Historical & Romantic

Rating: 9/10 (10 January 2004)

It is based on a romance after the Civil War. It is a terrific story, but it took me half an hour to really get into it. The first part was a bit boring but once I caught on (too many flashbacks), it became very exciting and heartbreaking. Compared to Gone With the Wind, I'd say Cold Mountain is much better. Now I know what all the hoorays are about; Nicole Kidman was terrific as well as her leading man Jude Law, and what a strange love affair they did have. But the one who stole the show was Renee Zellweger. In fact it took me half an hour to realize who the actress was; playing a distinctly different role, that of a strong self-willed southern gal, she stole the show as well as my heart. If anyone gets an award, Renee Zellweger should definitely be that one to get it. The war scenes are brutal and bloodthirsty, but they do not take long, thankfully, and the rest of the two and a half hour show is definitely a must see. The musical score is mostly piano which I do like, and there are a couple of hillbilly character songs in it. It's also at least a one hanky film if you are a sentimentalist. 9/10