The Odyssey of the Civil War?

Rating: Null/10 (13 December 2004)

"Cold Mountain" (2003) tries to be The Odyssey told during the Civil War - the story of a man on his way home to his eternal love and all the obstacles and tribulations he faces. There a lot to admire in CM - Anthony Minghella sure knows how to make a good-looking film with great views and impressive cinematography. This and his previous films, "The English Patient" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" are the good examples of his craft. The war scene in the beginning of the film is powerful and violent but I could not help thinking of the opening scene of 'Saving Private Ryan' which had set the standards for all following war films for shooting the super violent and realistic combat scenes. I did not read the book, so I can not comment on what parts were left out but the love story between Inman (Law) and Ada (Kidman) did not touch me very much. I am not sure if it has to do with the story itself or with the performances of two main characters but they were overshadowed by the supporting characters played by Eileen Atkins, Brendan Gleeson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Kathy Baker, and Giovanni Ribisi. Some of them had only few minutes of screen time but their characters are interesting and alive. Renee Zellweger received all possible awards last year for her turn as Ruby, funny looking but strong, energetic and independent woman who had helped the helpless and lonely Ada to manage her farm after her father died. I liked the character but I was not too impressed by Zellweger's performance. I think she had overplayed and made Ruby too grotesque. I've seen four Oscar nominated performances from last year and at least two were much better than Renee Zellweger.
There is a very frank love scene between Law and Kidman in the end. It is the well made scene but too beautiful considering that two lovers went through the nightmares of war, starvation, disease, and the lack of any decent conditions. I saw on the screen two very attractive people in great shape with sexy bodies, well tanned and toned in the trendy gyms not two lovers of Cold Mountain during the devastating war. 6/10