Cold Mountain

Civil War Odyssey

A Confederate soldier Inman (Jude Law) deserts in late 1864 to return to the mountains of western North Carolina and his one true love, Ada (Nicole Kidman). Inman experiences many different people, events and obstacles on his long journey while Ada has her own problems to deal with: death, grief, the ruthless home guard, starvation/poverty, and a house & farm she doesn't know how to run, that is, until the practical Ruby (Renée Zellweger) comes along.

Based on the 1997 novel by Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain (2003) involves two stories that ultimately intertwine and is reminiscent of Homer's Odyssey. In light of Inman's journey home, the film is episodic but, thankfully, never loses its sense of cohesion. The s...

First time seeing this in a long time, probably back in theaters circa 2003/2004. I remembered bits and pieces. Good performances from Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger while Jude Law acquitted himself well enough, however never fully bought into the romance aspects, but the horrors of the Civil War was an interesting element. The direction from Anthony Minghella was solid along with the cinematography and production design. 3.5/5

"Ada" (Nicole Kidman) lives a comfortable life on her farm with her father "Rev. Moore" (Donald Sutherland) as the American Civil War comes to a close. That's where she meets and takes a shine to "Inman" (Jude Law) who is making his way back to his Confederate troops. When the preacher dies, "Ada" finds herself having to throw the fine frills and fancies in a box and struggle to maintain the property as the winter snows set in. Luckily, along comes the savvy "Ruby" (Renée Zellweger) who agrees to stick around and help so long as both women chip in and share the load. As the women try to survive, the war concludes and "Inman" sets about retracing his steps back to North Carolina. With the conditions treacherous and the territory pretty lawle...