Review of Atonement

Texgotham

This film is impressive and will leave you thinking. I was left with the question: Can rationalization substitue for atonement? It is a romance with elements of a number of stories and films interwoven into the plot. The story revolves around three characters: Keira Knightly as Cecilia, James McAvoy as Robbie and a trio of actors, Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave, playing the 13 year old, the teen- age and elderly Briony. It is Briony who's big lie puts Robbie, the caretaker's son into prison. There, after serving four years, he is given the opportuniy for release by entering the army. It is 1939 and Britain is at war with Germany. I found parallels with the Lillian Hellman's "The Children's Hour," the Robbie's long retreat across northern France and joining a devastated, but still upbeat British army at Dunkirk reminded me of "Cold Mountain," the love of Cecilia and Robbie pledging each other's abiding faith in each other had elements of "Wuthering Heights." Seamus McGarvey's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the lavish lifestyle of the palatial Tallis estate. You will have to figure out the loose ends.

Posted on 12/07/07 by: Texgotham 02:36 PM