A difficult movie to watch...

Rating: 8/10 (27 July 2008)

I am from NC and was intrigued when I first heard of this movie. First, because it was based on a novel by a first time author. How amazing to score such a huge first success on your rookie novel. It also interested me that much of the story is set in Cold Mountain, which is an area near Asheville, NC (only a few hours from here). The other item that got my attention is that part of the story is based on true accounts of a member of Charles Frasier's family that did desert during the war and walked many miles home.
With all that said - I finally watched the movie not knowing much else what to expect. Needless to say, it has a horribly tragic ending. I'm not sure I saw that coming. There are some very raunchy scenes that rightly have this as an 'R' rating - notably the scene where the women trap Inman and his buddy and turn the deserters in. I also found the role of the corrupt preacher very offensive - but when does Hollywood every portray clergy in a positive light, so no surprise there.
But the love story is very haunting and you can't help but be drawn into a love so strong that a man would go to the lengths he does to be reunited with Ada. Zellweger's performance deserves all the accolades she received.
I think my final analysis is that the movie is a very raw depiction of human nature - both the worst and the best of it.