Review of Cold Mountain (2003) by Jay L — 09 Feb 2011

"They call this war a cloud over the land but they made the weather, and they stand in the rain and say, shit it's rainin.".

Director Anthony Minghella collaborated with Producer Sydney Pollack in this vast and sweeping story of war, love, and pain. An audacious Civil War romance that will sweep you clean off of your feet in a whirlwind of emotion, beauty, and cinematic eye candy. Cold Mountain is a beautiful film filled with fantastic scenery and gorgeous cinematography. Ita not a battle film, although there is some violence, Cold Mountain is not your traditional war film, it's an epic love story that takes place through the Civil War. Slow-going and dull at times, it still managed to hold my attention until the end. Lovely filmmaking. A great story about the power and beauty of love and the unforgiving nature of war.

Minghella packed his film with many class-act talents. It stars Jude Law in easily one of the best performances of his career, and Nicole Kidman who also gives a spectacular performance. However, Renee Zellwegger steals the show in Cold Mountain for her annoying but Oscar winning supporting role. A sensational act. Cold Mountain also has appearances by countless other A listers including, Brendan Gleeson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Donald Sutherland, Ray Winstone, and Eileen Atkins.

A complex and emotional roller coaster ride that will suck you in from the start. A splendid piece of filmmaking from Anthony Minghella.