[Soulbane]

I realize that this review is coming in very late, but I have not had the chance to see it until recently. The film was limited release, so catching it locally was a bit of a challenge.

As usual, the review will be separated into three secions, enjoy!

At A Glance

Atonement is a faithful adaptation and personal interpretation of Ian McEwan's novel. Although the film struggles with establishing a distinct identity, the film ultimately succeeds in it's purposed goal, invoking a human and emotional response.

Synopsis

The story is told in the narrative voice of Briony Tallis.

Robbie Turner, (played by James McAvoy) is son to a working hand at the estate of the very wealthy Tallis family. Showing an astute and keen sense for education he was allowed entrance to Cambridge University to study Medicine at the expensive of the Tallis family. While living on the estate assiting his mother, Robbie develops an intimate relationship with eldest daughter Cecilia Tallis. (played by Keira Knightley) However, Briony Tallis (child played by Saoirse Ronan, 18 year old played by Romola Garai, 77 year old played by Vanessa Redgrave) the youngest daughter of the Tallis family, has a crush on Robbie, a conflict of interest that leads to disastrous consequences.

Everyday passes regularly as they should, with looming news of World War II abound, until the visit of Cecilia's eldest brother Leon, along with a chocolate entrepreneur friend. Briony struggling with growing feelings, intercepts an intimate letter for Cecilia written by Robbie which leads Briony to believe Robbie to be the perpetraitor of a heinous crime that takes place that very night. Since no evidence of the crime can be obtained, Briony's biased and subjective testimony is all that it takes to put Robbie in Prison.

Robbie has a choice, enlist, or stay in prison, and chooses to enlist instead. Cecilia, betrayed by her sister and family joins the Nurse Sisterhood in London to assist wounded war veterans, and Briony realizing the terrible error that she had made also enlists to train to become a nurse, to atone for the mistake she had made.

The plot takes the viewer to World War II, to the Hospitals in London, and to modern London, all encompassing the narrative of Briony Tallis testimony.

The Review

By reading the synopsis alone, it's easy to see that Atonement is not a plot driven film. The film is not about the progession of characters and events, rather the interpretation and explanation of why certain events took place.

The movie is comprised of four sections, Life at the Tallis Estate, Robbie in War, Briony and Cecilia as nurses, and Briony at an aged 77 year old explaining the events that had previously taken place.

Atonement exists more as a commentary regarding the nature of atonement and redemption and seeks to explore the fragile nature of humanity and the consequence of poorly made choices. This film is not a love story, it is not a romance. What this film is, is a film that studys the nature of human beings in tragic circumstances. These depictions succeed in invoking a human and emotional response, but it is not as though provoking or entrancing as many expected it to be. Why? Simply because the film can't establish a distinct identity. Is this film a commentary on love? The nature of childhood innocence? A Commentary on the horrors of war? Redemption? All the topics are explored, and explored well, however none are clearly developed, and none are extraordinary or unique.

The pacing and the style of editing may be frustrating to some, and the movie may feel divided, however, all three sections are tied together at the end with an aged Briony's explanation of all the events that have transpired. The fact that the film requires this final explanation frmo Briony has its strengths and weaknesses, however, the precept and thematic stature of this film is not it's strength.

The film does faithfully stay close to the novel, however, the film's strength is in Knightley and McAvoy's acting. The strength and passion in which the novel conveys is not translated entirely into the film. The pinnacle of Atonement is in the superb acting.

Overall, Atonement is a film with a superb cast, acting and cinematography, yet it is not the praised pinnacle of 2007's film season.

Catch No Country for Old Men, Gone Baby Gone, There Will be Blood, and Juno first.

[edco76]

Good review. Thanks. Sounds a bit like Gone With The Wind meets Cold Mountain only WW2 style.. This isn't really one that was on my short list anyway. I may see it next year on HBO or something.

Who/What are your oscar picks?

[Soulbane]

Originally Posted by edco76

Good review. Thanks. Sounds a bit like Gone With The Wind meets Cold Mountain only WW2 style.. This isn't really one that was on my short list anyway. I may see it next year on HBO or something.

Who/What are your oscar picks?

I only have 4 really:

If Daniel Day Lewis doesn't take the Oscar, I will personally be insulted.

If Javier Bardem doesn't take the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor I will be hugely offended.

Cohen Bros. taking Directors

and No Country taking both Best Picture of the Year and Screen play adaptation.

[nvmeplz]

Have you ever considered a career in journalism or whatever? You are amazing at this.
Your explanation and review of No Country For Old Men was astounding.

[Soulbane]

Originally Posted by nvmeplz

Have you ever considered a career in journalism or whatever? You are amazing at this.
Your explanation and review of No Country For Old Men was astounding.

I'm a compositional English major, but honestly, I just do this stuff because I genuinely enjoy it.

I work as an English tutor, and my students always ask me the same question, "How do you get better at writing?"

I just tell them all the same thing every time, "Everyone can be a good writer if they enjoy what they write and work hard at it."

I think finding something to write about that you enjoy is really key in perfecting a knack for writing.

[nvmeplz]

Originally Posted by Soulbane

I'm a compositional English major, but honestly, I just do this stuff because I genuinely enjoy it.

I work as an English tutor, and my students always ask me the same question, "How do you get better at writing?"

I just tell them all the same thing every time, "Everyone can be a good writer if they enjoy what they write and work hard at it."

I think finding something to write about that you enjoy is really key in perfecting a knack for writing.

I am also decent at writing essays for test and what not, but in general I have a hard time completing papers and such. I just procrastinate too much. But like you said if you write about what you enjoy and have some knowledge in it....it is far easier and enjoyable.

Keep up the good work around here.

[Soulbane]

Any other films people want a review on?

[ThinkGreen]

Ya I saw this movie, and it was a good movie, but nothing amazing

[NasDestiny]

I absolutely hated the ending of the movie, it just was a total buzzkill from what was perceived to be a happy ending.

[Aas Gutú Adéli]

Originally Posted by Soulbane

Any other films people want a review on?

Have you covered all the best picture nominees?
I think you have.

I can see "There Will Be Blood" taking best picture, as it was more experimental than "No Country."

Actually, if you did one for "There Will Be Blood" I missed it.

I've thought about doing album reviews or older movie reviews on here (and in the beginning concede that I'm no Soulbane).