This movie is not your average love tragedy. The story itself is not something that has been told 20 times before, and the way it's told is just magnificent. You have some very talented actors playing interesting characters, and a plot twist, that even hits you quite hard when you already know what is coming. This movie cannot be recommended too much.
If this movie doesn't make you cry or at least want to cry then you have no soul! It's beautiful
Everything about this movie is wonderful. At the heart of the movie is a story about how our actions can have serious consequences for ourselves in others. For me what is so impressive about this movie is that it doesn't beat you over the head with the choice that was made and the consequences that continue to roll downhill until the credits role. The movie very much feels like an epic (not unlike Cold War) and the decision is only one part of the movie.
The other part of the movie that really impressed me was the scenery. The scenes from Dunkirk were absolutely incredible, not to mention the pre-war backdrops. Incredible work.
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My dad suggested our family watch "Atonement", and I'm always open to seeing a film blind. This made me appreciate it even more perhaps, since "Atonement" switches its tone quite drastically over its runtime. It's an adaptation of an eponymous book I wasn't familiar with either, but I have added it to my backlog since it appears to have a positive reception of its own. I'm paying specific attention to this fact, because "Atonement" is a dissection on literature/stories.
Cecillia and Robbie are our main characters here, a love duo whose relationship takes on many strides. Cliches are used fairly well and the movie has many interesting twists that elevate this way beyond the cheesy love story it occassionaly portrays itself as. Decades pass as the plot furthers. I was not familiar with the WWII setting that would be present here, though it is not the focus. With that, I should also say that it occassionaly veers into pretentious Hollywood symbolism; some of the stylisation was overdone here. Besides that, you really do get to see the horrors of war and a solid exploration of the human condition. I was left with many questions of my own self after watching it.
Interestingly enough, "Atonement" won an Oscar for Best Original Score, an area where my subjectivity will have to provide a more mixed opinion. Typewriting sounds are heavily represented in the audio; a creative idea, but one that got stale past its first appearance. There's nothing particularly interesting done with the typewriter musically either, at least nothing that I noticed. The orchestral score was solid, but didn't blow me away. I'd also have to say that the mixing was far too loud at times, and the music unnecessarily overbearing. Truthfully, I think it took me out of the scenery sometimes. The acting was powerful enough.
Indeed, the performances here were outstanding. Keira Knightley has a wonderful, mysterious charm, while also presenting heavy emotional turmoil. James McAvoy is great at depicting the loss of hope his character went through. Briony goes through much growth here, literal and metaphorical, and all the actresses responsible for her were fantastic. There is an emotional stuntedness that the younger actresses carry out in quite the believable manner. The rest of the cast are quite good as well, but didn't stand out all that much, and this was probably for the best.
I have to applaud "Atonement" for its nonlinear storytelling and the amazing use of an unreliable narrator. I was not lost at any point, and whatever confusion arose only kept me more glued to the screen. Everything wraps up nicely in the end, and even the weird pieces of this puzzle make sense in the grander scheme of things.
"Atonement" is a great film and I would recommend it to most people, particularly those looking for an unconventional tale about love, desparation, the power of stories. It seems to be hardly talked about, and while I can see why that is, I say check it out if you haven't. It's a gem.
This has to be one of the most beautiful movies of this century. No one does romantic tragedies quite like the british.
There is no such thing as an innocent lie.
I concur with the rest of the comments that this is a well made movie with amazing actors and it is worth watching.
Broke my heart. Beautiful movie.
Awesome Awesome After a while, I saw a great and romantic movie.
I loved every minute of this movie, the romantic story is heart touchng!
Great story about love and imagination. the way it was filmed is different and refreshing. Great movie for the sunday after noon.
My girlfriend made me watch and i was quite sceptical at the beginning. :)
But i was totally blown away and the movie even made it into my favourites. Its not a typical love drama what you would expect. The love between the main character is what makes what carries the movie but is actually focused very rare. The characters are all very interesting and develop over time. Besides that the acting was really good but James McAvoyand Saoirse Ronan really stood out. Great story, great acting and beautifully shot. A definate recomandation.
A very well made movie. The story is compelling if you buy into the love story and the ending only makes it even more interesting. The ending punched me right in the gut. Good performances all around. That Dunkirk long take was amazing too.
An epic love story that explores the nature of guilt, betrayal and loss. Impeccably executed, from the set design to the cinematography to the unique score.
Starting the new year rewatching for the umpteenth time and crying my eyes out.
Robbie and Cecilia deserve so much more. WHY?!?! ):
I just feel shocked plot???
Lovely acting, tragic story. Especially love the typewriter sound effects which symbolizes Briony writing the story. For me, the Dunkirk scene was too long and quite unnecessary. But overall a good movie.
This is a movie I’ve come around on. Neither Ronan nor Garai really have the screen presence to match the smoldering Keira Knightley or the brooding James McAvoy. That shifts the focus away from the emotional struggle that I think the movie wishes it were about. We get that coda at the end from Vanessa Redgrave, but it falls a bit flat for me. That said, it’s gotten better for me on repeat viewings and the Dunkirk beach scene is really outstanding.
The music, coupled with the effects, creates an electrifying atmosphere of the film. Great shot on the beach in Dunkirk also a plus.
Love in it's biggest "No, thanks" energy.
Such a heartbreaking and absolutely great made movie.Last 30 minutes are just wow. 7.7/10
Doesn't deserve its 7, only 5 or at better 6.
crying is promised if you wonder
painfully slow and long. Great scenes
one of my all-time favorite films. overall superb acting and writing (plus the book is also one of my favorites)
I remember watching this years ago. Still resonates. It is a great flick. Great actors, great story. An old tail with a twist. Really drawn in and then the ending....still wow.
I saw it with my own eyes.
Shout by DeletedBlockedParent2015-05-15T23:01:30Z
I could feel all the feelings with them. So great that makes me wanna cry.