"To me, Ennis stands for the conservative side of America. He's the biggest homophobe in the whole movie - culturally and psychologically - but by the time he admits his feelings, it's too late"

This quote by Ang Lee speaks with the complexity of the character Ennis in the film. Ennis is a representation of the conservative side of America, and his homophobia is a reflection of the cultural and psychological mindsets of the time. Regardless of his internal battle with his feelings, Ennis is unable to come to terms with them till it is too late. This quote speaks with the difficulty of accepting one's true identity in a society that is not accepting of it. It likewise speaks to the power of love and how it can transcend even the most deeply held beliefs. Ennis' story is a pointer of the value of being true to oneself and of the power of love to conquer even the most challenging of obstacles.