|
 Rated: R
Starring: James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Brenda Blethyn, Vanessa Redgrave
Directed by: Joe Wright
Atonement,
probably one of the strangest love stories of 2007, recounts a tale so
devastating and realistic that I couldn"t help wondering how lives in the real
world may have been changed by jealousy.
Wonderfully acted, and caught beautifully on camera, it"s a must-see for
mature adults who enjoy epoch films.
 
13 year-old Briony (Ronan) lives in opulence, has common
childhood fantasies and several siblings and relatives within her 1930s
English realm. Entering puberty, her
childish ways are changing rapidly. On a
hot summer day, Briony’s vivid imagination rises to a sensual peak drawn from
her fantasy of having a relationship with nearly 20 year-old Robbie (McAvoy),
the well-educated son of the family’s housekeeper. But unbeknownst to Briony, Robbie has eyes
for her older sister Cecilia (Knightly).
From her second story bedroom window, overlooking the huge landscaped
yard, Briony thinks she sees her sister being manhandled by Robbie. Upset by the sight of Robbie giving another
woman attention, she insinuates a sexual misdeed between the two in confidence
to her cousin Lola (Temple). Some days later, while searching for the
family dog, Briony witnesses a sexual crime involving Lola and an older
man. Briony accuses Robbie of the
incident setting him up for a choice of jail or war.
The film
spans several decades with each of the main characters intertwining within the
story as they age, finally coming to a conclusion that sorts it all out. The classic Hollywood-ending is pushed aside, however, for a more deeply moving restitution.
I was
pleasantly surprised with the performance by young Ronan. Just starting her
career a few years ago, she has blossomed into a fine little star. Her ability to capture her character and make
her convincing helps to catapult the story to the next level.
Knightly gives strength to Cecilia with her
persistent sister attitude, but then gives a lackluster performance as the
older Cecilia toward the end of the film.
McAvoy on the other hand, provides his best acting as the older Robbie
during the war scenes where he has to deal with all the tragedy around him
while still being haunted by the unrighteousness of his past.
The film
has an R rating due to some scenes of sexuality, but mostly for the violent and
unpleasant war scenes. Since the film is
a period piece in the vein of Howard’s End and Room With a View,
there is a lot of British countryside that mixes with the storyline.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Atonement provides a wonderful
evening for movie buffs of all ages and older couples who enjoy a good British film. Opens wide December 14th.
This Reviewer's Rating:   4.5 / 5
I saw this film and I thought it was amazing. I love James McAvoy. i think it isn't just for older or mature adults though. I am in college - this is definitely something college students will appreciate, and anyone 20s or more. I am sure a lot of teens will like it too, just can't get in without an adult. They can still go see it. |
