Product Details

• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Original language: English, French

Amazon.com
Director Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice) gives Ian McEwan’s bestselling novel a sumptuous treatment for the screen that should come to be regarded as one of the defining films of the epic romantic drama. Indeed, everything about this film stems from those three words: there is little here that is not epic, romantic, and dramatic, and Atonement is a film that masterfully expresses the overarching sense of adventure and emotion that such stories are meant to convey. In this instance, the story centers around the love story of highborn Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and housekeeper’s son Robbie Turner (James McAvoy, in a star-making turn), in England shortly before World War II. Despite their class differences, they are powerfully attracted to each other, and just as their relationship begins Robbie is tragically forced away due to false accusations from Cecilia’s younger sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan). She has a crush on Robbie, too, and after reading a private letter he sent to Cecilia, and then witnessing the first expression of their mutual love but mistaking it for mistreatment, her resentment grows until it leads to her telling the lie that will send Robbie away. Soon World War II breaks out; Robbie enlists and is posted to France, Cecilia is a nurse in London, and Briony, now age 18 and aware of what she has done, tries to atone for her actions--but none of them will be able to get back what they have lost. Knightley and McAvoy are perfectly cast as the young star crossed lovers, and the young Ronan is particularly impressive, but it’s clear that the real star of this film is the director. Wright allows Atonement to revel in every moment of its story and each scene is compelling in its own way, but that now famous extended shot with Robbie on the beach at Dunkirk--filmed in one take and sure to be considered one of the great long tracking shots in film history--is the most memorable moment in this remarkable film. Atonement is an excellent example of what can happen when a great book meets great filmmaking. This is one that is not to be missed. --Daniel Vancini

Beyond Atonement
Stills from Atonement (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews

TRUE LOVE DENIED
ATONEMENT

I always read the book before I watch the movie, but, for some reason, I could not get into the book. Maybe I didn't give the book enough of a chance. WOW, this movie was great!!!!!

Having jumped onto the band wagon a little late, I will not go into great detail regarding the plot of this film. The movie takes place in England before and during WWII. Upper-class Cecilia {Keira Knightley} and grounds-keeper Robbie {James McAvoy} -- who is always GREAT -- have been attracted to each other forever. Finally, they cannot deny their atttraction and love for one another. Cecilia's younger sister, Briony, is always lurking around and is constantly stumbling upon situations involving Cecilia and Robbie. To me, Briony, is nothing but a BAD SEED and trouble. The young actress who played her, Saoirse Ronan, was GREAT.

Briony witnesses a crime and accuses Robbie. The write up on the movie box said Briony is confused and mistakenly accuses Robbie -- me? I think she knew EXACTLY what she was doing. Briony was an evil little brat. Her blank stares gave me the creeps. Ronan is a great little actress.

The movie is wonderful, the book is probably excellent and I think I will give it another shot. The movie flew by quickly and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute!!!

My only problem with this movie was I had a hard time understanding Keira Knightly. She seemed to speak too softly and quickly and I had to back up several times to catch what she had said.

Rent ATONEMENT, buy ATONEMENT, or read ATONEMENT. You should be prepared with popcorn, drink, and kleenex!

Thank you!
Pam

Epic Love Story
This movie is an epic love story of forbidden love. It is a tale of two people from different social classes, one is a society girl and the other is the housekeepers son they fall deeply in love and then are torn apart by devestating accusations from the society girls younger sister and cousin. Then the young man is sent of to war and the society girl goes on to a job in health care. They see each other again and he promises to come back to her. The ending is sad yet fitting and the movie altogether will bring tears to your eyes. It is the perfect date movie.

Boring, Boring, Boring!!!
I like Keira Knightly and James Macavoy, but they were not in very many scenes together at all. The movie was slow. There was not the romance depicted in the trailers shown. I was very disappointed to say the least. I am surprised that any five stars were given to this uninspiring movie. The only thing I can say is that the cinematography was nice.