Unforgettable, unmissable, unbelievable.

Rating: 10/10 (29 February 2004)

Big, sweeping romantic epics don't come along as often as we'd like, so set a date to see this powerful love story set during America's Civil War. From the director of The English Patient, Anthony Minghella, the film focuses on what matters cinematically, such as impressive scenery and artistic, daring camera angles, as well as adapting and delving deep into the heart-warming emotions, originally displayed in Charles Frazier's acclaimed novel. The chemistry between onscreen sweethearts Nicole Kidman and Jude Law is explosively romantic, while Renée Zellweger injects some well-timed humour in amongst the thrills, spills and heartache that wartime love can bring.
Although a sombre movie, with numerous explosive scenes full of the best special effects around, cinematically, Cold Mountain is given an authentic look- largely due to the exquisite costumes displayed on screen, exquisitely hand-crafted, and are appropriately suited for the backdrops around them.

The actors in the film, all make admirable attempts at capturing the Southern accent. Although their accents are flimsy and inconsistent at times, the variations in speech could be put down to Minghella's creativity and authenticity, and relate to the different cultures and backgrounds at the time.
Overall, a terrific romance/war epic, with sensational technical work, horrifically spectacular action, rich characters and a love story to die for.
A MUST SEE FOR 2004!