A Must See!

Rating: 9/10 (18 April 2013)

First, I have to say that I fell in love with Cold Mountain from the moment the movie started. The power of Inman and Ada's relationship is apparent from the moment the two meet and their powerful connection does not fade the entire film. What is so captivating is that Inman and Ada only have a few encounters before Inman if forced to leave and fight in the Civil War. But those moments are enough and subsequently change them both forever.
While Inman and Ada are separated by war, each face hardships of their own. The movie focuses a lot on the effects of war on those fighting as well as those left behind. It specifically focuses on how war can affect two people in love that want nothing more than to be reunited. After being wounded in battle, Inman finds himself removed from the battlefield, but he is still not free to return to Cold Mountain, where Ada is. Inman is now a deserter and is in almost as much danger as if he had remained on the battlefield. Inman continues to fight for his life as he tries to make it back to Ada, encountering several interesting people along the way. All Inman has left are the memories of Ada and a single picture.
Unaware of what is going on with Inman, Ada faces struggles of her own in Cold Mountain. Her father dies, her house is falling apart, she barely has enough food or money to survive, and the town is destitute because of the war. Ada receives help from Ruby, sent to help by one of Ada's neighbors. Ruby knows how to work the farm Ada has let fall apart and is not shy about ordering Ada around. Ruby acts as a much needed comic relief to the otherwise intense and emotional parts of the film. Although the journey was not easy, Inman finally makes it back to Ada (what you wait for the entire movie!) but the couple soon faces tragedy and Ada is once again left alone.
I was very impressed overall by the film. The setting, scenery, and costumes all work perfectly together and are not overdone. I also really liked that the film did not feel like a Civil War movie, even though the War was a major component. The focus is more on the development of the main characters and the difficulties they face as well as the unbreakable romance between Inman and Ada.
Cold Mountain is a must see!!