Review of Atonement (2007) by Blake P — 08 Mar 2012

An affair in 1930's England turns into a nightmare between Cecilia Tallis (Knightley) and Robbie Turner (McAvoy); discoveries are made of the two by Cecilia's bratty 13-year old sister Briony (Ronan)-- first a racy note written by Robbie, and then it gets even worse when she witnesses a sexual encounter between the two.

But when somebody rapes the Tallis' cousin (Temple), Briony, who secretly has a crush on Robbie, instantly Briony tells the police that the man was responsible. Years later, all three lives are ruined: an older Briony (Garai) is riddled with guilt over the destruction she caused, Cecilia is now a lonely nurse, but Robbie is the worst-- at one time he was an aspiring doctor, but instead lives life miserably as an army sergeant.

But when another tragedy occurs, Briony's guilt may never be lifted. "Atonement" has been passed over by many as a "sweeping romance", but I can't disagree more. Though there is much chemistry between McAvoy and Knightley, and the two make a wonderful screen couple, this is first and foremost a war drama, and a very brutal one-- this isn't some sweet romance movie that many of you might be picturing.

Part of this film is a heart-wrenching drama, that shows that power of a horrible lie, but the other half shows war and how much damage it caused throughout the world. And though I have mixed feelings about what genre this film should be considered, that doesn't change my feeling that this is a powerful, magnificent film.

Superbly done both artistically and technically, I found no flaws in this movie whatsoever, and from the first few minutes I could tell this movie would be nominated for some Oscars, and it was. This movie does take a bit of time to get started, but by the end, it will leave you breathless, as will the actors, all of which are at their very best here.

"Atonement" is a landmark in film, and I hope it will be considered a classic just as much as "The English Patient". Highly recommended.