to just try and survive socially) and had extremely anti-LGBTQ relatives (even though my parents were pretty chill) and it made voicing wanting to see this too dangerous. Why would a supposedly straight girl want to see "the gay cowboy movie", didn't I know that being gay was a mortal sin, if I showed an interest in exploring LGBTQ stories people would do more than just suspect I feared to be outed by watching or reading any kind of gay fiction and being outed would have meant a worse torment than I was getting. I didn't want to make all the accusations true and give people more reason to hurt me. I was even lying to myself, pretending my desire to see gay love portrayed as something romantic was no different than a desire to watch any other love story unfold, I told myself of course I wanted to see this movie because it was a HUMAN story(it is, it is a human story but not one everyone understands), I cared about other people enough to want to see their stories no matter if they were (supposedly) different than me. So maybe that experience colored my image of the movie when I was finally able to watch it because I thought this movie was beautiful and it was also so incredibly viscerally lonely. Ennis and Jack meet on a job that leaves them out in wide open country with nobody else around, they fall into feelings they must repress and deny in the company of other people, they isolate the part of themselves that loves until they meet eat other again on long "fishing trips" taken far away from the rest of kith and kin, they wind up in empty marriages and with other relationships that deadend because they're still holding onto the days they were free and lost in a judgment free wilderness. Nobody can properly connect in the movie, every character is hiding their own pain in empty spaces where people just aren't there anymore or were never there to begin with. Ennis' daughter seems desperate to hold onto her dad even though he's barely around after the divorce physically and emotionally. Even Jack's death is lonely. He dies by himself, friendless, on a roadside where it will be hours before he's found. It's just so much of being locked inside yourself all the time and only being alive when you're outside of your own life in it. I wonder if everyone who had to stay in the closet sees what I see in it. I love this movie. It's heartbreaking, it's lovely.

[@nubiana75]

“I wish I knew how to quit you”… breaks me every time 😢

[@CT.1982]

Two of the best performances ever

[@leaundrajones2392]

I miss Heath so much! He had so much ahead of him! He should be right up there with the best of them!