I found Atonement to be an interesting and quite complication film which was easy to watch. It is based on the novel by Ian McEwan and I have to say that although I enjoyed the film, I am much more looking forward to reading the book. There are...
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I found Atonement to be an interesting and quite complication film which was easy to watch. It is based on the novel by Ian McEwan and I have to say that although I enjoyed the film, I am much more looking forward to reading the book. There are times in the film that you can just see that the book would explain things much better, so I look forward to reading it when I can find the time.

Atonement begins in 1935 on a British country estate. Keira Knightley's character, Cecilia has realised that she is in love with the son of the housekeeper, Robbie Turner, who is played by James McAvoy (and isn't he a cutie!). Unfortunately, after witnessing something she doesn't understand, Cecilia's little sister, Briony, makes an unfounded (and untrue) accusation, the fallout from which changes the course of Robbie's entire life, extending through WWII and beyond, and ultimately also affecting in every way, the life of her sister.

I really enjoyed the acting in this film. It is a very moody, slow film, and the acting was perfect in that sense. I also have to say that I am really becoming a fan of Keira Knightley. The more I see of her on-screen, the more I like her as an actress. She does seem to be getting better and better.

However, having read some other reviews, I have to agree that while the cinematography is lovely, and the sets are great, I did feel a bit detached from the whole thing. I couldn't quite get into the drama and pain of the film, which is a shame, because it is very sad and normally I woudl be having a cry the whole way through!

I loved the score, I thought the music was very unique and quite perfect for the way the film is shot. It is a complicated story, so I hope that the book will make more sense to me. Ulitmately, the story is about guilt, consequences, growing up, taking responsibility for your actions and decisions, and, sadly, the fact that some actions can never be made up for; the consequences are so far reaching and so devastaing that all that can be done is to try and live with your choices yourself.

So, a good movie. I always recommend movies, it is rare that I don't find at least a few things in a movie that I enjoy. However, I also recommend reading the book, which is what I plan to do!