Set in the desolate valleys of Wyoming in the 1960s, Brokeback Mountain starts slowly as we see Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Glynnedale) pulling into the office, looking for a job herding sheeps. They are hired to bring some sheep up the mountains for them to graze there. We see the typical lifestyle of sheepherders, camping out on the bottom of the mountain, whilst one stays on the top watching out for any predators which might find the sheeps to be delicious meals. It is a cold and lonesome job, and they spend nights at the fire, drinking and sharing stories. One night, they drink too much, and the night becomes quite cold. We see Jack sleeping cosy in the tent, and Ennis shivering outside next to the dying campfire. Ennis wakes up and comes rushing into the tent, snuggling up with Jack to keep warm.

Jack gladly makes a move, and this frightens Ennis. Despite the novelity of the situation, they engage into a violent lovemaking scene. The morning after, they write it off as a chance thing, blaming it on the alcohol. Ennis reaffirms himself saying that he is not queer, and Jack concurs. However, we see them becoming closer and resuming their playful comradeship as the summer wanes on. One morning, we see the boss spying on them, and it is clear that he does not like what he sees. Whilst Ennis is on watch on the top of mountain, the boss comes riding in and tells Jack that he does not want to see him coming back ever.

After the first fall of snow, we see them folding camp up and pushing the sheeps back downhill back to the farm. They are in struggle of what to do about their clandestine romance. We see Ennis refusing to be seen as a gay man in a homophobic territory, which prevents him from pursuing his romance with Jack. As Jack drives off, we see Ennis walking until the truck goes out of his sight, then he walks aside to a house and breaks down crying. He realises that he will miss Jack.

We see both Ennis and Jack "moving on" with their lives doing the 'right thing,' i.e. meeting girls, getting married, having children, etc... Ennis stays in Wyoming and tried to manage out working as farm hands, whilst Jack meets some beauty queen in Texas and lands a job in her father's company. Four years pass by, and Jack sends Ennis a postcard to inform him that he is coming. Ennis is thrilled and looking forward to Jack's visit, and when Jack finally arrives, he pushes him aside to a corner and engages into a long kiss with him. His wife sees them and gets very upset, however she acts as if nothing has happened. Ennis and Jack goes on their "fishing trip" together at Brokeback Mountain.

The story drags on and on, showing us their lives passing by, riddled with their annual 'fishing trips.' Even the fact that Ennis has divorced changes nothing about their relationship. Ennis refuses to be acknowledged as 'that gay guy' by the public eye, despite Jack's repeated pleas for them to buy a ranch together and to live there together. He shares a story with Jack about when he was a kid, he knew of a butchy gay couple, who ended up being beaten up. His father brought him and his brother out to where one of the dead guy were lying, and made it be sure to hate any homosexuals. This portrays the mindset that rural America may have towards gay and lesbian couples.

The ending of the movie is a bit predictable, though it is quite emotional. Will Ennis be able to resolve his feelings about the relationship he had with Jack and to acknowledge it in the public? Will Jack and Ennis finally realise Jack's dream by purchasing a ranch and living happily thereafter? Well, you have to watch the film to find out!

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