I must admit I was first beguiled by the panorama of it all. The scenes were beautifully shot and the emotions of Ennis and Jack really got to me. I even shed a tear at the end of the film as I realized the love so desired would never be.

Of course, Im speaking of Brokeback Mountain. The story of two gay sheepherders struggling with a love that could never be. But, could it?

It wasnt until much later when the fog of the beautiful music and the lush scenery that Ang Lee so beautifully brought to the screen faded from my memory. It wasnt until my heart stop pining away for all the loves lost in my own life could I begin to see that this story is a depiction of lies.

Ironically, this Brokeback Mountain is supposed to be a story of two very strong men. Two men who brave the elements and arent afraid of hard work. What they are afraid of is the truth. The truth that should have been revealed to their spouses and families.

The only moral to this story is that there are people in this world who are clinging to relationships built on false hope and lies with partners that, once the going gets tough, pine away for someone else rather than placing their concentration at homewhere it ought to be.

Of course being with someone who brings laughter, and no stress, is alluring. Its not nearly as much fun to remain with a partner worrying over paying the rent and electric bill.

Even as much as we all yearn for a relationship full of passion and no worries of money, the reality is that life (and relationships) comes with the full package, including all the boring stuff required to keep life going.

This movie idealizes love affairs outside the primary relationship and does nothing to depict how lives can be shattered when the people involved are too weak to stand up to their responsibility and place their emphasis on the home they helped create.

I have a strong feeling Brokeback Mountain will win best picture at the Oscars, but Im left wishing a movie about men who stick with their relationship regardless of hardship, whether they be gay or straight, were up for nomination. Now, that movie would hold my interest.

And, Thats Worth Thinking About!