A kitschy, lugubrious and deeply unhistorical exercise in self-congratulation.

Kidman and Law share almost no screen time together, which harms the film. Still, there are moments that are sufficiently ablaze, and make "Cold Mountain" a worthwhile diversion.

A love story likely to leave you cold.

A movie of gorgeous moments alternating with many more that feel literate to the point of inducing boredom

If the love story is asked to carry more weight than it can bare, at least this is a film of rich measure and ambition.

Grim in places, and at times gratuitous, this is still terrific five-hanky drama with top-flight technical work, horrifically spectacular action, subtle introspection, rich characters and a love story to die for.

As he did with The English Patient, director Minghella performs a miraculous juggling act, balancing his epic, sweeping story with the subtleties of character and detail that make Cold Mountain breathe.

Something to mildly admire rather than embrace.

'Above all, Cold Mountain is a story of women -- abandoned, starving, and learning to rely only on themselves and each other.'

A tough movie to sit through but a powerful one nonetheless and whilst its not the great film that it so longs to be, it is a strong journey worth taking if your prepared for it.