"In essence, Brokeback Mountain is a study of despair, loneliness and the complications that life on the edge can push men into. The two male protagonists, Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), meet as 19-year-olds when they are hired by a rancher to watch over a large herd of sheep on Brokeback Mountain in the summer of 1963.
"Framed against the dwarfing grandeur of nature, the lack of companionship and warmth literally drives them towards each other and before they realise what is happening, the two cowboys have become gay lovers. It is here that director Lee is at his best: the
naturalness of the stealthy stirring of forbidden passion is presented with candour and confidence, attributes that stand
Brokeback Mountain in really good stead all the way through."