Brokeback

No, I haven't seen this movie yet. So forgive me for that. But needless to say, I've been left pondering it quite a bit. I came across a review of the film on the net, that is a Christian review, but luckily not one of a blind Christianity.

The responses to it were equally if not more insightful:

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This one, from a non Christian:

"I just wanted to complement you on a great review of Brokeback Mountain. I just saw it last night, enjoyed it very much on many levels, and came away with thoughts similar to those in your review. Mind you, as a heterosexual male, I have absolutely no issue with homosexuality (or, what was actually portrayed in the movie, bisexuality), and am decidedly not a Christian. But the theme I kept seeing in the movie was one indeed of two folks abdicating their responsibility for their actions. Societal or theological rules aside, they had promised certain things to real people in their lives (their wives and children), and just ignored them to their detriment."

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This one from Christian:

"Hats off for an insightful, balanced and accurate review.

I went to see Brokeback Mountain with a dear friend [of many years] yesterday. I am a proud father and the grateful husband of my best friend. [Personal details deleted.] At age 18, I embraced Christ and with much difficulty rejected homosexuality. I had actively and exclusively identified as such since age 11. To my disappointment, the struggle with homosexual desire has been constant, with varying degrees of intensity, since my conversion and I have come to accept that it is something I will have to contend with the rest of my life. With God's help, I have never been nor, never will be, unfaithful to my wife or to my Lord.

Having said that, I was alternately apprehensive about seeing the film for fear of needlessly enflaming unwanted passions and, intensely curious about the true nature of it. Though promoted as a love story, I was surprised to find myself thinking it entirely implausible that one could tell a story of gay love that was not really about gay sex.

As a sometime political and social activist I am very familiar with the positions staked out by both sides in the gay debate. While working to retain Biblical standards in law and social mores, I have also sought to be truly empathetic, respectful and compassionate towards those (of us) who, for a multitude of reasons, live with homosexual tendencies.

I am a strong advocate of deep, meaningful, intimate, lifelong relationships between members of the same sex. Some of my favorite verses speak of "bowels of affection and compassion" and being "kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love." Due to what appears to be our design, they bring us healing, wholeness and a strong base from which to live, give and lead healthy lives.

Hence, my ultimate decision to see the film to evaluate for myself whether this story is really one of love or sex. While I welcomed the idea of a story of two men truly loving and being committed to each other over a lifetime I doubted the love, and the relationship, would stand on its own if the sex were removed. I was, unfortunately, as you so aptly pointed out, right.

Thankfully, as I have grown older I have come to understand that the love that satisfies; that fulfills our need for commitment, trust, faithfulness, honesty and friendship; is the essence of our relationship with God and His desire for us concerning our relationships with each other. For love to lead to physical intimacy the relationship must be legitimate and God alone, as our Creator and Sustainer, has the authority and right to define the term: one man, one woman, in covenant.

Like it or not, fully understand or agree with it or not, the terms of true love are clear and to reject them is to reject God. To reject God, regardless of the reason, is to reject His love for us and any hope of living beyond our short-sighted, self-serving, and ultimately self-destructive desires. To reject God is to settle for something other than love.

Real love always involves cost, dying to self, indeed, sacrifice, as Jesus clearly demonstrated. Whether one considers him or herself heterosexual or homosexual, the pursuit of real love will always involve the need to lay down one's selfish impulses in favor of what could be called purity, holiness or righteousness. Heterosexual and homosexual individuals, families, and communities across time and space have suffered the consequences associated with insisting on following one's own way, of forming one's own truth.

Ennis and Jake's story left me feeling sad. I laughed at their innocence and cried at their loss. In the end, it was not loss of love denied that made my heart ache but the choices they made. Tragically, almost unbelievably, they consistently chose sex over love, physical gratification over commitment, lust over friendship. In their wake they left abused spouses, neglected children, and, each other.

I felt their pain and anguish, the grief and torment associated with not being able to have what they wanted. Resisting temptation and dying to our self is painful. However, a tolerant society would not have solved their problem. We, all, regardless of our particular state of denial must deal with the reality of God; the betrayal and shallowness associated with giving in to temptation. Love is painful, it is costly, but it is so worth it.

At any point, Ennis and Jake could have chosen relationship over forbidden sexual interests. Sadly, they did not. Rather, they traded a handful of exciting, sex-driven fishing trips for what could have been a lifetime of love, mutual support, companionship and genuine friendship. Therein lies the true tragedy of Ennis and Jake.

I am no film critic but I was pleasantly surprised at what a beautiful movie it was. I found the characters, storyline and settings compelling and never felt that I had to suspend reality to keep pace with it. I am guessing this might mean that the script, acting, cinematography, etc was of a high quality. Though the film has an obvious message and agenda, it is filled with complexities and subtleties that leave room for analysis and appreciation whether or not you agree with it or not. [Spoilers deleted.]
Jeffrey, I appreciate this opportunity to put in writing some of my thoughts regarding Brokeback. When I decided to seek out a review of the film from a self-described Christian perspective I was a little afraid. I was still sorting out some of my thoughts and feelings about the film and did not want to be influenced by those who are under or overly critical of it. Yours was the first I decided to read and was very satisfied to find that my conclusions were shared by another.

Brokeback is definitely a film that leaves one moved on an emotional level and somewhat challenged, intellectually and spiritually. I am relieved to find that though it provided ample reminder of who I was and could be, the film did not provide fodder for fruitless fantasies but rather strengthened my resolve to live a life of love, commitment and honor for my wife, family, friends, my God, and even, myself.

Some say that Brokeback is being touted as a potential award winner solely due to its subject matter. Having seen the film I suspect that many of its detractors oppose it for the same reason. If political supporters and critics are taken out of the equation I see no reason why it should not be in the running. It is a quality film and deserves to be judged on its merits."

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{I don't mean to grant the Christian man's response more 'word space' but his was much longer)

Again, I haven't seen the movie, so it's mostly unfair for me to comment. But in general, I can respect what's being said here. I have serious issues with films portraying sex (be it homo or hetero) and lust as a respectible alternative to love and commitment. Having experienced this ideal mess up my own life in many respects, and watched it do the same to others, my response is simply, "Why are we lauding this?"

I used to think that Christianity and the Christian life was easy, becuase I was falsely prommised an immediate change in the desires of my heart. But I realize that this is a process. A long process by which we are set free from ourselves, and our desires. People (myself) believe we are in control of ourselves and have this freedom, but everywhere we are in chains to our own desires, be that material, sexual, or otherwise.

The second greatest promise of Jesus seems to be the one we all miss. FREEDOM. He says he'll do it, and though I didn't believe him for a long time, he's proving it to me daily. And really, from one who is tired of false Christian promises, this one is the real deal. It's a joy unlike anything else.