COLD MOUNTAIN
Directed by Anthony Minghella. Starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Donald Sutherland, Brendan Gleeson
15 cert
*****

Minghella's quietly compelling anti-war drama follows the picaresque and hazardous journey home of a badly wounded and deeply disillusioned Confederate volunteer-turned-deserter towards the end of the American Civil War. The film's power is rooted in the strength of its storytelling, its impeccable craftsmanship and period detail and the splendid performances of a particularly fine ensemble cast.

MONSTER
Directed by Patty Jenkins. Starring Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern, Lee Tergesen, Annie Corley, Pruitt Taylor Vince
18 cert
****

Much has been made of how Theron rigorously deglamourised herself to play serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who was executed two years ago in Florida. But Theron has achieved far more through her deeply immersed and intensely persuasive performance that captures the complexity of the killer's psyche in this tough, thoughtful drama.