Too bad the world's critics don't know my readers. Many of them see Miller's move as the knee-jerk reaction it was, and understand the depth and beauty of this film. They responded to a Tuesday column in which I defended "Brokeback's" plot as legitimate as any other saga of love and loss. The following is by no means a scientific representation, but I'd hate for Ledger's stereotypes of Utahns, Mormons and the usual blah-blah-blah to go unchallenged.

Here are some reader comments:

"I just wish everyone would actually see the movie before passing judgment. There would still be naysayers but maybe it would help people see the pain that is caused by this society. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about so I saw the movie and it touched me. I am a mother and a grandmother who would just like to see a world of inclusion without all the labels that create so much pain." - Salt Lake City.

"The theme of acceptance is identifiable across gender, sexual orientation and societal lines. The juxtaposition of traditionally very masculine symbols (gritty landscape/cowboys/cowboy culture) and homosexual love, symbolizes for me that even being a part of a socially acceptable life, you can feel the loneliness of having to hide something." - Salt Lake City

"I have been reading about all the fuss regarding this film, as well as the editorials and viewer comments on Web sites. I was excited to finally hear someone - you - make the connection between the main actors' family problems and the lie they were forced to live by society. This is one of the film's most important messages and something that most heterosexuals do not understand. You were also right about love. I just lost my partner of five years on Christmas Day. Truly the most valuable experience in my young life has been the opportunity to deeply love someone and be loved back. That is true for people of either sexual orientation." - Moscow, Russia

"I saw 'Brokeback Mountain' and it is certainly one of the best movies of the year. I suspect Larry H. Miller is even more sorry that he allowed the movie to be pulled than he is about his tirade after the Jazz-Knicks game. It isn't stopping anyone from seeing the movie and it only serves to make those who try to ban such fare look shallow, petty and foolish. It's too bad that Miller, who is a notoriously kind and sensitive individual, allowed himself to be used [by right wing interest groups] this way. 'Brokeback' is a movie about the physical and emotional violence society inflicts on homosexuals in the name of conformity. It shows that hatred, whether directed at homosexuals, African-Americans, Jews or Mormons for that matter, is destructive not only of the object of the hatred but of the society that tolerates it. - Salt Lake City

"I've e-mailed you when your column set me off and motivated me to throw some rantings and ravings your way; so it's only fair when you've got one I agree with I should let you know that, too. With 'Brokeback Mountain' you've hit the nail on the head and you have written a very powerful summing up of a film filled with love, angst and heartache that doesn't see a happy ending for anyone, gay or straight. I just thought you should know from this Republican who did grow up herding sheep on our family's permit near Strawberry Reservoir and who did go and see the film with a group of gay and straight friends, you nailed this one. - Sandy

hmullen@sltrib.com