It's an epic love story, set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, that tells the story of two young men--a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy--who meet in the summer of 1963 while driving cattle on a mountain range. They unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. OR it's that gay cowboy film.

I never thought I'd see so many people pushing and shoving for tickets to what is predominantly another tale of boy meets boy and the strain of having to keep the relationship under wraps. Something they don't do on Brokeback Mountain, and yes the title has been overcooked by my friends! Guess what they're calling it?

Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning short story by Annie Proulx, Brokeback Mountain is set in the 1960s and spans two decades of relationships between Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and their sham weddings. The film also stars Anne Hathaway as Lureen, Jack's wife, and Michelle Williams as Alma, Ennis's wife.

So the question you're dying to ask... Is there any action between the two cowboys. Yes... You're treated to Heath taking Jake from behind, in what has to be a total fantasy for some of us. Being caught up in the mountain, on a cold night, you're invited into your friends tent to keep warm. Instead he makes a move on you, you have a bit of a play fight, and before you know it, he's on all fours taking it. Then you get to snuggle up and keep warm together for the rest of the night.

“This is a one shot thing we got going on here,” says Ennis, “you know I’m not queer.” “Me neither,” replies Jack. The next night they're at it again, but it's second date stuff, so a little more considerate of each others needs, rather than just going at it because you want to get off. Sounds familiar to how most gay relationships I know of start...

At the end of the summer the cowboys have to go their separate ways, back to their everyday lives. Ennis marries Alma, has two daughters and lives in marital bliss for a while, which involves, wait for it, taking his wife from behind. Jack goes home a single guy, but meets Lureen at a Rodeo, who manages to screw Jack quicker than you can log onto gaydar and find some fun!

Anne Hathaway (Lureen) is best known as the sweet teenage girl who becomes a queen in the two Princess Diaries films. Now she's moving to more adult films with Havoc and Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain, both removing her from the throne. Her character, Lureen Newsome, falls in love with Jack. She's definitely the eye candy for the hetero's in the crowd. Not surprising as she gets her tits out. I was more shocked at this than seeing Ennis spit on his fingers to lube up... Jack!

Four years pass before Ennis and Jack meet again, Jack's been out getting his fair share, but Ennis has been stuck in a rut. When they do finally meet, there are a few seconds of more play fighting and intense passion before it's released in a kiss. The audience loved this part. Most of the women (and gay men) "awwwwed".

The boys 'go fishing' back at Brokeback a couple of times a year where they become the people they want to be, but are thrown back into reality of looking after kids, the wife, and working in their straight jobs. Ennis gets a divorce, Alma caught them kissing when they reunited, but chose to keep it hidden. She takes the kids, and Ennis becomes a lonely man. Jack's fate was written much earlier in the film.

The women's roles are the real emotional treasure of Brokeback. Both Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway anchor the film with heartbreaking portraits of confusion, anger - and ultimately - release and acceptance. But women have always been first to accept us gay boys!

Production Status: Out Now
Genres: Drama, Romance and Western
Running Time: 2 hrs. 14 min.
Release Date: January 06 - 2006
BBFC Rating: 15 for sexuality, nudity, language and some violence.
Production Co.: Focus Features, River Road Entertainment
Studios: Universal Pictures
Filming Locations: Calgary, Canada
Produced in: United States