Civil War Epic, good, maybe even really good, but not great

Rating: 7/10 (29 January 2011)

It seems this is a controversial movie. Reviewers are equally divided in pros & cons. In my opinion this is not an outstanding film, but it has some good features to point out. First of all the marvelous photography done by John Seale (he is also responsible for "Gorillas in the Mist"). Snow covered woods; rural trails and mountainous landscape are shown with masterful skill. The music is another high point, T-Bone Burnett is the executive producer and three of his songs are scored here. Nicole Kidman in the role of Ada Monroe and Jude Law as Inman performs correctly and convincingly. Renée Zellweger as Ruby Thewes a rural girl is really the best of the cast. Outwardly hardboiled and outspoken, she let the viewer get in touch with her inner tenderness and humanity thru her shinning eyes and glances. The director, Anthony Minghella, is not one of my favs, but this is by far, much better than his well known "The English Patient".
The story is situated in the Civil War times. Inman goes to war, as thousands of others, only to find out that war is cruel and senseless for the ordinary soldiers. After long years of service he is wounded one more time and decides to quit. To go home, to return to his true love, to where he belongs. This is a forbidden issue for any soldier in any war. So his long pilgrimage is full of obstacles and dangers. In Cold Mountain, Ada awaits the end of the war and the return of her lover. She faces many hardships with the only help of Ruby. Will they reunite? You must see the film in order to discover it. A final caution: there are some nude scenes, well acted and filmed but may be inconvenient for young audiences.