Cold Mountain

Starring:Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, RenÃ©e Zellweger, Eileen Atkins, Brendan Gleeson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Giovanni Ribisi, Donald Sutherland, Ray Winstone, Kathy Baker, James Gammon, Charlie Hunnam, Jack White (XV), Ethan Suplee, Jena Malone, Melora Walters, Lucas Black (II), Taryn Manning, Tom Aldredge
Director: Anthony Minghella
Studio: Miramax Home Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

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Freely adapted from Charles Frazier's beloved bestseller, Cold Mountain boasts an impeccable pedigree as a respectable Civil War love story, offering everything you'd want from a romantic epic except a resonant emotional core. Everything in this sweeping, Odyssean journey depends on believing in the instant love that ignites during a very brief encounter between genteel, city-bred preacher's daughter Ada (Nicole Kidman) and Confederate soldier Inman (Jude Law), who deserts the battlefield to return, weary and wounded, to Ada's inherited farm in the rural town of Cold Mountain, North Carolina. In an epic (but dramatically tenuous) case of absence making hearts grow fonder, Inman endures a treacherous hike fraught with danger (and populated by supporting players including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, and others) while the struggling, inexperienced Ada is aided by the high-spirited Ruby (Renée Zellweger), forming a powerful farming partnership that transforms Ada into a strong, lovelorn survivor. The film's episodic structure slightly weakens its emotional impact, and it's fairly obvious that director Anthony Minghella is striving to repeat the prestigious romanticism of his Oscar®-winning hit The English Patient. For the most part it works, especially in the dynamic performances of Zellweger and Kidman, and the explosive 1864 battle of Petersburg, Virginia, is recreated with violent, percussive intensity. Those who admired Frazier's novel may regret some of the changes made in Minghella's adaptation (the ending is particularly altered), but Cold Mountain remains a high-class example of grand, old-fashioned filmmaking, boosted by star power of the highest order. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Nicole Kidman (Academy Award(R) Winner -- Best Actress, THE HOURS, 2002) stars with Academy Award(R) winner Renée Zellweger (Best Supporting Actress, COLD MOUNTAIN, 2003) and Academy Award® nominee Jude Law (Best Actor, COLD MOUNTAIN). 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. At war's end, hearts will be dashed, dreams fulfilled, and the strength of the human spirit tested ... but not broken! Directed by Academy Award® winner Anthony Minghella (Best Director, THE ENGLISH PATIENT, 1996).

Customer Reviews:

A memorable viewing experience.......2007-06-15

I saw many potential pitfalls going into Anthony Minghella's 2003 epic "Cold Mountain". One, Anthony Minghella directed the film. He's the chap who lensed "The English Patient" back in 1996. I never saw that movie, but what I'd heard and read didn't sound promising. A schmaltzy romance set during World War II? No thanks. Two, "Cold Mountain" stars Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Renee Zellweger. Ugh. I can't stand Kidman and her pinched little nose. I also don't care much for Jude Law, an actor trying to set the world's record for the most movies made in less than five years. And Renee Zellweger? Forget about it, baby. An actress known for appearing in chick flicks and romantic comedies, Zellweger's presence in this film signaled storm clouds on the horizon for this viewer. I'd rather rip my fingernails off with a pair of pliers than watch a Renee Zellweger picture. Third, and finally, I heard that the central element in "Cold Mountain" is a romantic entanglement between Kidman and Law. Again, let me utter a hearty 'Ugh'. I looked at the film's runtime, 154 minutes, and blanched in horror. No way am I sitting down for two and a half hours to watch two performers I don't like make kissy faces at one another.

"Cold Mountain," set during the bleakest hours of the American Civil War, follows the various misadventures of two characters, Inman (Law) and Ada Monroe (Kidman). The latter moves to the small town of Cold Mountain, North Carolina to care for her ailing preacher father (Donald Sutherland). To say that Ada is a fish out of water in this tiny village is an understatement. She knows nothing about farming, the economic engine that fuels Cold Mountain, and her outfits and manners are woefully out of place in the sticks. Nonetheless, she soon strikes up a rather odd relationship with the grubby Inman. The two never say much to each other nor do they spend much time together, but it's definitely a case of love at first sight. Before the two can form a more lasting relationship, the war rears its ugly head. All the young men in Cold Mountain-- including Inman--can't wait to take up arms for the Confederacy, and he soon marches off to fight the Yankee invaders. As millions of young men throughout history have discovered, however, war isn't all its cracked up to be. After Inman nearly dies in a terrible battle, he decides to desert and head back home to Ada.

Inman's journey home assumes epic proportions as he encounters all sorts of odd characters and life threatening scenarios. He runs into a shifty chap by the name of Reverend Veasey (Philip Seymour Hoffman), helps carve up a dead cow, narrowly escapes doom at the hands of Junior (Giovanni Ribisi in a performance one simply must see to believe), and protects a woman named Sara (Natalie Portman) from Yankee depredations. Everywhere around him lurks violent death and temptations of the heart, yet he continues his journey home to the lovely Ada. Speaking of our young heroine, she's also fallen on hard times. The sudden death of her father leaves Ada in dire straits. Complicating matters is a local thug with designs on her property, a thug who also happens to head up a vigilante squad. Monroe nearly starves to death until a local sends over the loquacious Ruby (Zellweger) to help bring the farm back to life. This young firecracker knows everything there is to know about agriculture, and in no time the two strike up an unlikely bond that provides the film with many humorous situations. As we shift between these two parts of the movie, we wonder whether Inman and Ada will ever meet up again. And if they do, what happens next?

I think that's enough summary to convince you that I watched the movie. I know I said I wouldn't, or couldn't, view this picture, but I forgot to take this out of my online movie queue and ended up watching it anyway. I'm glad I did. I still didn't care for the romantic angle, and I'm still not much of a Kidman or Law fan, but imagine my surprise when I came away from "Cold Mountain" with much admiration in my heart. Why? Three reasons. One, Zellweger hits a homerun as the spunky Ruby. She's a real hoot and steals every scene she's in. Two, the battle sequence involving Inman and his compatriots took my breath away. I can't remember the last time I saw such a gritty, harrowing portrayal of warfare. It's dark, bloody, grim, and deeply disconcerting. There's even a scene where an explosion literally blows a man's clothing off his body! Now that's realism, folks. The battle sequence alone would merit five stars. The last reason is the movie's depiction of agrarian America. For most of our history, our country was an agricultural nation. "Cold Mountain" really captures this America, and does so with a great eye for detail.

For those three reasons, I'm giving "Cold Mountain" five stars. Minghella's picture really is an epic journey through a dark time in American history, and such an epic deserves an equally epic DVD treatment. The two-disc set I watched contained an informative (read: worth listening to) commentary track with Minghella and editor Walter Murch, mucho deleted scenes, and several lengthy featurettes. "Climbing Cold Mountain" takes us behind the scenes to show us every aspect of the film's production. "A Journey to Cold Mountain" comes across as one of those promotional features Hollywood uses to sell a film. "Words and Music of Cold Mountain" is a concert featuring some familiar faces performing the film's score and reading sections from Cold Mountain the novel. A few storyboards, trailers, and a four minute featurette called "Sacred Harp History" round out the set. "Cold Mountain" is a winner, an excellent film that stays with you long after you watch it. Highly recommended.

"Clouds, clouds, and then sun.".......2007-05-31

Cold Mountain is a sweeping and gorgeous love story between Inman and Ada played by Jude Law and Nicole Kidman. They meet in Cold Mountain, North Carolina. Inman has enlisted in the Civil War but in the meantime he has fallen in love with Ada. They share a passionate kiss before he is shipped off but their new love is so intense, neither of them can forget about each other. Inman is gone for 4 years and Ada waits and waits for his safe return. Ada needs help on her farm so guess who shows up stealing every scene, Renee Zellweger plays the spunky and stubborn Ruby Thewes. Zellweger won a Best Supporting Oscar for her fearless portrayal of Ruby. As the film steers ahead, you see through the eyes of Inman how desperately he wants to return home to Ada but will their reuninon be happily ever after... you'll have to watch and see for yourself. Enjoy!

excellent movie.......2007-04-20

I rarely do this but this great film has moved me so much that I feel I want to spread the word...this film is truly amazing in every sense of the word..the acting, the historical story, the cinematography is such that I felt like I was actually there, and most especially the actors particularly Renee Zelwegger and Jude Law were simply superb...this is my second time to watch Jude Law in a film (after loving the Holiday I chose COld Mountain)and I can really say that he is one of the finest young actors that we have today...his extraordinary range is unbelievable and looking at all the films that he has done in his still young age of 34, I can see that he will really be acclaimed as one of the best actors of our time...his perfromance in Cold Mountain was almost like he was doing Shakespeare and with his matching physical beauty, it nearly gave me chills....kudos to the director too and I am just waiting for the next Mingella movie Breaking and Entering to come out in dvd...I heard its simply awesome and stars Jude Law and Ju;liet Binoche....
C Mountain is one movie that I will cherish and will be watching again and again....

THis movie stank!!.......2007-03-31

It should be rated X in the first place. It was like walking in slow motion. The ending was just not great. I hated this movie. Who wants to see people eat rotting cows and then be thrown into an orgy?

Beautifully told romance.Charecters come to life........2007-03-17

I really enjoyed the movie Cold Mountain, I often watch it again. This movie to me is one of the few movies that you can really lose yourself in. The charecters really come alive and you find yourself caring about them. The scenery is really beautiful and the old time american folk music is great too.The film does have some nudity and violent scenes so its not for younger viewers. Overall a beautiful film with a moving story about a time when America was much younger.

Average customer rating:

A memorable viewing experience
"Clouds, clouds, and then sun."
excellent movie
THis movie stank!!
Beautifully told romance.Charecters come to life.

Cold Mountain [Region 2]
Starring: Jude Law , Nicole Kidman , Renée Zellweger , Eileen Atkins , and Brendan Gleeson
Director: Anthony Minghella
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Customer Reviews:

A memorable viewing experience.......2007-06-15

"Clouds, clouds, and then sun.".......2007-05-31

excellent movie.......2007-04-20

THis movie stank!!.......2007-03-31

Beautifully told romance.Charecters come to life........2007-03-17

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ProductGroup: DVD
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Charlie Rose with Anthony Minghella, Nicole Kidman & Jude Law (December 23, 2003)

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Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Cold Mountain (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000HBL1Z0
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Description

A conversation about the film Cold Mountain with director Anthony Minghella and actors Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. The Civil War-era film, adapted from Charles Frasier's eponymous novel, tells the story of a Confederate soldier after he deserts his company to return to the woman he loves.

Charlie Rose with Charles Frazier, Sebastian Junger, Jamaica Kincaid (December 25, 1997)

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Charlie Rose with Charles Frazier, Sebastian Junger, Jamaica Kincaid (December 25, 1997)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, a rebroadcast with Charles Frazier, author of Civil War novel "Cold Mountain." He talks about his popular first book about a soldier who deserts the army to return to the woman he loves (from August 15, 1997).||Next, a rebroadcast of a discussion with author of "A Perfect Storm," Sebastian Unger about his career as a journalist and writer (from August, 5, 1997).||Finally, a discussion with novelist Jamaica Kincaid about her book "The Autobiography of My Brother," a memoir of her childhood in the West Indies.

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ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Charlie Rose with Charles Frazier; Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee & Donald Bogle (August 15, 1997)

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Charlie Rose with Charles Frazier; Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee & Donald Bogle (August 15, 1997)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Description

Charles Frazier, author of Civil War novel Cold Mountain, talks about his popular first book about a soldier who deserts the army to return to the woman he loves. Also, actresses Cicely Tyson and Ruby Dee and biographer Donald Bogle discuss the first black actress to be nominated for an Academy Award, Dorothy Dandridge.

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Charlie Rose with Nicole Kidman (December 27, 2002)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Actress Nicole Kidman discusses her personal history and film career, particularly her recent role as Virginia Woolf in the screen adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Michael Cunningham novel The Hours.

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