Jude Law and Nicole Kidman star in the film

In the Civil War-era drama, which also stars Renee Zellweger, Law plays a wounded soldier heading home to his sweetheart, played by Kidman.

All three leads are tipped to land Oscar nominations for their roles.

The Prince of Wales is also attending the premi�re of the film, which was shot in remote regions of Romania.

Arriving at the screening, Law said making the film in such an isolated place had helped him find "peace of mind".

He (Minghella) put his whole life and soul into it, but he never let you feel that, which is a great testament to him Ray Winstone

"The lifestyle they live had a strange influence on what we were creating, and it gave you a lot of time to think," he said.

"Downtime was spent going out for walks and climbing trees, and you suddenly found you had peace of mind."

A host of other stars, including David Baddiel, film boss Harvey Weinstein, Jude Law's girlfriend actress Sienna Miller, co-star Ray Winstone and the film's director Anthony Minghella walked up the red carpet to see the film.

Minghella also wrote the screenplay for the film, which was adapted from the book by Charles Frazier.

Ray Winstone, who has appeared with Law in previous films, joked: "He drives you mad. He just goes on like an old woman.

"It's the third or fourth time I've worked with him, he follows me everywhere."

Speaking of Minghella, he added: "He put his whole life and soul into it, but he never let you feel that, which is a great testament to him."