[Dead Dog]

Saw the previews for Cold Mt. when I went to see Master and Commander. It looked pretty good, but I also noticed it was a Miramax film. I figured it must be an anti war flick that glorifies a deserters and dereliction of duty.

What was the book about?

[Ex-Dem]

I don't want to spoil it for anyone for hasn't read the book and intends to see the movie, so I've typed in up in white font. Highlight the text below to read it:

SPOILER BEGIN

The main character in the book (I think he's played by Jude Law) is a soldier in the confederate army. He was wounded (not seriously) and is in an army hospital at the beginning of the book. IIRC, he was going to be sent back to the front lines after he recovered. He decides that he's had enough of the war, so he deserts to go back home to his wife or girlfriend. Much of the book basically recounts the obstacles he encounters on his way home (to Virginia?). Fairly dark and depressing book IIRC. It also does tend to glorify deserters...

SPOILER END

[John H K]

I've heard the book is excellent, but haven't gotten around to reading it. My sister hates the idea that Nicole Kidman is in the movie, though. Jude Law is an excellent actor.

Hope the accents aren't too butchered.

It it is, in fact, about a Confederate deserter at the end of the Civil War.

I despised Minghella's previous film, "The English Patient" and I suspect in 20 years that will be one of those "what the hell was the academy THINKING?" films.

I saw the trailer for it as well when I saw Master and Commander, and it did look impressive, especially the explosion of the Petersburg mine (I'm told that's not in the book, however.

[af_vet_rr]

The plot was already given, but I have to jump in and say that it is very depressing. I don't know how to describe it, other than I don't think it glorifies desertion (although the movie may) - at that point the war is pretty much over, and many Confederate units are a shambles (some units were down to less than 30% strength) and just going back home. I really can't blame the guy - the last few battles did nothing but grind up more Americans.

Heck, technically the last battle (in Texas no less) was a Confederate victory that took place after the surrender, but it did nothing.

Keep in mind, I don't judge the Civil War next to other wars our country has fought, because of who was involved. I can't really blame any Confederate for quitting after the middle of 1864.