Not the easiest movie, but wonderfully executed nonetheless

Rating: Null/10 (13 July 2011)

Atonement is not a movie who will please everyone. It is a complicated story, far more than a simple love story as it is sometimes described,it.
To me, the main center of the movie (well, of the novel actually), is the power of words. It's Briony's imagination and love for words that draws her onto this fantasy world where she does not make the difference between reality and fiction; it's Robbie's letter and use of the "C" word that will later turn against him, it's Briony's statement that sends him to jail, and finally, it's Briony's novel, which, in the end, allows her (or not?) to atone for her mistakes. It's a very powerful story which demonstrates how devastating words and miscommunication can be, and interesting take of what is or is not history, in fact.
There are many layers in the movie, and other subjects treated there: class warfare, war, and yes, a bit of how love can survive despite the events and distance.
From a direction point of view, the movie is very interesting, particularly the famous 1-shot beach shoot, which, in one and single take, captures the horror of Dunkirk's retreat and the feel of exhaustion and despondency those men must have felt back there. There are lots of other very clever shots and the image is beautiful. The score must also be underlined, rhymed by the "tic-tic-tic" of the typewriter.
Now, Atoment prevails essentially thanks to stellar performances from the whole cast, with Saiorse Ronan and James McAvoy being just incredible. Ronan, such a young girl there, perfectly captures Briony's confusion but also what really transpires in the novel, which is her desire to be a control freak, to be "the author" (in a way, the character thinks of herself as a God), and I can just praise SR for being able to convey so much on screen with this difficult character. As for James McAvoy, his performance is so, so good that I still don't understand the Oscar snub (a nomination a least should have been made). It's a very understated performance, subtle, nuanced, and so powerful each time he's on screen that you can't help but feel what Robbie feels in each scene. More particularly, the scene in the cafÃ©, the one where he discovers the college girl slaughter and the confrontation with the grown up Briony are outstanding.
Yet, Atonement is unfortunately a bit too slow in its middle section, and because of this looses part of his power up to the point that I get why some people called it dull at times. I had to re-watch it to completely appreciate it, and this is why it's only a 7 for me. Nevertheless, this is a movie that deserved to be watched, if only for its fantastic performances.