I grew up pretty much prevented from knowing anything from Communist China except that they were the bad guys that stole our country.

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.

I just did a dramatic love story. Whether it's a cultural phenomenon is not for me to say.

I don't have incredible knowledge about films or of filmmaking history; I'm not that kind of person.

Sexuality is a big issue, but there are others - how much you commit to a relationship, to social obligation, to honesty and being honest with yourself.

You become the movie you are making.

I think a movie is a media that is evoking feelings.