Spectacular

Rating: 9/10 (9 September 2007)

I'm a huge James McAvoy fan and on discovering that he was making this (through IMDb no less), I decided to read the book before the film came out. I really liked the book and thought it would make an excellent film as certain chapters were too long and unnecessary. What a fine film it has indeed made.
McAvoy is particularly powerful as Robbie Turner a character who completely transforms during the film and who you root for constantly. Saoirse Ronan too is amazing (both Ronan and McAvoy pull off perfect upper class English accents)as is Romola Garai. The only weak link is Keira Knightly who I really dislike as an actress as she is stiff and limited but the film is really about Briony and Robbie's journeys and so her performance isn't particularly crucial.
The cinematography is spectacular (THE Dunkirk sequence is breathtaking), the chemistry between the leads is perfect (The scene where they meet over tea fizzles with tension and is one of my favourite scenes)and the score is completely right. The writing and direction fit the plot, setting and acting perfectly and Joe Wright is a director to watch for in the future.
So far my favourite film of the year by miles and I'm hoping both the film and McAvoy & Ronan receive the recognition they deserve at the Oscars next year.
Highly recommended A++