Review of Atonement (1971) by Brian R — 30 Jan 2011

Dunkirk, 1940; the camera leads us along the beach; we see a choir constisting of - partly wounded - soldiers; their hymn "The Beauty of Thy Peace" melts together with Dario Marianellis score; it is impressing, extraordinarily and touching to say the least. It is a scene that graps me each and every time I watch it.

Anyway, Atonement by Joe Wright is an epic that drags you in - in every way. Seamus McGarvey did one of the most beautiful cinematography I have ever seen. So did Dario Marianelli with the his compelling and perfectly fitting score ( especially "Elegy for Dunkirk" and "Briony" ). Of course the actors' work is also very impressing, especially James McAvoy and the young Saoirse Ronan, who was even nominated for an Academy Award. But generally, everyone involved in this movie did an amazing job. Also Christopher Hampton, screenwriter, who created the perfect ending ( even if it is not based on the orginal novel - but I've read it, and I think he did it perfectly right that way ) for such a breath-taking movie. I remember I left the theater feeling turbulent and lacking any words. Like every outstanding movie, it kept me thinking for days.