[7]

Anthony Minghella (The English Patient, Talented Mr. Ripley) adapts Charles Frazier’s book about a Civil War deserter trying to get back to his lover. The film goes back and forth between the soldier’s story and the sweetheart’s story. My main issue with Cold Mountain is that these two characters, played by Nicole Kidman and Jude Law, barely know each other at all before they are separated, so their deep-rooted desire to be reunited ends up feeling forced to me. Motivations aside, her story kept me more engaged in the movie than his. After Kidman’s father (Donald Sutherland) passes away, she’s left alone to keep her farm going, while defending her property from raiders. Renée Zellweger won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a feral backwoods gal who ingratiates herself to Kidman, quickly becoming a worthy friend and ally. I’ve never been a fan of Renée, but she gives the film’s best, most memorable performance. Law’s half of the movie is much more episodic, with many faces that come and go — Philip Seymour Hoffman and Natalie Portman among them. The end is a little overwrought for my taste, but between the women’s half of the movie and Minghella’s always beautiful settings and ambiance, Cold Mountain is definitely worth a look. With Kathy Baker, James Gammon, Eileen Atkins, Brendan Gleeson, Giovanni Ribisi, Ray Winstone, and Charlie Hunnam. 

Academy Award: Best Supporting Actress (Renée Zellweger)

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor (Jude Law), Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Score, Best Song (“You Will Be My Ain True Love”), Best Song (“The Scarlet Tide”)