On the Same Page

Rating: 10/10 (28 January 2008)

Wow, you completely summed up the feelings I had for Atonement. I completely agree with you. The first third, with the sweltering chemistry between Robbie and Cecilia, along with the imaginative Briony, is pure cinematic brilliance. The second part, with the Dunkirk scene, is abruptly less powerfully emotional than the beginning. The third act, with an older Briony, is even less emotional, and to me it was confusing and almost out of place. I think you were right in stating that the screenwriter had the most difficulty adapting the book somewhere in the middle of the movie. I am glad that someone besides me was somewhat disappointed with the second half of the movie.