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Last updated: 01 Jul 2026 at 04:02 UTC

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Review of by Jessica G — 16 Jul 2011

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Atonement is one of the greatest love stories; a young couple discover their adorations for each other, just in time to have them torn apart and shattered by misfortune and misconception. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy play the lovers in question, and the tragedy that befalls them is portrayed through the eyes a thirteen year old girl, who evaded growing up for just a little too long.

Mid-way through this production there lies an astounding scene, set on the beaches of Dunkirk, during its evacuation in WWII. This single tracking shot lasts over five minutes, and details the horror and unabashed hope of the setting in a way that cannot be rivalled. Atonement manages to take a delicate subject, portray it in all its horror, whilst still remaining - as all films are - a form of art.

Atonement is a film that was set for greatness straight from its conception. Based on the book by Ian McEwan, it is capable of bringing even the most stern hearted of people to tears. This film manages to make something beautiful out of disaster, and is a thoroughly compelling watch. Combining romance and war, this film is one of the few that should be marked as essential for any and every film library, great or small.

This review of Atonement (2007) was written by on 16 Jul 2011.

Atonement has generally received very positive reviews.

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