Sort By: By Genre  |  By Rating  |  By Year

Cold Mountain

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Renee Zellweger
Director: Anthony Minghella
Genre: Drama
Year: 2003
Rating: 4 / 5

Perception is not always reality when it comes to films. Such is the case with Cold Mountain, a film I had blatantly categorized as a romance set against the backdrop of war. Of course, that was the impression I had gotten from the fifty or so pages of Charles Frazier’s novel that I had managed to trudge through before surrendering. It certainly did not help matters that Cold Mountain is helmed by Anthony Minghella, forever known in this critic’s mind as the man responsible for The English Patient, a rather tedious romance in its own right. Imagine my surprise upon realizing what a powerful story Cold Mountain is, an epic tale that speaks to yearnings and longings within us all.

Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman) and Inman (Jude Law) only share a few words and one passionate kiss before Inman marches off with the Confederate army at the start of the Civil War. Though they barely know each other, they each long to be reunited again, holding to the memories of their fleeting moments together. Inman ventures across the South, fighting countless battles for a cause he discovers he no longer supports. Ada fights her own battles at home, trying to keep her farm viable while dealing with the nature of her upbringing and the advances of a less-than-honorable lawman. These two long for each other and for hope across hundreds of miles, bolding waiting for the time when they can be together again.

Cold Mountain has received heaps of praise all around, most notably due to the fine performances turned in by both the lead and supporting actors. Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Renee Zellweger form an impressive trio at the top, but notable efforts by the likes of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, and Kathy Baker should not be overlooked. Of the leads, Law and Zellweger stand out, although the latter may owe a debt of gratitude to a rather juicy role. As feisty frontierswoman Ruby Thewes, Zellweger steals a lot of her scenes, dishing out snappy one-liners while teaching Kidman’s Ada Monroe a thing or two about real life. While all three deserve acclaim, Zellweger’s turn is truly worthy of recognition.

Director Anthony Minghella deserves a significant amount of credit for crafting a film that pulls the viewer in from the very outset. Right away, Minghella hammers home the brutality of war and the effect it has on Inman, weary and disillusioned from endless fighting. We see Inman’s first days with Ada interspersed with these violent images, contrasting their budding romance with the conflict that strives to keep them apart. Minghella takes us along for the ride as Inman begins his long journey home, through the forests, mountains, and swamps of North Carolina and on to Cold Mountain. His tale does become a little trite when dealing with the vicious men who terrorize Ada and Ruby, but the story rebounds nicely. Cold Mountain ultimately tells of people daring to dream of something better and finding their way to that dream.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence and sexuality.
Running Time: 155 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
Comments: Send E-mail