Solid epic filmmaking

Rating: 8/10 (5 January 2004)

Sprawling historical epic based on a book. This tale has Nicole Kidman and Jude Law as people who meet cute, kiss and then he goes off to fight in the Civil War and she sits around and longs for him for most of the rest of the movie. Sounds pretty soapy, but the film is actualy quite good.. owing to the strong acting by Kidman, Law, Renee Zellweger (as a woman who helps Kidman on the farm) and a solid group of supporting players in minor roles (including Natalie Portman, Donald Sutherland, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and many others). The production is also top notch, with good cinematography, production design and all other elements. Keeps you involved and interested. A solidly produced epic. GRADE: A-