the reason i got o the movies...

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2008)

ATONEMENT: FOCUS 2007 color 123 m Rom/Drama Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Vanessa Redgrave, Saoirse Ronan and Brenda Blethyn star. Written by Christopher Hampton Directed by Joe Wright Rated R for language, sexuality and adult themes.
I was privaleged enough to see the film "Atonement" tonight. A film that reminds me of all the reasons I go to the movies. I couldn't possibly even begin to praise this sensational film enough but here let me try. This second pairing of director Joe Wright and Keira Knightley is even more successful than there last go around with Pride and Prejudice. Although i throughly enjoyed that film I found spots in it to be a little long and the film ultimately offered up nothing more than witty adult entertainment. This time around the film centers on three central characters Cecilia (Knightley) Robbie (McAvoy) and Briony (portrayed by three actresses through the years). Cecilia and Robbie have spent their entire lives growing up next to one another until one hot, fateful summer evening they decide to finally embrace there emotions and tell each other how they truly feel. Briony witnesses some events through child's eyes and through a moment of jealousy lies, blaming the rape of her cousin on Robbie. He is torn away from his Cecilia that very evening and it isn't until almost five years later that she finally admits to making the whole thing up. Cecilia and Robbie are separated by the lie through jail time and than war but still remain very much in love. The film chronicles many things but the central theme is the consequences of telling a lie. And how it alters the fates of everyone around it. The film is very sad. One of the most effectively emotional films ever made. It's a sumptous feast for the senses from the picturesque cinematography. Which features some of the most beautiful shots ever found on film. Shots that radiate passion, wonder, creativity and enthrallment. It also features a wildly creative score enfused with the sounds of typing reminding us of the written word and how powerful it is throughout. The performances are all top notch. It's hard to put into words on how truly great these performances are. Keira Knightley is at the top of her game here and at such a young age. She manages to embody years of longing within a single glance. James McAvoy is wonderfully handsome and a fantastic treasure to behold as Robbie a gentleman to the end. Filled with such rage and such softness at the same time. He has a stirring intenstity throughout. His chemistry with Knightley is stellar and there scenes together are hauntingly romantic and will stay with you long after the film is over. This film will stay with you long after it's over. The direction from Joe Wright is monumentous. He is one of the most talented directors out there today. Althhough he showed a spark of professionalism in his previous film. Here he grabs this story head on and makes this films every moment completely enthralling and original. This may be the best film I've ever seen. I have emotions streaming out of my every pore and a headful of memories from the film that feel like my own. It's very rare to see such a spectacle. In the words of my friend it's just a privilege really. Atonement captures what the Notebook and Titanic aimed for but couldn't quite engulf. It's more than the best film of the year and one of the best films I've ever seen. It's one of the best experiences I've ever had.
*****/5