The title refers to the name of a small village in the eastern part of USA. Its relevance is just that most of the story happens there and the rest happens in a journey to the same. Our hero is involved in the latter, longing to meet his sweetheart back in his home-village.
Through his eyes primarily, we get to see how the commoners were affected by the bloody hate-fest called the American Civil War. Neatly interspersed with that is the love story both in flash-back and present, along with the lady love’s struggle for survival.
After minimal war scenes, the story quickly hops onto the journey. Lack of good knowledge of the history of that period and region is a definite handicap for full appreciation of the proceedings. The initial part of the love story is fresh romance and executed well by the actors and the director. The unfitting end though is typical of Hollywood. For the most part, the striking factor is the slow pace of the screenplay which is quite unfriendly to the audience. The occasional and brief humour is a welcome change.
Law plays his part adequately; but one might long for a little more flashiness and charisma. Kidman is good, though she seems a little too old for the role. Oscar-decorated Zellweger makes good use of her interesting character. One can’t miss taking notice of the supporting cast.
The background score is pleasant. Cinematography sticks to its job without crying for attention. Costumes, make-up and art direction are near-perfect. Only thing I wondered about is whether women wore pants in those times! Editing is superlative without being slick and showing off.
Minghella (The English Patient) does little wrong with direction though his sluggish screenplay is the big let-down. Nevertheless, he deserves appreciation for throwing a different kind of light on the past.
Bottom-line: Worth watching if you can endure some boredom.
Category: Drama / History
Starring: Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger
Music: Gabriel Yared
Direction: Anthony Minghella