Based on the novel by Charles Frazier , Anthony Minghella 's star-studded Cold Mountain is a sweeping tale set in the final days of the American Civil War. Jude Law stars as Inman, a young soldier who, despite an injury, is struggling to make his way home to Cold Mountain, NC, where his beloved Ada ( Nicole Kidman ) awaits. In Inman's absence, Ada befriends Ruby ( Renée Zellweger ), who helps her keep up her late father's farm. Meanwhile, in his travels, Inman encounters a menagerie of interesting folks. Also starring Natalie Portman , Giovanni Ribisi , Donald Sutherland , and Philip Seymore Hoffman , Cold Mountain features original music by Jack White of the White Stripes . — Matthew Tobey