Good, but doesn't belong with the best.

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2008)

I must admit, after all I heard from the critics about Atonement not being one of the best films of 2007, I didn't watch it expecting to be one. Nevertheless, I felt it was better than given credit for all the way around. The look is very good, especially in the first third set in the gigantic house of the Tallis' in England. However, as the mood of the film transposes, so does the quality of it. The young daughter, Briony, falsely accuses her older sister's lover of attacking her sister. This leads to serious conflict as well as the separation of the star-crossed lovers, Robbie and Cecilia. As the years go on, Briony becomes more and more guilty of what she did and Robbie fights in the war, facing death at every corner. The ending and the build-up to it is very well executed, as is most of the film. The sets and costumes are gorgeous, the acting is solid, and the writing is clever in many regards. However, what keeps Atonement from No Country or There Will Be Blood greatness is the lack of depth to the characters, especially the central ones of Robbie and Cecilia. We never really get to know about their relationship and it doesn't make for a great payoff at the end. The film is still very well-made and doesn't falter too badly, but the lagging in the middle and lack of character depth keeps it from being Best Picture-worthy and one of the best films of a very strong 2007.