Atonement (2007)

[spoiler]

Overview

Director:
Joe Wright

Writers:
Ian McEwan (novel)
Christopher Hampton (screenplay)
Release Date:
7 September 2007 (UK)

Genre:
Drama / Romance / War

Tagline:
You can only imagine the truth.

Plot Outline:
Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister’s (Keira Knightley) lover (James McAvoy) of a crime he did not commit. Based on the British romance novel by Ian McEwan.

Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)
Saoirse Ronan … Briony Tallis, aged 13
Ailidh Mackay … Singing Housemaid

Brenda Blethyn … Grace Turner
Julia West … Betty

James McAvoy … Robbie Turner
Harriet Walter … Emily Tallis

Keira Knightley … Cecilia Tallis
Juno Temple … Lola Quincey
Felix von Simson … Pierrot Quincey
Charlie von Simson … Jackson Quincey
Alfie Allen … Danny Hardman
Patrick Kennedy … Leon Tallis
Benedict Cumberbatch … Paul Marshall
Peter Wight … Police Inspector
Leander Deeny … Police Constable

[/spoiler]

I can only begin this review by saying how visually stunning this film is. The minutes that are used in sweeping camera pans and long continuous shots simply have to be seen to be believed. The French beach segment is probably the finest example of visual film making I have ever seen.

So, what about the rest of the film?

Well, it isn’t a let down in the slightest. Keira Knightley shows the form that launched her career and leaves the truly awful Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy behind her, and conjures up a beautiful performance to match her looks. McAvoy is top draw, but then I have yet to see a film where he isn’t.

The film itself is period (WWII) story telling of the highest order. A bitter sweet tale that spans the war and beyond, touching and changing the lives off all it’s protagonists. The twists and turns are expertly executed and the end result is simply unmissable. Oscar material if ever I saw it 🙂