Cold Mountain (2003)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  154 Minutes 

Rated: R   

Genre: Adventure, Drama, History

Director:  Anthony Minghella

Starring: Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Elleen Atkins, Brendan Gleeson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman,Giovanni Ribisi, Donald Sutherland

IMDB Rank: 7.2/10

Part 1 Time:  83 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  71 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Ruby (Renee Zellweger) and Ada (Nicole Kidman) come to the aid of their neighbours Esco (James Gammon) and Sally (Kathy Baker)

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “This world won’t stand long. God won’t let it…stand this way long” Ruby states to Ada

First line of dialogue on the second part: “How long have I been sleepin?” Will Inman (Jude Law) speaks to an old wizened woman (Eileen Atkins).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, with the American Civil War almost finished, times are dangerous and uncertain. The Home Guard (who hunts down confederate deserters) continues to terrorize many southern citizens. With many close encounters with the Home Guard, Inman continues his journey back to Cold Mountain. Will Inman make it back to Cold Mountain alive?

Which part is better? Part one provides many close encounters between Inman and the Home Guard. Ada with the help of Ruby begins to farm her land. In part two, Inman continues his journey back to Cold Mountain. We are introduced to Ruby’s father Stobrod Thewes (Brendan Gleeson) and their complexing relationship. Also the final confrontation between the Home Guard and our protagonists. Due to the content presented part two is given a slight advantage.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Renee Zellweger), Best Leading Actor (Nominated-Jude Law), Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Music-Original Score (Nominated), Best Music-Original Song (Nominated-“Scarlet Tide”), Best Music-Original Song (Nominated-“You Will Be My Ain True Love”)