10 Banned Movies Now Considered Masterpieces
4. Brokeback Mountain
Depicting two classically masculine men struggling with their sexuality, the tagline aptly describes the movie in one fell swoop: "Love is a force of nature." Two outdoorsmen making their money as hired ranchers in the west find more than just rowdy sheep in the wilderness, but companionship as well.
Never advertised using the word 'gay' and underplaying the relationship between Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal to the general public, many were shocked to discover the films true themes upon watching. It's a touching, often heartbreaking portrayal of forbidden love and outdated values, one that serves to quash two men's happiness with every step they take.
It's surprising just how much backlash the film received for a movie released in 2006, and how important it remains as a piece of defining gay cinema. Banned and rejected from various countries and cinemas, it's a classic both for its important message as well as its immaculate filmmaking.