Rating: 
Summary: Unashamedly Melodramatic, and Succeeds ... Almost
Review: "Cold Mountain" is a proof that good story and photography can be very fascinating so as to make us forget the obvious flaws of the entire film. The film is trying to be romantic, but the central characters are emotionally detached; it is breathtakingly beautiful (kudos to John Seale, "English Patient"), but way too long; and, hey, Renee Zellweger mightbe Texas-born, but is Jude Law an American? Or Nicole Kidman?Actually, Nicole was born in Hawaii, but surely looks gorgeous as the priest's daughter Ada Monroe, who moved to Cold Mountain in 1864. She meets a local boy Inman (Law), and before he leaves the village to join the Civil War, she exchanges a brief kiss with him, which changes the lives of the two. He vows to come back no matter what it takes, and we see Inman leaving the battlefield without permission, and going back to the home hunted by the army, and also Ada, who waits for him to come back, enduring the unhappy incidents back in the village, being helped by a wild and independent girl Ruby (Zellweger). What ever you see in "Cold Mountain," you have seen in the previously made American history dramas -- especially "Gone with the Wind." And as to Law and Kidman, yes, they are handsome, to be sure, but cannot spark the fire that should thaw the snow falling on this mountain. The problem is not acting -- it is excellent -- but the too long middle section, in which so many episodes are inserted with supporting actors. Support comes from everywhere. See how Inman meet Eileen Atkins, Giovanni Ribisi, Philip Seymore Hoffman, and Natalie Portman on the way home as if the film insists on using the names of these talents. However, I don't know the casting can be all justified (I think Portman is miscast), and if you blink (yes, literally), you will miss Jena Malone. You also get ubiquitous Donald Sutherland, Ray Winstone, Brendan Bleeson, Charlie Hunnam, Kathy Baker, James Gammon, Jack White (his debut as actor), Lucas Black, and so on and on. The clout of director Anthony Minghella? Possibly. But I believe there is a better way to prove that. "Cold Mountain" gracefully exudes the bitter-sweet smell of romance, and also never fails to present the painful memories of the war. It is always great to watch, and never stops the story. But as a whole it should have been tighter, or at least concentrated the relations between the man and woman though it still deserves watching for those who love romantic stories.
Rating:
Summary: Tailor-made for an Oscar
Review: "Cold Mountain" was a pretty good flick -- it may go without saying that the book was better -- but I felt it was tainted by a conscious eye on the academy awards. There's the stab at a supporting actress bid in the propped-up comic role for Renee Zellweger. Best actress (which it didn't get, ironically) attempt with the woman-without-her-man-fends-for-herself Nicole Kidman, who comically dons the latest New York fashions at the end of the movie as if showing us that's what happens to women if they're not properly domesticated, they become big-city professionals. Best actor in Jude Law - the most compelling performance, by the way - who walks through literal hells, all for the love of a woman. But the best example of an Oscar attempt was the Kiss. Kidman searches out Law on the day of his departure, and they lock lips in one of the steamiest kisses you'll ever see on the big screen. Don't go looking for it in the book, however. It didn't happen. In the book, Ada and Inman are too bound by convention, by time and place, which makes their respective personal rebellions later against the war and in favor of a simple personal connection all the more remarkable. In the movie, however, libido is heightened, and a memorable kiss occurs that doesn't jibe with the original story, but makes great cinema. After "Cold Mountain" wins best pic, they'll show this kiss in every awards ceremony afterwards. Put money on it. Lately I've been thinking about the irony that this movie and "Master and Commander" got academy nods. They're both war movies in time of war. Unlike the cheesy and straight-forward propagandistic flicks of the Second World War which told us how to feel about the war, these movies are subtler and simply reflect our attitudes to war. War is hell, they say, good people die. But...it's dang glamorous, baby! And boy! Do we enjoy it! Perhaps a natural attitude for a people who are just about completely unaffected by the war our country is currently embroiled in.
Rating: 
Summary: Reflections on the Movie "Cold Mountain"
Review: "Cold Mountain" was a romantic movie that showed me a good time. In contrast to most shallow movies in the theaters these days, the novel-adapted movie was moving and rich in meaning. Moreover, the picturesque scenes reminded me of the classic romance "Gone with the Wind" as both of them are about the Civil War and how people deal with it. Of course, it is impossible to be as good as GWTW, but a finely-made movie during these years. War's ugliness and brutality was vividly portrayed in the movie. The screenplay starts with Inman, the male protagonist, painstakingly fighting in the war. The civil war undermined his nascent relationship with Ada. The war went on, regardless of the injured and dying soldier, not to mention their wretched families. On the other hand, people of the same union did not always cooperate with each other but cast greedy eyes on their comrades' possessions. Violence made people display the most sinister side of their personality, so I was glad that there is no war around me, or people would have to bear the sufferings depicted in the film. The hesitancy people in old times had when expressing their feelings was beauteous. Ada, the female protagonist, and Inman loved each other with equal passion, yet neither knew the proper way to let it out. The implication held a fascinating beauty to me, for people in modern times do not bother to conceal their feelings. Brilliant music was composed along with the film. In the movie, the music is peaceful and sweet when the shot moves to Cold Mountain. The songs are particularly beautiful in romantic moments as they served to accentuate the elegance of love. On the other hand, they are also enjoyable to listen to out of the movie. When the two theme songs, ¡§You Will Always Be My Ain Love" and "Scarlet Tide" were performed live at the Academy Awards this year, I was stunned by the magnificent melodies. In sum, "Cold Mountain" is sorrowfully beautiful. It makes me reflect on my own life as well as appreciating the fantastic scenery shown. Even though the background was set more than a century ago, modern people would still experience the same frustrations and struggled for solutions as ancient people did.
Rating:
Summary: A sweeping, romantic epic
Review: "Cold Mountain," directed by Anthony Minghella, stars Jude Law as Inman, a Confederate soldier during the U.S. Civil War, and Nicole Kidman as Ada, the minister's daughter he loves and longs for when he leaves to fight. Renee Zellweger costars as Ruby, a feisty farmhand who works with Ada on the homefront. This film is a period piece that has a true epic sweep, yet never loses an intimate connection with the main characters. The production design is full of fascinating and thoughtful details that make the film a joy to watch. But it's also often harrowing and graphically violent--Minghella does not flinch at exploring the injustice and brutality of humankind towards itself. The performances are all superb. After having distinguished himself in a number of noteworthy supporting roles, Law really proves himself a great leading man here. Kidman brings both delicacy and steel to her role--a southern belle faced with daunting wartime challenges. Zellweger delivers a rich, earthy, zesty performance; she is a perfect foil for Kidman and their characters' relationship is one of the great highlights of the film. The three main actors are superbly supported by the rest of the cast. "Cold Mountain" is often quite grim and brutal, but is leavened by earthy humor and irony. Ultimately I found the film to be life-affirming. It's a love story and a war story, but regardless of genre it's a superbly crafted and genuinely moving film.
Rating:
Summary: A poetic tale of love, loss, and the will to survive
Review: "Cold Mountains", one of the best films of the year (it's a crime it wasn't nominated for Best Picture), is beautifully crafted, stirring, poetic tale of love, loss, and the will to survive. Directed and adapted to the screen by the wonderful Anthony Minghella and boasting a stunning cast of Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Jack White, Brendan Gleeson, and Donald Sutherland, this film is truly a force to be reckoned with. "Cold Mountain" tells the story of Inman (Law), a carpenter working in Cold Mountain, North Carolina in 1861 when the alluring, elegant, and well-educated Ada (Kidman) and her father, Reverend Monroe (Sutherland), move to the Blue Mountains from the city. Inman and Ada, in true Hollywood fashion, are instantly taken by each other and engage in restrained flirtation, Ada's preacher father and their different social classes being the bulwark from romance. Soon the Civil War begins and the entire young male population of Cold Mountain departs in eager anticipation of glorious battle. Inman and Ada engage in one fleeting, hungry kiss before he rushes off to join the departing procession. During battle, Inman is wounded and, after reading Ada's numerous earnest letters imploring him to return to her, deserts the Confederate army and embarks upon an Odyssey-like journey back home to his true love. Meanwhile, Ada's father has died, leaving her helpless and alone on their 300 acre farm. Soon Ruby (Zellweger) arrives and offers Ada her services in exchange for food and shelter. Realizing that she simply cannot manage on her own, Ada agrees. The rest of this spellbinding film flashes back and forth between Ada, being "all that keeps Inman from sliding into some dark place" and Inman, being Ada's "last thread of courage". Though these two souls barely know each other, they both remarkably become the single thing in each others world worth living for, worth fighting for. When boiled down to it, "Cold Mountain" is simply a beautiful testament of the human soul's fierce will to survive and, as corny as it sounds, the power of love. If it weren't for their love, neither Ada nor Inman would have found the will and courage to survive after their lives had been shattered by the brutalities of war. The seamlessly intertwined music plays such a large emotional role in this film. From Gabriel Yard's haunting score to Alison Krauss' tender songs, the music in this films helps to create an absorbing atmosphere that sucks you right into the Civil War. In addition, John Seale's breathtaking cinematography complete with sweeping views of the snow-encrusted Blue Mountains makes this a film you simply must see on the big screen. This has been a very difficult review for me to write. Upon first seeing "Cold Mountain", I was pleased with the film, but definitely not as taken with it as I soon came to be. That all changed in the weeks following. I simply cannot get this film out of my head. The hope, the sacrifices, the pain, the loss, the love. It really sticks with you. It's hard to put my feelings into words and I sincerely hope that this review has given you the incentive to go see this film, and by doing so, embark upon an unforgettable journey.
Rating:
Summary: A sweeping, romantic epic
Review: "Cold Mountain," directed by Anthony Minghella, stars Jude Law as Inman, a Confederate soldier during the U.S. Civil War, and Nicole Kidman as Ada, the minister's daughter he loves and longs for when he leaves to fight. Renee Zellweger costars as Ruby, a feisty farmhand who works with Ada on the homefront. This film is a period piece that has a true epic sweep, yet never loses an intimate connection with the main characters. The production design is full of fascinating and thoughtful details that make the film a joy to watch. But it's also often harrowing and graphically violent--Minghella does not flinch at exploring the injustice and brutality of humankind towards itself. The performances are all superb. After having distinguished himself in a number of noteworthy supporting roles, Law really proves himself a great leading man here. Kidman brings both delicacy and steel to her role--a southern belle faced with daunting wartime challenges. Zellweger delivers a rich, earthy, zesty performance; she is a perfect foil for Kidman and their characters' relationship is one of the great highlights of the film. The three main actors are superbly supported by the rest of the cast. "Cold Mountain" is often quite grim and brutal, but is leavened by earthy humor and irony. Ultimately I found the film to be life-affirming. It's a love story and a war story, but regardless of genre it's a superbly crafted and genuinely moving film.
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie Ever Made
Review: (...)It was wonderfully acted and shot beautifully and kidman, zellweger, Law, and Natalie Portman do an excellent job in this VERY EPIC movie. And from the looks of the dvd, its going to have some sweet special features. If you like movies see this...if you hate movies, go watch Daddy Day Care or The Friday after Next.
Rating:
Summary: Better than "The English Patient"
Review: Although I thought "The English Patient" was OK, I liked "Cold Mountain" a lot more. I really got into the authenticity of the time and place, and I felt the characters were much more believable than say the imaginary characters of "Gone with the Wind." At least no one in "Cold Mountain" tried to turn the curtains into gowns. I always thought that was pretty unbelievable. Anyway, for those of you who thought Minghella took great liberty with his adaptaion of "Cold Mountain," then you should read "The English Patient." I thought he took greater liberty on that book. The difference is is that it worked better in "Cold Mountain" than "The English Patient."
Rating:
Summary: Attention To Detail Makes "Cold" A Mountainous Achievement
Review: As one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, due to its long list of A-List actors involved, a much respected director, and the general subject matter, Civil War epic "Cold Mountain" paints a poignant, devastating and beautiful portrayal of one of the most turbulent times in American history. Set in the small Southern town of Cold Mountain, North Carolina, at the beginning of the Civil War, it follows the story of Ada Monroe (Nicole Kidman), the daughter of a preacher, and Inman (Jude Law), a young worker, who although are attracted to each other cannot express their feelings; only sharing a few words and a single kiss before Inman and the rest of the men in the town are sent off to fight for the Confederates. Throughout the next four years, Ada sends Inman dozens of letters of devotion and hope, telling him tales of home and praying for his safe return. Inman, who finds himself at the end of his wits while suffering through the horrors of war and after reading her letter while recovering in the hospital for a gunshot wound sustained in battle, decides to become a deserter to find his way back home to Ada. Thus, he begins a perilous journey back to Cold Mountain, not only hiding from the Yankees, but his Confederate comrades, and encountering many helpful and hindering characters along the way. For Ada back in Cold Mountain, her life seems to be falling apart as her house falls into dilapidation, and a band of lawmen terrorize the small town; putting laws into action that condemn those who are deserters or those who house them, as well as anyone else they see fit. So, it comes as a relief for Ada when spunky Ruby (Renee Zellweger) shows up at her door, with the intention of helping her with the farm and getting her life back on track. Under the direction of Anthony Minghella, who is best known for the haunting "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (also starring Jude Law) and the 1996 Best Picture "The English Patient", "Cold Mountain" succeeds in portraying a world torn by war in a devastatingly realistic fashion, not only focusing on the battles or political events that made up the war itself, but also the impact it had on those left behind. The love story of Ada and Inman has a modest beginning, yet grows until you can almost feel the raw, underlying connection between their souls and the hunger for each other protruding from the film. Jude Law is near flawless, as the young man fearing for his innocense lost, and the sheer determination he demonstrates throughout his journey in many situations can also be shown through a single glance of his dark, deep eyes. Nicole Kidman gives a slightly less thrilling performance, yet still shines as Ada, who never loses hope for Inman, and shows her character's strengths and determination in the fierce set of her jaw, and throughout the challenges she comes across. Renee Zellweger also delivers an enthralling performance as Ruby, with just the right amount of spunk, humor, and emotion, to win over the audience. The fascinating characters portrayed as Inman continues his long journey home and the rest of the supporting cast, while varying in personality, set a marvelous backdrop for a lush story rich in human emotion and immaculate attention to detail. Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Charlie Hunnam, Giovanni Ribisi, Kathy Baker, Cillian Murphy, and Jena Malone, among others, make up a splendid ensemble, with the stand out performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman as the slimy but lovable preacher and Inman's companion, and Natalie Portman as Sara, the desperately lonely housewife. As one of the most brutally realistic movies of the year, you must know what you are getting yourself into before watching "Cold Mountain". For the viewers with weak tolerances, it has more than a few scenes which will upset your stomach and tug your heartstrings. I myself found some parts hard to watch, but I was also enthralled by the visual aspects, performances, and wonderful direction of the film. Without a doubt, I believe "Cold Mountain" will do very well at the Oscars, if not in gold stauettes, than with a numerous amount of nominations, each more than deserved.
Rating: 
Summary: Could Have Been Better
Review: Both Renée Zellweger and Jude Law give outstanding performances in this movie. However, I felt Nicole Kidman was just awful. The movie takes place during the civil war, and Nicole looks like she just walked out of a spa in Beverly Hills. I also felt Natalie Portman was mis-cast in her role.
I agree with the other reviews I read that people say the nudity was excessive and unnecessary. The director could have shown the love scene with a much lighter hand, and the point would have come across alot better. It wasn't as romantic as it should have been, the nudity was to obvious.
Regardless, Renee is wonderful, and is definately worthy of her Oscar nomnation. Even being in a film that was not that well done, she gives a performance 100% better than anyone else in the cast. Jude Law is also outstanding, as a man who is running away from the Civil War.
Also, this is a movie about the American Civil War. The studio shot in in a foreign country just to save money .... very tacky.
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