An excellent drama that captures the dangers of the day

Rating: 10/10 (2 January 2004)

Civil War films are of particular personal interest because of my many forbears who fought and died defending their homes. The film opens with a dramatic re-enactment of the horrific Battle of the Crater. The necessary meanness that comes with combat is seen on both sides as well as acts of personal heroism. The Crater foreshadows the bloody battles of WWI and re-enactors will be engrossed. It is, however, a film about a Southerner's dangerous road home whether it was before or after the Surrender.
Jude Law's performance is extraordinary. Up until the 1950s when roads came to NC's mountains, people spoke a dialect closely resembling 18th century English; so his articulation is effective as this would have resembled the language spoken in England at that time. He also captures the sense of the strong, quiet mountain man who is a formidable adversary but inept in the language of love. Zellweger's performance also celebrates the virtues and determination of a woman from the Smokies. Her dialect, expression, and sentiments capture the heart of the clever and quick witted Carolinian of the day. There has been no better performance by a supporting actress. While most of the characters rely on 'types', those that are developed are well done. The licentiousness of some characters seems a bit over the top. For example, the murderous minister's character (not the father) is the exception rather than the rule. Read Glasgow's "Barren Ground" for an accurate, fictional depiction of white landowners relationships with African Americans.
The film's use of folk music is effective and helps develop the audience's understanding of Cole Mountain. Was surprised that the director did not use "Imogene" or "In the Pines" for the song played in the hospital.
The announcement of war in the film is poorly done and unfair to Western North Carolinians. If they celebrated they would have sung "Dixie" (a song I heard played at the end of every major evening event followed by hurrahs until about 1970, which is an appropriate time for that custom to die). The idiotic, visceral hollaring about war is just that. Many opposed the war. One forebear from a tobacco growing region argued in county debates in 1861 to remain with the Union. When defeated in debate he enlisted as a private to defend his homeland. In 1864, North Carolina's gubernatorial debate centered on whether or not to re-enter The Union. The secessionists narrowly won the election. And she was the state who lost more men in the conflict than any other Southern state. But many other parts ring true. Great-great uncle Vann died at the age of 12 as a bugle boy. All we have is a tin type of him in his uniform. Great-great Uncle Bill was murdered by a scalawag while trying to return home. It was a time of great nobility of spirit and base profiteering. Very few people today in either the North or South understand the ethos of the players in the War Between the States and this film brings us a bit closer, if by way of metaphor rather than history. The best still remains "Birth of a Nation".
There is much more to be said for than against this film.