In the final days of the Civil War, a soldier deserts the Confederate Army and tries to make his way back to Cold Mountain, NC where his girlfriend awaits. Based on the novel by Charles Frazier.

Cold Mountain is an epic story and a high quality drama with an emphasis on the characters. While Law, Kidman and Zellwegger all shine in their principal roles, it is the supporting cast coming and going that make this the film that it is.

Law's trek home to North Carolina is wrought with danger and memorable characters including Hoffman as a wayward preacher, Ribisi as a seemingly harmless farmer and Portman is a helpless young mother. Their efforts really make the story of the soldier’s plight and are most appreciated.

On the other side we have a girlfriend (Kidman) along with her house maiden (Zellweger). awaiting the return of her love. Also a really interesting story about a town mob rounding up military deserters and local farms.

When these two stories meet up near the end of the film, the conclusion is quite a bit drawn out but satisfying nonetheless. Cold Mountain will surely garner much Oscar consideration.

Directed by Anthony Minghella.