"Cold Mountain" is the story of Inman (Jude Law), a Confederate soldier in 1864 who deserts the army and makes the long and dangerous trek home to his beloved Ada (Nicole Kidman). Meanwhile, Ada is struggling to maintain her farm when a tough young woman named Ruby (Renee Zellwegger) shows up and teaches her how to manage things. Both Ada and Inman face danger and trials as they both wait to be reunited.

One may compare this film to "The English Patient." After all, both are sprawling romances with the backdrop of war, and both are directed by Anthony Minghella (who took home an Oscar for "Patient"). The difference, is that "Cold Mountain" is much better.

Based on the novel by Charles Fraizer, it is an emotionally draining filmgoing experience, but it is also a truly moving experience. The film deals with love, violence, forgiveness, trust, hate, and just about every theme possible. It has the power to touch everyone who watches it, and could quite possibly force them to shed tears (Me included).

Anthony Minghella is in total control of this film. The editing is focused and sharp, the cinematography beautiful and the screenplay (by Minghella) touches all of the right buttons. If the book is as good as the movie, then the book is a masterpiece. Production designer Dante Ferretti (who did some amazing work on "Gangs of New York") builds some realistic and wonderful sets. Heck, the musical score is great as well.

The entire cast is brilliant. Jude Law is one of the greatest young actors out there, and this is his best performance ever. Inman is a man of very few words, and he manages to express emotion through is body language and eyes. I expect to see Law do some great things in future movies. Nicole Kidman continues her string of great performances. Ada is simply lovely and beautiful. She is so elegant and wonderful, she makes almost every other heroine I've seen this year fade out of memory. Renee Zellweger's Ruby is not only a memorable and interesting character, but she is the film's comic relief as well. The humor is not stupid, though. Ruby is a tough farm girl, and the blunt, down and dirty way she handles things contrasts with Ada, and it is very funny without causing grimaces. Without Ruby, the film would be cold and impenetrable. With her performance, we can embrace the film. I expect to see Zellweger with a best supporting actor trophy in February.

The rest of the cast includes the many characters Inman and Ada meet during the movie. They include Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Brendan Gleeson, and Natalie Portman. All are very impressive, and make the film even better. Speaking of these supporting characters, a careful eye will notice that "Cold Mountain" is a brilliant retelling of "The Odyssey." I will leave you to discover the allusions.

"Cold Mountain" is a love story, pure and simple, but I suggest that Civil War buffs check this out. The accuracy is great, and the opening scene (the Siege of Petersburg) is shockingly violent and will cause your jaw to drop. As will other scenes. Actually, there is one scene that is the most shocking Hillbillies-in-shack scene this side of "Deliverance" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." It's also a very violent film. The local militia at Ada's hometown have gone vigilante, and are killing whoever they see fit. Their actions are brutal and may upset many viewers.

In the end, "Cold Mountain" is a truly epic love story and a great period film. It's better than one epic film this year (Master and Commander) but not quite as good as another (The Last Samurai). The only thing that holds "Cold Mountain" from an A+ rating is that the themes are not as important to me as those in "The Last Samurai." Perhaps it is unfair to compare, but in a year full of great epics, I must.

Still an absolute must-see.

© Written by Jacob Hall

-How We Rated This Film TC Candler - A- Richard Propes - B+ Jacob Hall - A-

TC Candler's Comment

One of the better films of the year.

Richard Propes' Comment

I went into "Cold Mountain" with an attitude. I am a non-fan of Anthony Minghella, and only went to see this film due to the request of my companion for the evening. Completely unexpectedly, I found myself swept up in the razor sharp direction of Minghella, his wonderful screenplay, the sparkling cinematography of John Seale and strong cast headed by Jude Law as Inman, Nicole Kidman as Ada and Oscar winner Renee Zellweger as Ruby.

Where previous Minghella productions have felt emotionally detached even in their dramatic moments, this film features remarkable character development even in a character such as Inman...who speaks very little but Law makes the most of this character through his actions, body language and facial expressions. It's a remarkable, understated performance that received a well deserved Oscar nomination.

Strong, but not quite as multi-faceted is the performance offered by Kidman...many critics were surprised she did not receive an Oscar nomination. I can't go that far...It's a strong performance, but in many ways one-dimensional. Perhaps an even bigger factor is that Kidman, in many of her scenes, is far outshined by mouthy, funny and boisterous Renee Zellweger as Ruby. Having seen this film following the Oscar win by Zellweger, I went into the film with high expectations for her performance. Zellweger met and surpassed these expectations in a performance that simply radiates.

Throughout "Cold Mountain" you will find smaller, but brilliant supporting performances including those by the always dependable Phillip Seymour Hoffman along with Kathy Baker, Donald Sutherland, Natalie Portman (who know the girl could act?), Giovanni Ribisi, Ray Winstone, Jena Malone and even Jack White (of the "White Stripes"). It's a remarkable supporting cast, all whom shine in their time on screen.

The film's soundtrack is a perfect accompaniment to the film...never sounding out of place or awkward. Featured are Oscar nominated songs by Sting and Elvis Costello.

The film also received Oscar nominations for cinematography, editing, original score, original song. Zellweger's win was the only Oscar win for the film.

Unexpectedly, I find myself recommending this film. Minghella fans will be happy, along with fans of any of the aforementioned cast members. Fans of Civil War era films should be captivated, and I can't help but believe that most film fans will find something to enjoy here. This film is definitely adult fare and holds an "R" rating due to its adult themes, violence, scenes of sexuality and intense imagery.