I Rewatched Brokeback Mountain 20 Years Later And It Hit Me Harder Than Ever

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Twenty years have passed since I first encountered “Brokeback Mountain“. To be honest, it had slipped my memory as well, until recently when I stumbled upon it again.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve often shared glimpses into my personal journey with sexuality. Proudly identifying as bisexual, I can trace my awareness back to high school years, though it took some time for me to fully grasp and embrace this aspect of myself. In my quest for understanding, I found solace in films like “Brokeback Mountain,” which resonated deeply during that period.

It’s not entirely clear to me – it seems these kinds of media may resonate more deeply with people who are older or have gone through similar experiences. Although I often suggest outstanding LGBTQ+ movies and series, there are certain productions I rewatch occasionally as they played a significant role in helping me comprehend my emotions better at an earlier stage.

Recently, I chose to revisit “Brokeback Mountain” in celebration of its 20th anniversary – wow, that makes me feel old – as well as its return to cinemas. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the impact this movie would have on me or how it would help shape my understanding of myself. So, let’s delve into this powerful film.

Aside From The Story, The Movie Itself Is Amazing

People often discuss “Brokeback Mountain” for its compelling storyline, and I agree that the narrative is exceptional. In fact, compared to other top romance films, it stands out because it authentically depicts love in its most unadulterated form, showing how it can transform or shatter someone’s life.

As a film lover with a soft spot for heartwarming romances and lighthearted romantic comedies, I find myself genuinely admiring films that delve into the raw and authentic aspects of love.

But this movie, in general, is just fantastic all around.

Each time I watch this film, the cinematography brings a smile to my face since every scene seems carefully planned. The breathtaking mountain scenery only intensifies the moment even further. Needless to say, the acting is exceptional – Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal deliver career-defining performances that stand out among the best.

I’m well acquainted with Gustavo Santaolalla, thanks to his work on The Last of Us video games and the HBO series adaptation. What I didn’t realize was that he was also responsible for scoring this movie, which explains why it’s such a standout.

This film represents an impressive achievement in cinema direction by Ang Lee, and it’s fortunate that we got to see it during our lifetime.

It Shows The Complexities Of Sexuality, Something I Didn’t Quite Understand.

However, I’d like to shift our conversation from praising the movie as a whole; instead, let’s delve into its narrative and understand what made it resonate deeply with me.

Growing up, I, a film enthusiast, had a limited understanding of sexuality, largely due to my upbringing steeped in religion. Crosses adorned each space within our home, we’d bow our heads before meals to say grace, and every Sunday found us at church. Looking back now, it was a typical picture of religious devotion. But the complexities of sexuality were not something I truly grasped until I reached maturity.

To this day, I can honestly say I remain spiritual, not in the same way as when I was younger, where religion was more of an obligation, but I continue to hold onto my belief in a higher power and have found harmony between that belief and my identity. However, there was a period when I faced significant challenges because it seemed I couldn’t fully express myself without potentially upsetting my family or compromising my faith.

This movie really made me realize that I’m not alone in holding this thought. Let me explain.

In Brokeback Mountain, religion isn’t strongly emphasized, but it made me realize that sexuality can be incredibly intricate and perplexing for numerous individuals. For my younger self, this confusion was acceptable, and Ennis embodies that complexity perfectly.

In my teenage years, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of emotion involved. However, as an adult, I realized that understanding one’s feelings and preferences, even for older people, can be a persistent struggle. It becomes particularly challenging when these feelings clash with deeply ingrained beliefs, especially when it comes to matters of love and attraction.

This film was so impactful for me as it empowered me to accept the emotions I’ve been harboring, rather than continually suppressing them since I’m aware they exist within me. There are others like me who share these feelings.

It Also Details How Life Changes So Quickly Without Even Realizing, Leading To Regrets

As a child, a particular movie left quite an impact on me, and revisiting it as an adult only intensifies the emotional punch. It’s a stark reminder of how swiftly life can transform, a lesson that I think holds immense value for all of us.

Regarding “Brokeback Mountain,” the deterioration of Ennis and Jack always leaves a profound impact due to the fact that their eventual separation is marked by anxieties about what lies ahead and, subsequently, remorse for the past moments they were unable to hold onto.

If you haven’t had the chance to watch the film yet, let me avoid any spoilers, but there are instances when the consequences of choices seem to significantly impact the course of events in the story. It leaves me pondering about the butterfly effect and the power of our decisions.

One method to avoid living a life filled with regrets could be by being true to oneself and genuinely experiencing life. Watching this movie serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that failing to live authentically may lead to the accumulation of regrets.

As a young woman, she sat with me. Over the past few years, despite not earning as much as anticipated during college, I’ve striven to seize more opportunities, venture out more, and refuse fewer requests. I don’t want to miss out on anything – that includes embracing myself wholeheartedly.

To clarify, I had difficulty embracing this aspect of myself for some time, but once I fully acknowledged and accepted my sexuality, along with understanding my roots and identity, I discovered that I could finally begin to truly live. This realization brought about an exceptional sense of liberation.

Upon Further Thinking, I Really Don’t Understand How This Didn’t Win Over Crash

Despite the fact that it’s been a while since it happened, I’m still puzzled as to why “Crash” was chosen as Best Picture at the Oscars instead of “Brokeback Mountain”. I assume you’re aware of this situation already.

In my opinion, “Crash” is not only an engaging film but also offers a thought-provoking perspective on racial strife and law enforcement within the U.S. Moreover, “Brokeback Mountain” transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences regardless of their affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community. It touches deep into one’s emotions, making it universally relatable.

Twenty years on, I find myself still drawn to conversations revolving around a particular film that seems to have faded into the background – at least in terms of mainstream popularity – save for the lingering debates about its content. And yes, it’s my personal perspective that this movie, known as “Crash,” remains a topic of discussion even today.

Regardless of your choice, I found revisiting this film as a grown-up quite delightful, and I strongly suggest you give it another look if it’s been a while. Believe me, there won’t be any regrets – and chances are, you won’t want to stop watching it once you start! (I hope the play on words is clear, but do watch the movie for yourself.)

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2025-06-24 20:13