Cold Mountain
Fearing for the safety of his beloved Ada, the wounded Confederate soldier Inman makes his way across the war-ravaged South, back to her farm on Cold Mountain. He faces trials and tribulations as he encounters slaves and bounty hunters, soldiers and witches, unexpected friends and dangerous enemies at every turn. Ada's road is no easier as she relies on wits and newfound bravery to protect her father's farm from attack, with the help of an intrepid drifter named Ruby. As they come ever closer, Inman and Ada weave a story about the longing for home after being in the wilderness, the longing for peace after being at war, and the longing for love and union in the midst of chaos. Based on one of the most acclaimed novels in recent memory, "Cold Mountain" sets off on a true American odyssey through a time that saw some of the greatest ferocity -- and heroism -- the nation has ever known.
Member Reviews
Loved It - bbryon1
Nicole is great as always. At the dawn of the Civil War, the men of Cold Mountain, North Carolina, rush to join the Confederate army. Ada (Kidman) has vowed to wait for Inman (Law), but as the war drags on and letters go unanswered, she must find the will to survive. The filmaker explorers two storylines that are tied together by love; the hardship of waiting for a loved one and making one 's way home. The story line offers a view into an important aspect of the Civil War not often portrayed.Mother of All Road Trips - Stitch
Charles Frazier’s first novel so impressed me after reading it in ’98 I swore never to watch a film adaptation…how could they ever adequately translate this epic to the screen? Ten years later I succumbed and glad I did--because Anthony Minghella didn’t try. Instead he took the rudiments of the story and from some select episodes built an engaging story in its own right.
My first star derives from an unlikely source (for me)--Jude Law. He too must have admired the book because his Inman is likeable and credible. And his devotion to Ada never tips into sentimentality. Great performance. Second star goes to, you guessed it, Renée Zellweger as Ruby. Hers is not an easy role, to convince a contemporary audience of her authenticity, and she wins us over immediately. As she did the Academy.
Third star goes to all the other virtues, not the least being strong performances from a coterie of solid support. Donald Sutherland particularly impressed by building a subtle foundation for the lovers’ relationship to be sustainable in absentia. Fourth star to the cinematography which is award calibre, capturing the essence of Appalachia through the seasons. I traveled this ridge line territory years ago as a salesman so it’s very much a nostalgia trip for me too.
My main regrets? First, the choice of Kidman as Ada Monroe. What prior role suggested she would be a believable Southern belle? And then be able to deliver the core theme—a gradual and tortuous transition to self-reliant capable survivor? Wiping an alabaster brow occasionally doesn’t cut it. Watching her performance, we almost forget her absolute lack of chemistry with Law.
Second, the ending. The novel’s poignant resolution transformed a moving love story into an authentic allegory of commitment. Here the condescension to box office is the real sadness. Please occasionally trust an audience; adults deal with life daily.
But, commendable effort and entertainment. Not for children.Epic Romance - Filmgal
Cold Mountain is an epic drama that focuses on the romance between Ada and Inman, a man and woman who have spent only a few moments together before he leaves for war. It is their lasting promise and potential romance that awaits that keeps each of them bonded to eachother as Inman tries to return to Ada over the course of 4 years.
While the romance and Inman's return to Ada and the town of Cold Mountain is the main plot of the film, there are several subplots and characters. Ruby, played by Renee Zellweger in her Oscar winning performance is fantastic and she adds humour to a film that isn't short on melodrama or sadness. Her friendship to Ada and their relationship is one of the many touching moments in the film.
An all star cast which features many in supporting and cameo roles roles includes Brendan Gleeson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Cillina Murphy, Jack White of The White Stripes, Taryn Manning, and Natalie Portman just to name a few familiar faces.
Well worth a place on your ziplist...just keep a box of kleenex handy
Member Reviews
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Loved It - bbryon1
Nicole is great as always. At the dawn of the Civil War, the men of Cold Mountain, North Carolina, rush to join the Confederate army. Ada (Kidman) has vowed to wait for Inman (Law), but as the war drags on and letters go unanswered, she must find the will ...Mother of All Road Trips - Stitch
Charles Frazier’s first novel so impressed me after reading it in ’98 I swore never to watch a film adaptation…how could they ever adequately translate this epic to the screen? Ten years later I succumbed and glad I did--because Anthony Minghella didn’t try. ...Epic Romance - Filmgal
Cold Mountain is an epic drama that focuses on the romance between Ada and Inman, a man and woman who have spent only a few moments together before he leaves for war. It is their lasting promise and potential romance that awaits that keeps each of them bonded ...