A wounded Confederate soldier, Inman (Jude Law) begins a long journey back home to his pre-war sweetheart, Ada (Nicole Kidman), both enduring about three years of struggle and hardships . Inmans long walk home shows the crumbling confederacy and he meets people of all likes. During this time, Ada is trying revive and keep her fathers farm, with the help of a sassy, bold drifter, Ruby (Renee Zellweger) and the two start a meaningful relationship.

Directed by Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain is a beautiful, moving film that shows some of the best scenery ever seen. The story revolves around finding peace after war, and love in the middle of chaos, and it really is a great movie to see. There is also a huge all-star cast, such as Phillip Seymour Hoffman as a hilarious sleazy priest, Natalie Portman, Kathy Baker, Giovani Ribisi, Eileen Atkins, and Jack White

Though Nicole Kidman does play her character well, it is a big surprise for many that she is not nominated for the Best Actress category. It’s Renee Zellweger that practically steals the movie with her performance as Ruby. Renee Zellweger did win the Best Actress category for the Golden Globes, and she is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the Academy Awards. Due to the movie’s release date, it was not in the running for the Best Picture category.