Another triumph for Nicole Kidman

Rating: 8/10 (18 January 2004)

Another triumph for Nicole Kidman  in this one she plays the long suffering sweetheart of a man she knew for only moments (Jude Law) and who has gone off to fight in the Civil War. There are plenty of realistically bloody scenes tracing this troubled period of American history, but Cold Mountain is much more than a war film. Kidman is the daughter of a preacher  she can play piano and speak several languages but is poorly equipped to look after herself when times get hard. Zellwegger plays her down-to-earth companion and saving grace and as such is a revelation. Jude Law's character as a moral' soldier is an interesting one, as his long journey, physical and emotionally, against many difficulties.
This epic tale tells not only of the torments of facing very alien scenarios unprepared, but of a love that spans several years of separation, based on next to nothing, and yet is the guiding light giving hope to the future. Kidman rises to the challenge and delivers another memorable performance. She is backed up by superb ensemble acting and fine storytelling, beautifully adapted to the screen.